Philadelphia International Airport

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Airlines

Philadelphia International Airport has seven terminal buildings, which are divided into seven lettered concourses. Terminals A East and A West, B, C, and D are all interconnected, and it is possible to travel through all of these without reentering security. Terminal E can be reached from Concourse D through a pre-security bridge; however, Terminal F, completed in 2003, is completely separate. There are, however, shuttle buses inside security between Terminal F and Terminal C using gate C16, an old US Airways Express gate and between Terminal F and Terminal A, at gate A1. There is a large shopping/dining area between Concourses B and C.

The Philadelphia metropolitan area is the largest in the United States without nonstop flights to Asia. This is most likely due to its proximity to major airports in New York City and Washington D.C. In March 2007, US Airways announced that it would seek federal approval for a non-stop route between Philadelphia and Shanghai, China.

It is expected in 2007 that there will be a relocation of airlines, with the upcoming renovation of Terminals D and E. Delta Air Lines is expected to move from Terminal E to Terminal A East, Frontier Airlines is expected to move to either A East or Terminal D.[1]

Concourse A West

One of the two newest terminal buildings at the airport, Concourse A West has a very modern and innovative design. Opened in 2003 as the new international terminal, it is now home to all international flights (except Canada), and also some US Airways domestic flights. It offers a variety of international dining options.

International Arrivals (except from locations with Customs preclearance) are processed at the Terminal A West arrival building.

Concourse A East

This terminal, originally the airport's international terminal, is now used mainly by domestic carriers, but also sometimes by US Airways for international flights. It is directly connected to A West, B, C and D, and therefore, passengers can move freely between the five terminals. A East is well upgraded and well maintained, and recently received a new baggage claim upgrade.

Concourses B and C

Concourses B and C the two main US Airways terminals. They are connected to each other through a very large shopping mall and food court, the Philadelphia Marketplace. The gate waiting areas have recently within the past year started getting remodeled, though there is a lack of waiting space at many of the gates, but aesthetically, the terminal is in good condition. Facilities are fairly modern. Dining options on the concourses are also available.

Concourse D

Concourse D, along with Concourse E, is slated for renovation. Currently, its dining options are limited. Baggage claim areas and ticket counter areas are heavily in need of upgrades. Concourse D is home to Southwest Airlines' growing presence at Philadelphia, and because Southwest's ticketing takes place in Concourse E, Southwest passengers must cross from Concourse E to Concourse D. Currently under construction is a new combined ticketing area for the two terminals, located directly between the two, that will alleviate this problem. This terminal is connected to the shopping area of Concourses B/C through a post-security walkway.

Concourse E

This concourse is also slated for renovations. Like in Concourse D, food selections are generally limited. Ticketing areas are strained for space because of Southwest's rapid growth. Also strained by Southwest's growth is the baggage claim area. It serves Southwest passengers arriving in both Terminals D and E, in a very limited space. Overall, the baggage claim area is in dismal condition, requiring very heavy operations in a very cramped area. Also, the baggage area has troubles with heating in winter, due to the close proximity of the doors to the carousels. To help reduce the congestion problems in the baggage area, Southwest plans to use a baggage carousel in the Terminal D baggage claim for passengers arriving there.

Terminal F

Terminal F is a commuter terminal, for US Airways Express flights. It includes special jet bridges that allow passengers to board commuter planes without walking on the tarmac.

Hotels

On Site

  • Marriott Philadelphia Airport One Arrivals Road; Philadelphia, PA 19153 Local Phone: (215) 492-9000, Toll Free Phone: (800) 682-4087. Parking is $17.00 per day, Wired internet in the rooms for $9.95 (which includes local and long distance calls). Rewards Program: Marriott Rewards

Off Site

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