PHL TSA Wait Times & Security Checkpoints

Going through TSA security at Philadelphia International Airport in a timely manner is important. PHL has security screening areas at all airport terminals, with security checkpoints in terminals A-West, A-East, B, C, and D/E, located on the second floor of the airport at the departures level. The usual Philadelphia Airport security wait times are somewhat short, but they can increase to 30-45 minutes during high-traffic periods, busy travel days, and holidays. You should arrive at least two hours before your scheduled Finnair takeoff if you are taking a domestic flight and 3 hours in advance if you are taking an international flight. Have a great trip!

PHL Security Checkpoint Locations

In Philadelphia (PHL), there are multiple TSA checkpoints located on the second level of PHL’s main terminals. It provides direct access to any gate or connects to your terminal’s shuttle system for transfers and access to a different terminal post-security, either on foot or by shuttle. 

Operating Hours of TSA Security Checkpoints PHL

There are multiple TSA Security Checkpoints at PHL with irregular business hours located primarily on the second level of the departure area.

Current & Average PHL Airport Security Wait Times

Current and average TSA security wait times at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) vary by time of day and airport activity.

TSA PreCheck Details

TSA PreCheck is a program that lets approved travelers enjoy faster security screening at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

• Security checkpoints at Terminals A-East, C, and D/E have TSA PreCheck lanes for passengers traveling with airlines such as Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, & others. 
• Always look for lanes when traveling through Terminal C to easily qualify for TSA PreCheck service. 
• It allows you to travel with your shoes, light jackets, & belts on. Your laptop can stay in its case, and you can bring your 3-1-1 compliant liquids on board as long as they remain in your bag, reducing the time you spend waiting in line at security. 
• Recent upgrades have included touchless ID access at many TSA PreCheck checkpoints operated by participating airlines. Simply select the availability of facial recognition technology at check-in to skip showing your ID/Boarding Pass to airport personnel. 
• If you are unable to access the TSA PreCheck lane, simply present your boarding pass with the indicator to speed up screening in the standard line. 
• Non-TSA PreCheck passengers will have access to all PHL security checkpoint gates before security screening. 
• You can check wait times, the open status of checkpoints, hours of operation, and other information related to PHL’s operations anytime on their website or through the myTSA app before your trip.

CLEAR at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Membership in CLEAR is not offered at PHL. Other U.S. Airports have similar programs. The programs require biometric verification of an individual’s identity using fingerprints, retinal scans, and other biometric data.  

• CLEAR membership is not available at Philadelphia Airport (PHL) at this time. 
• None of the currently operating TSA Checkpoints have CLEAR kiosks, representatives, or reserved CLEAR access lanes.  
• There have been no announcements or additions to the CLEAR network of airports, which suggests PHL may be added to the system in the near future.  
• For current, physically faster alternative procedures, use TSA PreCheck. It allows you to keep shoes/belts on and DVD players/laptops in your carry-on bag, and to use the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID service. 

How to Check PHL Live Wait Times?

You can easily find out how long you will wait in the TSA Security line at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) before you arrive.

Website

The best way to check TSA wait times at Philadelphia Airport is through the official PHL website.

• Simply go to www.phl.org.
• On the homepage, look for “Security Status,” either at the top of the page or via a quick link.
• Once you find “Security Status,” you will see the actual wait time for each terminal.
• Current wait times will be displayed inside a box. The time displayed may be in minutes, eg, 2-6 mins when the checkpoint is open. The box will also show you the TSA PreCheck wait time for that terminal, if applicable. The box will also show the checkpoint status (open or closed).
• The airport’s Queue Management System updates data every few minutes (between 30 seconds and every few minutes, depending on the system used).

MyTSA App

You can also use the free MyTSA App by downloading it on your phone.

• Once you’ve done that, search for PHL or select Philadelphia International Airport on the list.
• You can view current TSA wait times in real time for PHL, as well as historical trends to plan your arrival. 
• The app provides other helpful information, such as which items get prohibited and TSA tips.

Tips for Smooth Travel at PHL Security

To make your experience at PHL security easier, use these simple tips for fast & stress-free travel.

• Be sure to arrive early– Allow for 2 hours before boarding an airline flight for domestic or 3 hours before boarding an international flight. This will confirm that you have satisfactory time for check-in, security processing, & possible delays.
• Check live wait times– Check PHL’s website or the MyTSA app before leaving to view current lines at each security checkpoint. You may select the shortest line to get through security & move on to your gate. You can use any of the available security checkpoints that service your gate.
• Join TSA PreCheck– If you frequently travel, you can join the TSA PreCheck quick screening lanes located at Terminal A-East, Terminal C, or Terminal D/E. Pass through security wearing the shoes you will be boarding the aircraft with. Do not remove your shoes, belt, and light jacket, and keep your laptop and liquids in their respective bags. Most travelers pass through security in under 10 minutes with TSA PreCheck.
• Follow TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule– If your carry-on contains liquids, gels, or aerosols, you should follow TSA’s 3-1-1 Rule. You must carry all liquids in containers of 3.4 oz or less that fit in a clear, small resealable bag. Any liquids larger than 3.4 oz must be placed in your checked luggage.

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