Need help w/Philadelphia airport

[JJ&JSMOM]

We've booked our package to WDW and we have a flight into PHL (coming from Maine) w/a 45 minute layover before our flight to MCO. Same airline - US Airways. I've never flown to PHL - do you think think we have time to make it to our connecting flight? We would have 3 kids w/us so we don't want a long layover.

I would think since its the same airline everything would be somewhat close togethe but having never been there I don't know. Anyone know? I've checked PHL website and it looks do able. As always, TIA!

 

[tms295]

I live about an hour north of philly... And have flown out of philly 2 or 3 times... the airport is manageable in size... but has a confusing layout... 45 minutes should be plenty of time... just make sure to look at an airport map ahead of time... and ask for help with directions in the airport...

 

[jasonbku]

I live in Philly and have flown many times in and out of PHL. The layout is not that bad. If you have to switch terminals then you will have to go through security but they have been quick. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions, 45 should be fine! HAVE FUN

 

[crl]

I believe it should be doable if your first flight is on time. Just ask before the first flight is over about your gate info. They should be able to point you in the right direction so you don't waste time once the flight has landed.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Just printed a copy of the map of PHL airport. It looks like they have a courtesy shuttle from Terminal F (where we fly in) to the other terminals so I think we will be able to make it. Thanks for all the info.

 

[1000th happy haunt]

You must be flying into Phila on US Airways Express. I just used them recently and saw the shuttle to the other terminals. I believe you won't have to go through security in Phila.

 

[JudicialTyranny]

It shouldn't be a problem. Since you are coming into F, that's US Airways Express, so you will have to get over to B or C. As long as they are providing a shuttle.

I've only flown US Airways Express once and from what I remember, there's some kind of strange diversion you have to make if you want to walk from F to B/C.

 

[safetymom]

If you are coming in at F they will take you by bus to the main terminal. You won't have to go through security. The only concern is PHL has lots of delays so you may be delayed getting there.

 

[justplaingoofy]

You didn't mention what month your flight is. Lets hope you are not delayed getting out of Maine.

 

[cynic957]

but the outgoing flights are delayed just as bad - so as long as the maintain the equilibrium....................

There also about a 75% your bags will make it so I'd bring a day's stuff in Carryons. PHL USAirway baggage handling staff is putrid.

 

[tms295]

you can track up to 4 months of flight arrival/departure history at www.flightaware.com Hope that helps to see if there is a trend on your flight being on-time or late

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Traveling in May so weather should not be an issue. Luggage handling sounds bad - we'll be sure to bring some in our carryon. Thanks again.

 

[ducklite]

45 minutes should be more than enough time, and you do NOT need to go back through security regardles of which terminal you come in and leave from.

There are some great shops and restaurants plus a couple of kids play areas on the sterile concourse, so if your flight is delayed you'll have no problems keeping your kids occupied.

I fly in and out of there regularly (I'll be there this weekend on a short trip north) and it's a very manageable airport for one of it's size.

Anne

 

[rigs32]

Because you will almost definately have to get on the shuttle, you'll want to minimize the amount of carry-on stuff you bring. Juggling that plus kids as you go up and down escalators and onto the shuttle bus is not going to be a good time.

While the shuttles run frequently, if the 1st flight is delayed and the second is ontime, you're likely going to have to move quickly. Remember, flight board 20-30 min before take off time, and if you're not at the gate 15 min before take off (30 min after your 1st flight is scheduled to land), they CAN leave without you. USAir also likes to overbook flights throught Philly. When I fly home on business through there, 50% of the time they're looking for people to volunteer to be bumped. If you're running late and the flight to Orlando is oversold, they may not extend the courtesy of waiting for you.

 

[crazy4claspooh]

You should be fine the terminal does have a shuttle bus. The problem is delays, you should try to get a seat towards the front so if you have a delay you won't have to wait for everyone to get off the plane. What time is your flight arriving in PHL? That will also make a big difference on the chance of delays. The later in the day the more likely a chance of delay. Before you leave to the airport in Maine get the schedule for flights going to MCO out of Orlando for that day so you will know in advance when the next flight is just incase. I always like to plan for the worst case senerio makes for having little ones in an airport that much easier.

 

[PortieOwner]

Should be no problem. 45 minutes is enough at just about any airport in the US, even O'Hare.

Sometimes they will also hold a plane a few minutes if there are delayed passengers.

 

[jumoo044]

I flew from Maine to Philly to Orlando a few months ago. It was very quick and easy to find the shuttle and get to the place you need to be. Believe me, if I could do it, anyone can!!!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Thank you so much for all your replies - I feel much better!

 

[safetymom]

Nowadays holding a plane for passengers happens very few times. They are all worried about their on time deparature rating.

 

[justplaingoofy]

Sometimes they will also hold a plane a few minutes if there are delayed passengers.

Sorry I don't agree I think they only hold if there is a very large amount of passengers missing from that flight.

Someone please correct me if i'm wrong