Recent PHL experiences

[ryanally]

Was wondering if anyone has flown out of PHL lately and how have the lines for curbside as well as security been? We leave on Friday morning and would normally allow 2 hours to do everything, but don't know if we should allow more now. We'd hate to be stuck entertaining the little ones for more than is necessary.

TIA,
Alyse

 

[pamjb]

My MIL and I flew out of PHL on 8/21. We were greeted by a looonnnggggg line at curbside checkin at Southwest. The line inside was just as long. Initially, there was only 2 curbside agents. After they added another 2, the line went pretty quick. It took about 25 minutes. The TSA line was empty and woosshed right thru.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Curbside for USAir wasn't bad at all at about 3 pm on a weekday. Security line long but moved.

 

[minniebeth]

Curbside at Philly at Southwest was a nightmare, and like the previous poster said, not any better inside. I had a DD that was on crutches and needed a wheelchair, so when they saw that, (and the $10 bill in my hand), they moved us up quicker. Otherwise, it probably would have been another 20 min. wait. Once we were checked in, we used a wheelchair, which put us through security up front, avoiding the lines. But judging from the lines at check-in and security, 2 hours would be cutting it VERY close. This was a Sunday morning. It probably will depend what day and time you are flying, but if you are flying Southwest, I'd give more time. (Of course, it would be Murphy's Law, where you give plenty of time and then breeze through...) I'd say better safe than sorry. If you are flying a different airline, maybe someone else could give you feedback as to their experiences....
Good Luck in your travels!

 

[ryanally]

Thanks everyone! We are flying SW and will probably plan for 2.5 hrs. Would hate to miss the flight!

 

[pbnjrockette]

Friday mornings are pretty busy at PHL. The SW curbside can be a very long line if only 2 agents are working. I flew in August and the lines inside moved much faster because there were at least 6 agents.

The security lines weren't at all bad. (Unless you get behind the lady with the 16 oz bottle of perfume!! )

Make note and ask about your gate and then doublecheck it!!! SW has a habit of not letting you know when there is a gate change. Going thru security for a gate in D Terminal is usually much shorter.

Have a great trip!

 

[leanne11]

if you don't have too much luggage you could do what i did, the curbside was really busy,so we bypassed it and parked in the econo lot, got all together and shuttled from the lot, when we got to usair, we gave them the luggage and they were not too busy, felt better it was all done

 

[1000th happy haunt]

We took United out of Philly on September 6th. The lines were a bit long, but they moved quickly. However, security saw something in my carry-on bag that they didn't like (via X-Ray), so they asked me to step aside and took everything out. It took about an extra 5-7 minutes for them to examine my bag, re-X-ray it, and let me pass.

 

[makinorlando]

Was wondering if anyone has flown out of PHL lately and how have the lines for curbside as well as security been? We leave on Friday morning and would normally allow 2 hours to do everything, but don't know if we should allow more now. We'd hate to be stuck entertaining the little ones for more than is necessary.

TIA,
Alyse

Can you bring me a cheesesteak from Ray's on Valley Forge Road.... I'll meet you at MCO to pick it up.

I am from Lansdale and really miss a good cheesesteak!

 

[ryanally]

if you don't have too much luggage you could do what i did, the curbside was really busy,so we bypassed it and parked in the econo lot, got all together and shuttled from the lot, when we got to usair, we gave them the luggage and they were not too busy, felt better it was all done

Hello to a fellow Lansdale native
We plan on parking at econo as well, but did you go inside to USair or use curbside?

 

[ryanally]

Can you bring me a cheesesteak from Ray's on Valley Forge Road.... I'll meet you at MCO to pick it up.

I am from Lansdale and really miss a good cheesesteak!

Hey Mak,
Rays is soooo good!
Since the cheesesteak has no gel/liquid involved, it shouldn't be a problem!

 

[makinorlando]

Hey Mak,
Rays is soooo good!
Since the cheesesteak has no gel/liquid involved, it shouldn't be a problem!

Yes they are... second only to Pudge's (Ray is the nephew) in East Norriton! No for sure no gel/liquid - just lots of fat and calories!!!

Have a great trip!