Skip to main content
Chase logo, links to Chase home
Sign in
Credit Card Marketplace

Guide to TSA wait times at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Time to read min

    Quick insights

    • At Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), TSA wait times are generally around 15 minutes.
    • During peak travel periods, wait times may extend to 40 minutes or more.
    • Travelers can check current airport security wait times at the PHL website, MyTSA or other apps.

    Long TSA lines can significantly disrupt travel plans, potentially adding stress to airport travel and leading to missed flights. With millions of travelers passing through PHL each year, it’s possible that travelers will sometimes experience long lines at TSA.

    Luckily, there are resources available to help travelers anticipate wait times and navigate PHL more efficiently. Whether you’re heading straight to your gate or planning a stop at a PHL restaurant for one last Philly cheesesteak, read on to learn about TSA wait times at PHL and get some tips to help you reach your gate more efficiently.

    TSA wait times at PHL

    At PHL, TSA wait times are typically around 15 minutes under normal conditions. However, during peak travel periods such as early mornings, late afternoons and major holidays, wait times can extend to 40 minutes or more.

    PHL provides real-time TSA wait times based on data collected by sensors that monitor passenger volume at specific checkpoints and security lanes. Check the PHL website for current wait times.

    Additionally, you can access TSA wait times at PHL by downloading the MyTSA or other mobile apps. Some of these apps offer predictions based on historical data, which may help with travel planning.

    While these resources can be helpful, they do not guarantee your actual wait time. Sudden fluctuations can occur due to passenger surges and other factors.

    How early to arrive at PHL

    Both PHL and TSA recommend arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. When planning your airport arrival time, you may want to consider how long pre-boarding tasks like transit or parking, checking baggage and clearing security will likely take you.

    PHL offers a few services to help you park more efficiently, which could save you time. You can prebook and pay for parking in advance of your travel through PHL Reserve or use PHL Valet to drop off your vehicle curbside at any terminal. You may be able to get a discount when you reserve a parking spot or book valet service in advance.

    Another way to streamline your airport travel is to use your airline’s mobile app. If your airline provides an app, you can typically use it to check in, access a mobile boarding pass and pre-check bags. If you don’t need to check bags, you could potentially bypass the airline counter or self-service kiosk.

    On top of these resources, our guide to PHL includes tips for navigating the airport.

    Tips for getting through airport security faster

    You could potentially make your security screening more efficient by following these tips:

    Prepare for TSA security screenings

    Being unprepared for the screening can lead to longer wait times at TSA checkpoints. You can potentially avoid delays by familiarizing yourself with TSA guidelines and carry-on restrictions and by ensuring your bag is organized. TSA recommends starting with an empty bag before packing to prevent accidentally bringing restricted items.

    Travel at off-peak times

    If you have flexibility in your travel schedule, you may consider avoiding early morning or late afternoon flights, when TSA lines are longest at PHL. Some apps can predict TSA wait times for specific travel days. While actual wait times may vary, these apps can assist in planning your travel.

    Enroll in programs designed to expedite screenings

    TSA PreCheck® is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) that provides members access to designated security lanes at TSA checkpoints. To get TSA PreCheck membership, you need to apply online, pay an application fee and attend an in-person interview. If approved, you typically don’t need to remove your shoes, belt or light jacket and can leave your laptop and liquids in your bag during screenings.

    Another option is CLEAR Plus, a program operated by the private security company CLEAR. Instead of presenting traditional identification documents at the checkpoint, CLEAR Plus members use designed kiosks to confirm their identity via biometrics. Members can then proceed to the screening lanes as usual. While CLEAR Plus is not a Trusted Traveler Program, it can be paired with other TTPs like TSA PreCheck for a potentially more efficient screening process.

    In summary

    At PHL, TSA wait times are generally around 15 minutes. However, during peak travel periods, wait times can extend to 40 minutes or more. You may experience a shorter wait time if you avoid early morning or later afternoon flights, when PHL tends to be busiest.

    The PHL website, MyTSA and other mobile apps offer current airport security wait times, which could help you plan your travel.

    You may be able to expedite your journey by using PHL parking services like PHL valet, checking in through your airline’s app, preparing for the security screening process or enrolling in TSA PreCheck.

    Find a credit card

    Topics:

    What to read next