It's an airport. As long as you can quickly (I am looking at you Atlanta) and easily (same to you DC Reagan) that really all you can ask for. That and offer some good food with a local flair, which luckily they do. It would be wrong to not get a cheesesteak while passing through here, and they deliver.
I thought the airport was okay. Everyone was friendly upon arrival and departure.
THE BEST PART ABOUT THIS AIRPORT IS THE GUAVA & JAVA at the airport. I think whether I have a bad experience, if people are rude, or the airport is dirty or whatever complaint you may have.. if you like smoothies, this place just makes your day better =) YUMMMMMMMMMM
Perhaps I've just been incredibly lucky the past zillion times I've flown in and out of Philly, but I really haven't experienced any issues having anything to do with the airport itself. Weather, yes. Specific airlines, yes. Philadelphia International Airport, no.
Maybe I'm just easy to please. I don't mind waiting in line for security; in fact, when it goes really fast, I actually worry a bit. I feel more comfortable when security folks take their time. Makes me believe they're being careful. I have found that the security checkpoints at Philadelphia International have been relatively smooth every time.
I don't go to airports to go shopping or to find the next great dining experience, so if I have a layover or a delay or wait for any reason, finding something good to eat or something to do to pass my time is just a bonus. That said, I do spend a lot of time in the Southwest terminal (E) and I truly enjoy going to the Chickie's and Pete's located there. Plasticware and all.
The restrooms are usually very clean, and that's a big plus. Most times, airports are so overrun that the restrooms usually dirty up rather quickly. I have found that nine times out of ten, I can step into a restroom at any part of the airport and I won't feel disgusted.
The airport also has clearly marked signs to assist people who wish to use public transportation out of the airport. Let's just say that a lot of major airports still don't do this. (Boston Logan, I'm looking at you!) Not only does the Philadelphia Airport show you where you need to go, but it tells you exactly what times the trains are coming, and when the next two trains are.
The baggage claims are usually a bit crazy, but that's to be expected. Maybe they should add more carousels, or organize it better, but I don't claim to really know how to fix that, nor do I know for sure if it is actually a real problem. I just know that I have found it easier to not check bags when I am arriving in Philly.
All in all, I'm happy with Philadelphia International Airport. It gets the job done!
This place is an embarassment. Of all the airports I've been to, Philadelphia International is by far the worst. It is dirty, the wireless network is ineffective and there are frequent delays. As other Yelpers have mentioned, there is a decent amount of walking between terminals, but I like to walk and so this isn't really a problem (plus, I've run half a mile in the Dublin airport to catch a connecting flight).
I think the material issue that sums up Philadelphia's problems is the issue of gate labelling. Newer airports display departure and arrival information for each gate on computerized displays on flat screen televisions (JFK's Terminal 5, for instance), and other airports have LED displays with this information, which do the job as well. The Philadelphia airport has PLASTIC SIGNS HANGING ON HOOKS. Every time a flight leaves, someone has to come around and change the sign. This is rarely done expediently, so some of the gates have no signs at all. The only way to be sure you are at the correct gate is to check your boarding pass. Of course, the information can be changed at any time, so hopefully the sign hanger did their job correctly.
Of the bazillion airports I've been in, Philadelphia has gotta be one of my least favorite. Flights are usually delayed, there's no free WiFi, there aren't enough food choices, the gates and seating areas are arranged oddly, and the terminals are too far away from each other when you have a connecting flight and need to get from one to another. I've had a couple of occurrences of delayed luggage as well.
I'll connect through here only if I absolutely have to...would rather not...
Like most U.S. airports, PHL is run-down and dirty. At PHL, nobody seems to care that the seat cushions of the telephone stools are torn open, nobody seems to care that bananas and empty bottles are lying around on the seats and on the floor. Nobody in Canada, Europe, or any other civilized part of the world would accept such a poorly taken care of airport.
Other disadvantages: first, the (free) AT&T wireless connection is poorer than in most developing countries. In Terminal F, for example, you can sometimes (!) get a very poor signal at the food court near the windows. The connection is better at the food court in Terminal D, but even there it is usually slow. Some people told me that they purchased a 3G modem just because of the poor connectivity at PHL. Second, for some strange reason you have to go through security again if you walk to or from Terminal F. If you take the shuttle bus you don't, but that shuttle bus may take up to 10 minutes, and you may have to wait up to 15 minutes for it. So if you have to get to or from Terminal F, allow for at least 25 minutes, otherwise your nerves may get tested.
However, compared to other U.S. airports, PHL also has a few advantages: first, most of the people who work there (except for the TSA personnel of course, who always seem to be selected based on how unfriendly they are) are genuinely friendly. Second, and perhaps most importantly, the consequences of the U.S. security paranoia are less extreme at this airport than at others since it is a lot smaller. You won't have to wait forever at the security lines and the people who conduct the checks have retained a somewhat civilized behaviour. Third, there seem to be fewer problems with delays, cancelled flights, etc., than at larger airports, so it can be a good choice as a connecting airport. (Even though IF your flight is delayed or cancelled then a larger airport would offer more rebooking options than PHL... tough call.)
So overall I would say it's an OK airport for the U.S. even though poor when compared to other countries.
Probably the worst airport experience ever......complete with a fire alarm going off, an announcement to please leave the building, but when a woman did they all freaked out and went and got her. I guess like that kind of thing happens all the time, or something.
Have flown in here at least twice. Sat on the tarmac for a really long time as only one flight could leave at a time? It was such a comedy of errors that I can only laugh about it now. If I find the whole account I will pull it and post it. Trust me....it was bad and I was happy to get to Denver even if I was then late for that flight (because of Philly) and ended up staying overnight in Denver due to Philly. Tired just thinking about it.
But, then again....Philadelphia is, probably, my number one least favorite city ever. Washington DC is 2nd on the list.
I'll give 4 stars. My flight was in term E. Gate E12 which looked like an addition because ive been in term E before and I don't remember seeing this new part. The new part is really nice and the rest of the terminal is really dark.
I think they really need to upgrade this airport. What airport doesn't provide free wifi these days? Anyway, beside being technologically in the dark ages, the whole place seems pretty run down. There wasn't a lot of seating at the gate so people were just standing around or sitting on the floor. The dining options were ok but I had to circle around a few times because nothing really stood out to me. I guess you can't expect too much from an airport though.
based on 40 reviews
36 Comments
Eh, it's a big airport. What can you do?
I about died when I saw a friend that I went to high school with in Hawaii working one of the TSA checkpoints at security. Small world!
I have to walk with a cane on a fairly regular basis, my hips appreciate the fact that they have a short line for people who are disabled.
Good selection of places to eat, drink, etc., in the concourses.
It's an airport. As long as you can quickly (I am looking at you Atlanta) and easily (same to you DC Reagan) that really all you can ask for. That and offer some good food with a local flair, which luckily they do. It would be wrong to not get a cheesesteak while passing through here, and they deliver.
I thought the airport was okay. Everyone was friendly upon arrival and departure.
THE BEST PART ABOUT THIS AIRPORT IS THE GUAVA & JAVA at the airport. I think whether I have a bad experience, if people are rude, or the airport is dirty or whatever complaint you may have.. if you like smoothies, this place just makes your day better =)
YUMMMMMMMMMM
Perhaps I've just been incredibly lucky the past zillion times I've flown in and out of Philly, but I really haven't experienced any issues having anything to do with the airport itself. Weather, yes. Specific airlines, yes. Philadelphia International Airport, no.
Maybe I'm just easy to please. I don't mind waiting in line for security; in fact, when it goes really fast, I actually worry a bit. I feel more comfortable when security folks take their time. Makes me believe they're being careful. I have found that the security checkpoints at Philadelphia International have been relatively smooth every time.
I don't go to airports to go shopping or to find the next great dining experience, so if I have a layover or a delay or wait for any reason, finding something good to eat or something to do to pass my time is just a bonus. That said, I do spend a lot of time in the Southwest terminal (E) and I truly enjoy going to the Chickie's and Pete's located there. Plasticware and all.
The restrooms are usually very clean, and that's a big plus. Most times, airports are so overrun that the restrooms usually dirty up rather quickly. I have found that nine times out of ten, I can step into a restroom at any part of the airport and I won't feel disgusted.
The airport also has clearly marked signs to assist people who wish to use public transportation out of the airport. Let's just say that a lot of major airports still don't do this. (Boston Logan, I'm looking at you!) Not only does the Philadelphia Airport show you where you need to go, but it tells you exactly what times the trains are coming, and when the next two trains are.
The baggage claims are usually a bit crazy, but that's to be expected. Maybe they should add more carousels, or organize it better, but I don't claim to really know how to fix that, nor do I know for sure if it is actually a real problem. I just know that I have found it easier to not check bags when I am arriving in Philly.
All in all, I'm happy with Philadelphia International Airport. It gets the job done!
This place is an embarassment. Of all the airports I've been to, Philadelphia International is by far the worst. It is dirty, the wireless network is ineffective and there are frequent delays. As other Yelpers have mentioned, there is a decent amount of walking between terminals, but I like to walk and so this isn't really a problem (plus, I've run half a mile in the Dublin airport to catch a connecting flight).
I think the material issue that sums up Philadelphia's problems is the issue of gate labelling. Newer airports display departure and arrival information for each gate on computerized displays on flat screen televisions (JFK's Terminal 5, for instance), and other airports have LED displays with this information, which do the job as well. The Philadelphia airport has PLASTIC SIGNS HANGING ON HOOKS. Every time a flight leaves, someone has to come around and change the sign. This is rarely done expediently, so some of the gates have no signs at all. The only way to be sure you are at the correct gate is to check your boarding pass. Of course, the information can be changed at any time, so hopefully the sign hanger did their job correctly.
Of the bazillion airports I've been in, Philadelphia has gotta be one of my least favorite. Flights are usually delayed, there's no free WiFi, there aren't enough food choices, the gates and seating areas are arranged oddly, and the terminals are too far away from each other when you have a connecting flight and need to get from one to another. I've had a couple of occurrences of delayed luggage as well.
I'll connect through here only if I absolutely have to...would rather not...
Like most U.S. airports, PHL is run-down and dirty. At PHL, nobody seems to care that the seat cushions of the telephone stools are torn open, nobody seems to care that bananas and empty bottles are lying around on the seats and on the floor. Nobody in Canada, Europe, or any other civilized part of the world would accept such a poorly taken care of airport.
Other disadvantages: first, the (free) AT&T wireless connection is poorer than in most developing countries. In Terminal F, for example, you can sometimes (!) get a very poor signal at the food court near the windows. The connection is better at the food court in Terminal D, but even there it is usually slow. Some people told me that they purchased a 3G modem just because of the poor connectivity at PHL. Second, for some strange reason you have to go through security again if you walk to or from Terminal F. If you take the shuttle bus you don't, but that shuttle bus may take up to 10 minutes, and you may have to wait up to 15 minutes for it. So if you have to get to or from Terminal F, allow for at least 25 minutes, otherwise your nerves may get tested.
However, compared to other U.S. airports, PHL also has a few advantages: first, most of the people who work there (except for the TSA personnel of course, who always seem to be selected based on how unfriendly they are) are genuinely friendly. Second, and perhaps most importantly, the consequences of the U.S. security paranoia are less extreme at this airport than at others since it is a lot smaller. You won't have to wait forever at the security lines and the people who conduct the checks have retained a somewhat civilized behaviour. Third, there seem to be fewer problems with delays, cancelled flights, etc., than at larger airports, so it can be a good choice as a connecting airport. (Even though IF your flight is delayed or cancelled then a larger airport would offer more rebooking options than PHL... tough call.)
So overall I would say it's an OK airport for the U.S. even though poor when compared to other countries.
Probably the worst airport experience ever......complete with a fire alarm going off, an announcement to please leave the building, but when a woman did they all freaked out and went and got her. I guess like that kind of thing happens all the time, or something.
Have flown in here at least twice. Sat on the tarmac for a really long time as only one flight could leave at a time? It was such a comedy of errors that I can only laugh about it now. If I find the whole account I will pull it and post it. Trust me....it was bad and I was happy to get to Denver even if I was then late for that flight (because of Philly) and ended up staying overnight in Denver due to Philly. Tired just thinking about it.
But, then again....Philadelphia is, probably, my number one least favorite city ever. Washington DC is 2nd on the list.
I'll give 4 stars. My flight was in term E. Gate E12 which looked like an addition because ive been in term E before and I don't remember seeing this new part. The new part is really nice and the rest of the terminal is really dark.
I think they really need to upgrade this airport. What airport doesn't provide free wifi these days? Anyway, beside being technologically in the dark ages, the whole place seems pretty run down. There wasn't a lot of seating at the gate so people were just standing around or sitting on the floor. The dining options were ok but I had to circle around a few times because nothing really stood out to me. I guess you can't expect too much from an airport though.