Driving to PHL, and a PHL Check-in Question

[Bill From PA]

We're driving down the Pa turnpike after work on Wed., 3/1. Mapquest says it's a little over 2 hrs so we'd be there around 7 pm, barring traffic issues. My question is, how bad will traffic be in the 6:45 - 7:15 pm range as I-476 South approaches I-95? We're staying at a hotel on Industrial Highway In Essington, supposedly very near PHL. Is there an alternative to riding I-475 all the way to I-95?

On a related note, I can pre-print a boarding pass for our USAir flight the day before, will this speed the process at PHL? We usually fly out of AVP, a small local 'port where lines and waiting are rarely an issue. Thanks for any advice offered.

Bill From PA

 

[emilymad]

Traffic can get fairly backed up where 495 merges with 95. 495 goes from 3 lanes to 2 shortly before that. I would think around 7pm traffic shouldn't be horrible. I have never had a problem checking in with USAir but I usually use a skycab.

 

[pamjb]

As Emily said, traffic can always be a concern around Philly. DH always listens to KYW radio (610 AM) when we drive to Philly for traffic reports.
We are staying at the Sheraton Suites which is about 5 minutes from the airport. I know when I was checking for hotels, there were several in Essington.

 

[GoingtoSeeRella]

Traffic will be heavy around 6 pm at 476 and 95, but it does usually move a bit. I don't think you really have any alternate routes that would be any better. If you get to that area around 7 pm, you'll hit less traffic I would think.

And yes, whenever I fly USAir, I always preprint my boarding passes on the computer. There is curbside check-in, so if you have your boarding passes, you can check your luggage there and head to the security lines....which can get pretty long in PHL. However, that traffic jam usually moves pretty quickly too...the line always looks a lot worse than it really is.

Oh, and the traffic reports are always on the "2s" on 1060 AM

Have a blast!!