Travelers flying out of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) are continuing to face longer-than-usual wait times as several security checkpoints remain closed amid a partial government shutdown stemming from disagreements over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding. The closures, which began on March 18, are impacting passenger flow and prompting the airport to advise travelers to arrive significantly earlier than usual. Understanding which checkpoints are open, current wait times, and what to expect during the screening process is crucial for a smoother travel experience.
The situation at PHL reflects a broader challenge at airports across the country as the TSA navigates staffing shortages exacerbated by the ongoing federal funding impasse. The deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to assist TSA at airports, including Philadelphia and Newark, has raised questions about travelers’ rights, with organizations like the ACLU providing guidance on what to expect during potential encounters. Navigating these changes requires passengers to be informed and prepared.
As of Monday, March 23, TSA security checkpoints at Terminals A-West, C, and F are still closed, according to the airport. Despite these closures, all terminals remain accessible. Passengers flying from these terminals will need to proceed to open checkpoints in other terminals after arriving at the airport. The airport is working to “optimize operations across other checkpoints,” but the adjustments are inevitably leading to increased congestion.
Current wait times, as of Monday morning, vary significantly depending on the terminal. At Terminal A-East, standard security lines are reported at 3 minutes, while TSA PreCheck is moving even faster at 2 minutes. Terminal B currently has a 13-minute wait for standard security. The longest waits are at Terminal D/E, where standard security is experiencing a 20-minute delay, though TSA PreCheck remains relatively quick at 2 minutes. These times are subject to change, and travelers are strongly encouraged to check the airport’s checkpoint hours page for live updates before heading to the airport.
Understanding Terminal and PreCheck Availability
For those eligible, TSA PreCheck offers a significantly faster screening experience. At PHL, TSA PreCheck is currently available at Terminals A-East and D/E. The hours of operation for each checkpoint are as follows:
- Terminal A-East Standard Security: 4:15 a.m. – 10:15 p.m.
- Terminal A-East TSA PreCheck: 4:15 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Terminal B Standard Security: 3:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Terminal D/E Standard Security: 3 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- Terminal D/E TSA PreCheck: 3:45 a.m. – 8 p.m.
How Early Should You Arrive at PHL?
Given the checkpoint closures and increased passenger volume, Philadelphia International Airport is advising travelers to adjust their arrival times. For domestic flights, the airport recommends arriving 2.5 hours before your scheduled departure. International travelers should allow even more time, arriving 3.5 hours prior to their flight. These recommendations are intended to provide a buffer against potential delays and ensure passengers have ample time to navigate security.
The partial government shutdown is also leading to increased scrutiny at airports, with the recent deployment of ICE agents to assist TSA. The ACLU has published a guide outlining travelers’ rights when encountering ICE agents at airports, emphasizing the importance of knowing your rights and remaining calm. You can find more information about your rights here.
The situation at PHL is not unique. Similar delays are being reported at airports in New Jersey and New York, as TSA struggles with staffing shortages. A recent report compared wait times at PHL to those in the New York and New Jersey area, highlighting the widespread impact of the current challenges.
Travelers are encouraged to monitor the airport’s website and social media channels for the latest updates on security wait times and checkpoint availability. Staying informed and allowing extra time are the best ways to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure a smoother travel experience during this period of increased congestion.
The airport continues to perform with federal agencies to address the staffing shortages and restore normal operations. The next update regarding the DHS funding negotiations and potential impact on airport security is expected on March 27, according to a statement released by the Department of Homeland Security. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
Do you have travel plans affected by the airport delays? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and please share this article with anyone traveling through Philadelphia International Airport.
Worth a look
