Early Morning Flight from PHL

[Jen0522]

My family and I (which includes a 22month old) will be traveling out of Philly on a 5:50 am flight and will be parking at the airport. Wanted to see if anyone had experience doing this especially so early and with a toddler. I wasn't sure what was open that early as well as how busy everything was and how early we needed to get to the parking lot to make our flight in enough time. Thank you for any tips or advice anyone has.

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

It's a huge airport you need a lot of time to get about. I'd get there about three hours before the flight and perhaps drop the family off at the baggage. You can park the car and then meet up with them. I did have a thought When we fly out early in Allentown I have stayed at a hotel nearby the night before and the shuttle took us to the airport. Included was the parking for the car the week too. This was so much easier.

 

[mb187143]

My family and I (which includes a 22month old) will be traveling out of Philly on a 5:50 am flight and will be parking at the airport. Wanted to see if anyone had experience doing this especially so early and with a toddler. I wasn't sure what was open that early as well as how busy everything was and how early we needed to get to the parking lot to make our flight in enough time. Thank you for any tips or advice anyone has.

I fly out of PHL regularly for business, at least weekly, usually on a 6am flight. Depending on which terminal you at flying out of, security can take a bit and it can be a hike to your gate. There will be some places open to get food by 5:30 am, but some places will open by 5. The security checkpoints Will be busy because they won't have as many lanes open at that hour, but generally they move fast. As far as parking, we use one of the places on Island avenue that keeps our car for the week, I haven't parked at PHL in years. What I remember from when I was younger was that my father would drop us off at the terminal, go park, and take the shuttle back to the terminal and it took a maximum of about 30 minutes max in the middle of the morning. Should be less that early on in the day. We would get into the security line once he met up with us. Keep in mind that PHL will kind of be "waking up" around when you arrive, so things may take a little longer or be a little slower than normal. Prepare for that and you'll be fine. I dont think youd need to be there 3 hours early, stick with 2 hours and maybe a cushion of 15 minutes or so for parking. Most of the airline employees and TSA staff arrive at PHL at 4am for the earliest flights, and the security lines typically open between 4 and 4:30 (usually 90 minutes before the first flight out or so) so that extra hour early in this circumstance would probably be a waste.

 

[mieuxmew]

LOVE WINNER parking at PHL! Drive your car to lot. An attendant will drive you in your car and do you off at curbside check in (no moving all of your luggage and stuff). When you land, get your bags and call for pick up in your own car. You can pay a few dollars (about $12 I think) and leave right from the airport to go home. LOVE it, especially since toddlers have a lot of gear, like car seats and strollers.

I have seen security lines early am VERY long at PHL. Arrive early.

 

[lanejudy]

We've done this. If you actually plan to park AT the airport, no problem as the lots are open. We used Pacifico, and it wasn't a problem either but the driver said he'd never taken anyone that early before; he had to drop us at the arrivals because the entrance to departures was still closed. Not a big deal, though it was a slightly longer walk. We arrived plenty early and found the TSA lines weren't even open yet, so we had to wait before we could go through security to the gate; if I recall TSA opened around 5am. As PP mentions, most everything (shops, restaurants) inside the airport will not be open that early -- so I suggest you bring breakfast snacks for your little one and some cash to buy a juice or something out of the vending machines.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[emilymad]

We try to be at the airport 2 hours before our flight so even earlier at the parking lot. We use Preflight on Island Ave. Definitely allow plenty of time for security. It can be surprising how early it can get really busy but it does depend on the day of the week and which terminal you are in.

 

[mousestruck]

We also use Winner Parking and they are terrific. We have been parking there for many years and love the convenience. The drivers are always pleasant, process is quick and simple, and we really appreciate the valet service on the way home. You just call them when you receive your luggage, and then a driver pulls up outside about 10 minutes later. I highly recommend them. Have a fantastic trip!!!