Philadelphia International Airport security wait times are known to be quite short. This is because the airfield has regulated screening and TSA check procedures. However, at times, the waiting duration can be impacted due to higher passenger volume and rush hours. Also, each terminal at PHL in Pennsylvania, from A to F, can have varying wait times. Hence, to ensure a smooth travel experience as per the schedule, travelers can estimate the duration at the different checkpoints. During such estimation, the average time taken, the maximum and minimum durations, TSA, and CLEAR hours should be considered to streamline the security process.
Average PHL Security Wait Times
It may take about 10-30 minutes on average to clear security at Philadelphia Airport, PA, USA. For international flights, this duration can be slightly extended. However, a traveler flying during the morning hours might experience shorter durations.
Philadelphia Airport (PHL) TSA Wait Times
Every PHL Airport terminal has TSA checkpoints. Since operating hours are different on each terminal, the standard wait times will also vary.
| A.M. Times | PHL TSA Wait Times |
|---|---|
| 01:00 A.M. to 2:00 A.M. | 31 minutes |
| 02:00 A.M. to 03:00 A.M. | 27 minutes |
| 03:00 A.M. to 04:00 A.M. | 24 minutes |
| 04:00 A.M. to 05:00 A.M. | 21 minutes |
| 05:00 A.M. to 06:00 A.M. | 18 minutes |
| 06:00 A.M. to 07:00 A.M. | 21 minutes |
| 07:00 A.M. to 08:00 A.M. | 11 minutes |
| 08:00 A.M. to 09:00 A.M. | 25 minutes |
| 09:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. | 6 minutes |
| 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. | 18 minutes |
| 12:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. | 34 minutes |
| P.M. Times | TSA Wait Times at Philadelphia Airport |
|---|---|
| 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M | 17 minutes |
| 12:00 P.M. to 01:00 P.M. | 26 minutes |
| 01:00 P.M. to 02:00 P.M. | 8 minutes |
| 02:00 P.M. to 03:00 P.M. | 25 minutes |
| 03:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M. | 17 minutes |
| 04:00 P.M. to 05:00 P.M. | 20 minutes |
| 05:00 P.M. to 06:00 P.M. | 16 minutes |
| 06:00 P.M. to 07:00 P.M. | 2 minutes |
| 07:00 P.M. to 08:00 P.M. | 9 minutes |
| 08:00 P.M. to 09:00 P.M. | 15 minutes |
| 09:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. | No wait time |
PHL/Philadelphia International Airport TSA Checkpoint Hours
To fasten up the security screening at PHL Airport terminals, dedicated lanes for TSA PreCheck holders are available. Here, the wait times are less than 5 minutes.
Each terminal of the PHL Airport has a specific checkpoint. Each of these screening points has standard operating hours. Due to this, the respective Philadelphia Airport wait times can also differ.
| PHL Terminal Checkpoint | Operating Hours | Standard Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal A – West | 5:15 A.M. to 10:15 P.M. | 5 minutes |
| Terminal A – East | 4:15 A.M. to 8:15 P.M. | 4 minutes |
| Terminal B | 3:45 A.M. to 9:15 P.M. | |
| Terminal C | 4:30 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. | |
| Terminal D/E | 3:45 A.M. to 11:55 P.M. | 28 minutes |
| Terminal F | 4:30 A.M. to 9:15 P.M. |
Note: The Philadelphia Airport map is functional for navigating reaching and these TSA checkpoints.
TSA PreCheck Wait Times at PHL or Philadelphia Airport, PA
To fasten up the security screening at PHL Airport terminals, dedicated lanes for TSA PreCheck holders are available. Here, the wait times are less than 5 minutes.
| TSA Pre Check Location | Estimated Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Terminal A – East | 5 minutes |
| Terminal D/E | 4 minutes |
| Terminal C | No waiting duration |
PHL Security Wait Times for Customs
When clearing customs, there can be a slight difference in the wait time. This is dependent on a citizen’s location, whether US or non-US.
Customs Wait Time for US Citizens:
| P.M. Hours | Average Customs Wait Time | Maximum Customs Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 P.M. to 01:00 P.M. | 13 minutes | 31 minutes |
| 01:00 P.M. to 02:00 P.M. | 9 minutes | 21 minutes |
| 02:00 P.M. to 03:00 P.M. | 6 minutes | 26 minutes |
| 03:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M. | 10 minutes | 36 minutes |
| 04:00 P.M. to 05:00 P.M. | 18 minutes | 44 minutes |
| 05:00 P.M. to 06:00 P.M. | 23 minutes | 39 minutes |
| 06:00 P.M. to 07:00 P.M. | 5 minutes | 13 minutes |
| 07:00 P.M. to 08:00 P.M. | 8 minutes | 17 minutes |
| 08:00 P.M. to 09:00 P.M. | 9 minutes | 23 minutes |
Wait Time for Customs for Non-US Citizens:
| P.M. Hours | Average Customs Wait Time | Maximum Customs Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 P.M. to 01:00 P.M. | 14 minutes | 31 minutes |
| 01:00 P.M. to 02:00 P.M. | 13 minutes | 23 minutes |
| 02:00 P.M. to 03:00 P.M. | 8 minutes | 24 minutes |
| 03:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M. | 14 minutes | 37 minutes |
| 04:00 P.M. to 05:00 P.M. | 19 minutes | 42 minutes |
| 05:00 P.M. to 06:00 P.M. | 25 minutes | 38 minutes |
| 06:00 P.M. to 07:00 P.M. | 6 minutes | 13 minutes |
| 07:00 P.M. to 08:00 P.M. | 11 minutes | 13 minutes |
| 08:00 P.M. to 09:00 P.M. | 12 minutes | 23 minutes |
How to Get Through the PHL Security Checkpoints Quickly?
Here are a few quick tips to get through the security faster:
- Passengers should arrive early. For domestic flights, arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
- Add extra time if checking bags, travelling with kids, or flying during busy seasons like holidays.
- Sign up for TSA PreCheck to use dedicated lanes and skip removing shoes.
- Download the MyTSA App to check real-time airport security wait times.
- Travel light for quicker screening and less hassle.
- Avoid peak hours when possible; mid-morning or late evening flights are often less crowded.
In sum, the Philadelphia Airport security wait times are less than an hour on average. They can fluctuate, based on the nature of a flight, time of the day, and the type of screening. TSA PreCheck tends to be faster than regular security procedures and is ideal amidst fluctuations.
Discover More:
How to Get through Airport Security Faster
What Airports Have TSA PreCheck in the United States
How does Airport Security, Clear, TSA, & Scanner Work
Frequently Asked Question
It can take about 10-30 minutes to clear security at Philadelphia Airport in the United States.
Late afternoons and evenings are usually the busiest times at PHL Airport, Pennsylvania, for security screening.
Philadelphia Airport TSA wait time while using Pre Check can be around 4 to 5 minutes.
Though there is no CLEAR at Philadelphia Airport fliers can register for TSA PreCheck to skip the security lines.
Usually, 40 minutes is sufficient for clearing security at Philadelphia International Airport in the US.
It can take between 8 minutes and 44 minutes to get through customs at PHL Airport Terminal A.
On average, security screening at Philadelphia Airport may take somewhere between 10 minutes and 30 minutes.
Due to different footfalls, it is obvious that every terminal will have different wait times at PHL Airport.
Passengers can either enroll for the TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to have exclusive access to the dedicated security screening lanes at PHL International Airport.
The security screening at PHL Airport is available 24/7, but wait times will be different.