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PHL Security Wait Times Philadelphia Airport

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Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) TSA Security Wait Times

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PHL Security Wait Times Topics:

When flying from Philadelphia Airport, knowing TSA security wait times can make a big difference in your travel experience. This guide will help you navigate the security process, offering tips on when to arrive and how to check wait times effectively. With insights into checkpoint locations and hours, you can plan your visit with confidence.

For more detailed information about PHL Airport, including maps, arrivals and departures, flight tracking, and dining options, visit this page.

REAL ID at Philadelphia Airport (Effective May 7, 2025)

Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers 18 and older must present a REAL ID‑compliant license or another TSA‑accepted ID to clear security at PHL Airport.

More about REAL ID requirements »

iFly Tip: Explore various check-in methods for a hassle-free start to your trip.

Flight Delays

Stay informed about any potential delays at PHL by checking flight status using iFly's Flight Tracker.

Security Checkpoints - Location & Hours

Boston Logan operates 24/7, but security checkpoints open one hour before the first departure of the day. All checkpoints are located in Terminals A, B, C, and E. TSA PreCheck is available at each checkpoint. CLEAR+ is available at Terminals A and B.

Terminal A Checkpoint

  • Type: All passengers, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR+ Members
  • Hours: Opens one hour before first departure

Terminal B - South Checkpoint

  • Type: All passengers, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR+ Members
  • Hours: Opens one hour before first departure

Terminal B - North Checkpoint

  • Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
  • Hours: Opens one hour before first departure

Terminal C Checkpoint

  • Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
  • Hours: Opens one hour before first departure

Terminal E Checkpoint

  • Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck
  • Hours: Opens one hour before first departure

See information below for CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck (via CLEAR) enrollment hours and locations.

All data is subject to change by the Airport, TSA, CLEAR, or other authorities.

TSA PreCheck at PHL

TSA PreCheck lanes are available at Terminal A-East, Terminal C, and Terminal D/E. TSA PreCheck passengers can enjoy expedited screening, typically reducing wait times considerably.

TSA PreCheck Operating Hours:

  • East Checkpoint: Daily: 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • West 7 Checkpoint: Monday and Thursday: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Wednesday: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Terminal C Checkpoint: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday: 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Terminal D/E Checkpoint: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday: 3:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday: 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Terminal F Checkpoint: Monday, Friday, and Sunday: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM

The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) advises that the hours for TSA PreCheck may vary depending on operational requirements. Furthermore, TSA emphasizes the integration of variable security protocols across the airport, ensuring that expedited screening is not assured for any traveler.

iFly Tip: Ensure your baggage makes it onto the flight by checking baggage cutoff times in advance.

How to Check PHL Airport Security Wait Times

Follow these three simple steps to check security wait times on this page:

Step 1: Find the Checkpoint Times section. Scroll to the bottom of the page or click the “Check Wait Times” button in the PHL Average Checkpoint Times widget.

Step 2: Choose your arrival time. Use the dropdown menu to select when you plan to reach security.

Step 3: View estimated wait times. The site will display the average wait time for your selected period.

Tips for Using Wait Times

  • Wait times are estimates: Actual conditions may vary due to crowd levels and security delays.
  • Arrive early during peak hours: Security lines are often longer in the mornings and around holidays.
  • Check the official airport site: Some airports provide real-time security wait times for each checkpoint. Visit PHL Airport’s official website and search for "security wait times" to see if this feature is available.

About PHL Security Wait Times

The security wait times shown for Philadelphia Airport are computed using a comprehensive examination of historical flight records and TSA staffing timetables. Utilizing sophisticated data evaluation techniques, various 3rd party services, and publicly available data sets to offer fairly precise estimates of wait times at PHL. However, these estimates may vary due to unforeseen incidents. The TSA advises passengers to get to the airport well before their planned flight departure time.

We strive to assist you in your travel preparations by delivering reliable estimates of security checkpoint wait times. We also recommend contacting your airline for information on ticket counter wait times and any potential changes to your flight schedule. These factors should be taken into account when deciding when to arrive at PHL. Keep in mind, each airline has its own suggested and mandatory arrival times.

iFly Tip: Navigate air travel with ease using our flying with toddlers tips.

About this Page: Please note that while we strive to keep the content on this page current and accurate, we cannot guarantee it due to the ever-changing nature of airports and airlines; for more details about our data and practices, refer to our Trust & Transparency statement. To report any data issues, use our feedback form.

TSA Pre Check at PHL

AVAILABLE

Terminal A

East Checkpoint
OPEN

Terminal BC

Terminal C Checkpoint
OPEN

Terminal DE

Terminal D/E Checkpoint
OPEN

Tips, Help & Resources

iFly.com can help you get to, through, and between airports around the world. Here are some things you may need to know that can assist you during your journey specific to PHL:

Philadelphia Airport wait times Q&A

Use the Check Wait Times button or scroll to the widget section. Select your planned arrival time from the dropdown for an estimated wait time.
Since checkpoints open one hour before the first departure and mornings can be busy, arrive early if you plan to fly during peak times.
Yes. TSA PreCheck passengers often experience shorter wait times. CLEAR+ membership may also help in Terminals A and B.
TSA PreCheck lanes are available at the East Checkpoint, Terminal C, and Terminal D/E Checkpoint.
The estimates use historical flight records, staffing timetables, and third-party data. Actual wait times can still vary due to crowd levels and other factors.
Some terminals display real-time updates on their official site. The widget provides current average estimates.
Wait times tend to be higher during early mornings, holidays, and busy travel days, so plan accordingly.
Check the official website or contact your airline for any last-minute changes and updated security information.
Yes. Each terminal has distinct operating hours and options like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+ available in select areas.
Historical flight records and TSA staffing are used in the estimates, but sudden changes or incidents can cause variations in wait times.