On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

Philadelphia International Airport

2.5 star rating
based on 97 reviews

Category: Airports  [Edit]

Philadelphia International Airport
Philadelphia, PA 19153

97 reviews for Philadelphia International Airport

Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Vlad K.

Elite '09

12

132

Vlad K.

Haddonfield, NJ

3 star rating
10/31/2009

I don't know why people dislike Philly Airport that much.

Is it great? No, not by any means, but it's far from a horrible airport. Over the last couple of years I had to travel alot and got to see lots of airports and alot of Philly International. By no means am I a road warrior, but I think my multitude of trips gives me a nice frame of reference.

I don't mind the parking (though the prices could be a bit cheaper) and the check-in (if you still do it in person) is by far better than some other airports on the East Coast.

Security is definitely fast, especially if you don't fly during the "rush" hours...

My biggest issues are the never ending construction, lack of good places to eat/drink and lack of a smoking lounge....

Photo of J T.

 

7

63

J T.

Indianapolis, IN

1 star rating
10/28/2009

Is "s*** hole" one word or two, cause spell check dings one word but it kinda seems better as one word?

Life is a quandary sometimes.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Funny (3)
  • Cool (2)
Photo of Donald S.

 

4

126

Donald S.

Castro Valley, CA

2 star rating
10/27/2009

Food services are terriable.

I mean its an OK airport but there is not much here

A hub for U.S. airways? big deal

Photo of Terry H.

 

0

4

Terry H.

Lancaster, PA

1 star rating
10/20/2009

If you are being picked up by a Commercial van or limosine  - beware.
PHL is not user friendly for these services.   Passengers and drivers are subjected to an insanely complicated system.  Drivers actually have to park outside of the airport, walk to meet their passengers and direct them to a Zone for pickup, and then the drivers must walk back to their vehicles to pickup their passengers.  Add an extra hour or so if you use these services.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
Photo of Shennitta H.

 

15

37

Shennitta H.

San Diego, CA

2 star rating
11/2/2009

This airport has to be the most confusing maze I have ever had to go through.  They have been doing construction since forever I can't even remember.  As much as I love to visit home, I hate going to the airport because parking is so expensive, its too crowded, and people are so rude.

Photo of Rachel B.

Elite '09

11

103

Rachel B.

Blue Bell, PA

2 star rating
10/28/2009

Maybe it's just that I've mainly been in the Southwest terminal lately...but I think it reflects on the whole establishment.  OLD.  Food choices are mediochre.  Bathrooms need to be cleaned (I would say "more often" but I'm thinking "in general.")

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Funny (2)
Photo of Alison R.

Elite '09

177

400

Alison R.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
10/12/2009

This place is definitely showing it's age.  Terminals E and F had a pretty mediocre selection of food and shops to browse.  There desperately needs to be an update to this place.  I personally find this airport a pain to get into and find your way around.  When there's bad traffic coming out of NJ it can take forever to get here.  However, all that pain is worth the typically cheaper flights and avoiding other airports I could use.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (5)
  • Funny (3)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of Lynsay B.

Elite '09

66

74

Lynsay B.

Seal Beach, CA

3 star rating
Updated - 8/26/2009

I had to leave my vacation at my home in California and hasten back to Jersey due to some familial drama going down with the BF's fam.. After having my palm-trees-swaying-in-the-gentle-breeze-perfect-76 -degrees-and-no- humidity time in California cut way too short- let me tell you, I was in no mood for the Philly airport late last night.

To my surprise, for once in EVER, my plane actually landed on time here. No circling the airport in some cockamamie holding pattern while my boyfriend circles around and around the hectic pick up area for 45 minutes more than he should have to.

Not only did my plane land on time, but when I got down to baggage claim, the luggage from my flight was, less than a few minutes later... .AVAILABLE to me for claiming! I walked right over to the carousel because the display monitor showing which flights luggage was going to what carousel was *gasp* already updated and  correct. This is the first time in all  my experiences here that I haven't had to wait at least 30 minutes after landing for my luggage.

Oh, and, on the way down to the baggage claim,  I stopped in a ladies room to freshen up, and what?! the bathroom lacked it's dreadful signature smell of hot sewer AND omg, the PAPER TOWELS were freshly stocked!  

I don't know what to make of this experience, other than, even a broken clock is right twice a day. Thanks for being uncharacteristically not horrible this time PHL.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (5)
  • Funny (7)
  • Cool (7)

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 1 star rating
    8/13/2009

    I despise this GOD AWFUL airport.  Crossing over the Walt Whitman bridge my palms start sweating and… Read more »

Photo of Kantiki J.

 

10

67

Kantiki J.

Austin, TX

3 star rating
9/18/2009

This airport really should be a two-star, but the service at check-in and security are so good that I moved it up a notch.

The airport is not particularly clean, often has construction in and around it and is known for delayed and dropped flights. The speaker system has no volume regulation so multiple flights get announced over each other and confusion ensues.

Did I mention the service is awesome? Not just checking in, but security actually recognized me on my way back from my smoke break. They didn't lighten up the search at all, but they were much more friendly and joking while passing thru. Also, a lot of the workers throughout the 'port were happy and up for conversation, a fact that hints at a good work experience here.

The last positive is the fact that you are boarding in Philly in the first place, a fact that means you have plenty to do and explore city-wise before ever hitting up the airport.

Photo of Cherie S.

 

6

29

Cherie S.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
10/22/2009

The service I recieved here good in a sense. I mean my daughter and I went thru security with no issues pretty fast  especially since I had a three y.o with me. Checking in I had no problems, I cant really complain it was good service. Maybe I came on a good day, I am truly glad I didnt have any horror stories like in which I read about. The bathrooms could have used a wipe down the and trash taken out but still all was well.

Photo of Jade T.

Elite '09

190

416

Jade T.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
7/28/2009

Every time I had the displeasure of flying through or from Philadelphia, there are delays. Sometimes it's US Airways fault, but when I see over eight airplanes waiting for departure, I have to blame the flight controllers. (Thanks for putting my plane that was supposed to depart 30 minutes ago in fifth place.)

If you have a broken toe like I did or crutches, have fun walking and taking the bus to Terminal F (where planes fly in and out from less popular routes like Charlottesville or Harrisburg). The airport overall is dirty and hot, but it is old and in need of major remodeling. Hopefully you don't have a long layover.

This airport is just another reason to dislike Philadelphia besides the !@#$ing Phillies...

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
  • Funny (2)
  • Cool (2)
Photo of Randy W.

 

2

150

Randy W.

Suffolk, NY

3 star rating
10/8/2009

Welcome to the Philadelphia Airport.  I hope you brought a book.  A long book.  A long, interesting book. Preferable one you just started.  You will be here a very long time.  Thankfully it is clean and there are a reasonable number of eateries.  Please enjoy your stay.

Photo of Andrea H.

Elite '09

64

190

Andrea H.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
7/16/2009

This is my favorite airport.  Ever.  I actually look forward to delays in this place, which, sadly, never seems to happen to me here.  I can't believe I just said that.  

They have jam packed the place with shops, real actual restaurants (sushi!, gourmet italian!), and full on wine bars.  I LOVE it!  I mean real actual restaurants like the kind where you forget that you are in the airport.  And the wine bars have a more than decent wine selection, including flights...and "outdoor" seating!  I'm so excited.

I was pretty bummed this morning because I am on a 7:54am flight and I wasn't going to be able to have my usual sushi and wine bar tour.  Well, it turns out that I could have, but that would have taken me to a whole other level of "that girl" so I opted for a Chick-fil-A instead.  At 6:45am, they were serving their entire menu.  Awesome, I didn't have to deal with a buffet eggs, potatoes, bacon combo from the Chinese fast food place.  Woo hoo!

I am writing this review, comfortably seated in my rocking chair, watching the bustling crowds go by in a setting that is more reminiscent of a mall than an airport.  Did I mention that I love this place?  Almost everything was open at 6:30am!

Just a word of warning, though, if you are leaving the airport and need an ATM, make sure you hit it up before you leave security.  Unless you are coming into Terminal C, you will be trekking all your crap over there to the only ATM they have in any baggage claim.  

Love this place.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Funny (2)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of Paul W.

Elite '09

168

222

Paul W.

Miami, FL

3 star rating
9/5/2009

In reading some of the other reviews on here, it appears that more than a few people have had unhappy experiences at Philadelphia airport. While I've never used this airport as my beginning or end destination, I've had more than a few layovers here since this is one of US Airways' busiest hubs. The layout of the airport seems simple enough, the signage is accurate and there's plenty of it to help you find your way around. There are lots of options for bars, restaurants and shops to occupy your time as well, which is always a good thing when you're stuck in an airport for a few hours. They also have these great, comfortable white rocking chairs all over the place, so whether you want to grab one and sit in the main shopping area to rock back and forth while people watching or waiting for the other people in your party, or if you want to find one in front of the windows facing the tarmac and runways so you can watch the planes coming and going or read a book, it's a decent way to pass the time between flights.

At the end of the day, considering some of the other airports I've seen and had the unhappy privilege of flying through, I think PHL is pretty OK!

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of Alix H.

Elite '09

9

70

Alix H.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
6/24/2009

My friend got her iPod speakers stolen out of her bag here, and they let me through security with my huge pocketknife that i forgot to check. oops. and that guy with the gun who got on the plane like 3 weeks ago? haha the security people here are outta control.  In the words of the TSA guy at the Orange County Airport "ahh... the illusion of security"...
An extra star for the awesome art displays, though.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Funny (2)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of Farzan K.

Elite '09

93

119

Farzan K.

Columbia, MD

1 star rating
6/1/2009

I want to meet the great architect who put Terminal F two miles away from the rest of the airport.  

I understand most people who take the time to write a review for an airport will most likely be writing from a negative experience.  I try hard not to be one of those people, but good lord is it difficult with PHL.  Every connecting flight I have here seems to be delayed by an hour minimum. Bathrooms are also the dirtiest compared to other international airports.  And Terminal F seems to have been designed to test the limits of human endurance.

Positives include good cheesesteaks in the food courts and flights that depart from Philadelphia.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Funny (7)
  • Cool (4)
Photo of Alisha O.

Elite '09

24

108

Alisha O.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
6/24/2009

So i pretty much hate this airport. I was flying home from West Palm Beach and ended up with a lay over in Philadelphia. Not so bad, right?

Wrong?

What i didn't know what that philadelphia international airport is the BUSIEST and HOTTEST airport I have ever been to. Seriously - there were throngs of people everywhere. And they must have turned off their AC because it was hotter than hell in there. Ugh. And perhaps their worst offense, there were not enough seats at the gates for everyone who was getting on the plane. HELLO!?!?! Who does that? this forces lots of people to mill in the hallways, making it impossible to get anywhere. I was so stressed out and I had to go blow 25 bucks on a 10 minute chair massage (which by the way was very good and totally worth the money).

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (2)
Photo of Melanie V.

Elite '09

156

439

Melanie V.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
4/27/2009

Ok, don't get me wrong - I LOVED being in Italy for 2 weeks.

But, flying thru Philly provides some sort of comfort when coming back to the States.  Honestly.  

There's a brand spankin' new food court, which connects Terminal B and C.  It has a Chick-a-Fil, fast food Chinese and a hot dog place.  After eating nothing but proscutto and formaggio paninis for two weeks, I was excited about eating a hot dog.  How sad.

They were also offering free wi-fi this weekend, so I saw everyone busting out their laptops.  What a nice perk!  

Oh, and their bathrooms - seriously, amazingly clean.  After having to pay to use bathrooms at train stations, I was excited to finally get to use one for FREE!  

AND - all the hip-hop jams were blastin' while walkin' thru the place - usher, beyonce, sammi, lil wayne.  I was in heaven.

My only gripe was that it was freakin' HOT in there.  It was almost 90 degrees outside and that's how it basically felt inside, too.

But, other than that - I effin' love this airport.  (Especially all the thugged out workers here!  Cute!)  Ahhh, good times.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
  • Funny (4)
  • Cool (4)
Photo of Lark L.

 

1

62

Lark L.

Lafayette Hill, PA

1 star rating
6/7/2009

How are you supposed to pick anyone up when you have cops ( this is the only place in philly I have seen cops---EVER)--yelling at you to move on!?? Then you have to do this huge loop around airport just to get back to pick up area to be yelled at again and then do loop again! Bascially -they are trying to get you to park your car  but alas--there are no parking spaces available and now you are charged 7/$ for nothing.
Worst airport ever except for maybe Delhi India but even there you can wait for a few minutes for passengers to load.
International terminal is nice.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Stephanie W.

Elite '09

195

390

Stephanie W.

Berkeley, CA

2 star rating
3/27/2009

So I flew into Philidephia on my way to Atlanta from SFO. Yes, I know it's out of the way, but that's what happens sometimes.

I had to take the shuttle from where I arrived to terminal E, go through security again, and then briskly walk to catch my flight that I thought would be leaving shortly. First, hated that I had to stand in the 6am New England cold to wait for an overcrowded shuttle and why on earth should I have to go through security a second time, especially when I had only 45 minutes in between my flights?

I got to the gate and they said our little commuter jet was undergoing maintenance and it would be 10 minutes.

10 minutes later "we're sorry folks, just another 10 minutes"

An hour later, we finally board the plane, but we were forced to sit at the gate because every 10 minutes they would say "10 more minutes"

We switched gates 4 times and I half-heartedly tried to search for savory breakfast food that was not dripping in grease. Alas, I was unable to find anything appetizing and the only things available were too sweet pastries at Au Bon Pain. Not even a Starbucks in Terminal E, (and though I don't like Starbucks in general, the option would have been nice).

The bathrooms are kind of gross (even at 6am, when they should be clean) and the numerous gate changes and lack of departure screens makes for an interesting experience. I hate airports in general, but I really saw no point in flying through here (and I probably won't in the future given my renewed hatred of US Airways)

And I did all this while groggily trying to shake my Benadryl induced drowsiness. Lovely time, really.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (5)
  • Funny (2)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of Morgan V.

 

1

30

Morgan V.

Provo, UT

2 star rating
5/15/2009

I've flown in and out of PHL dozens of times (used to live there).

During my most-recent visit, I was thrilled to see that the connector between Terminals E & D is now behind security. The new combined checkpoint is a huge improvement.

Terminal E check-in has actually gotten worse. It is positively third-world.

The rest of the airport ranges from really nice (Terminal A-West) to functional and non-remarkable (Terms B & C).

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Edward L.

 

11

235

Edward L.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
5/20/2009

It's a relatively small airport and somehow it has the lines and bustle of the big boys. This place needs to figure out how to move us through security a little better.

And, while I appreciate their cautious nature, do they have to delay for every drop of rain?

Lastly, I saw that they manipulate local wild life (ie. local duck and geese habitats) to keep them from repopulating and thus creating a "potential harm" to passengers by interfering with flights. Basically, they spray their nests so that the eggs don't hatch. Not cool.

People thought this was:

  • Cool (1)
Photo of Justine H.

Elite '09

279

267

Justine H.

Bergen County, NJ

3 star rating
2/1/2009

+ Very quick check in
+ Friendly TSA - Maybe too friendly TSA if you catch my drift...you boys starving for love or what?
+ Fast through security
+ Clean bathrooms

+++ FREE WIRELESS!!!!!!!!!!

- Lots of food options in the terminals (BUT the prices...ouch on the wallet!)

The only downside I have with this airport is trying to find the right baggage claim for the airline you flew in on.  I had no luck even with employees instructing me where to go.  This airport is far too confusing when you are arriving.  Departing, another story (A-OK).  Maybe I'll figure out baggage claim and get it right the 3rd time.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Funny (3)
  • Cool (4)
Photo of Jeffrey H.

Elite '09

675

577

Jeffrey H.

Boston, MA

2 star rating
11/21/2008

Ugh - I try to avoid this airport at all costs.

Maybe it's because I like to get to my destinations on time. It seems I'm always either delayed or rushing for connections.

Maybe it's because I DON'T LIKE PEOPLE TOUCHING ME in public. The terminal hallways are tiny, cramped, and awkward. Was this thing built for a traveling society of gnomes?

Whenever I book a flight and see that PHL is a connection I throw up in my mouth a little bit.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (6)
  • Funny (12)
  • Cool (7)
Photo of Jerry J.

 

130

734

Jerry J.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
3/30/2009

A large and spread out airport with no quick way to get from gate to gate; at least Dallas had to good sense to offer a connection train.
Going from Terminal A to Terminal B takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on what you're carrying with you (bags, children, relatives, etc). There are almost no moving walkways and no transfer train. US Airways is spread out over two terminals and making a connection can be problematic if your layover is less than an hour.
That said... Philadelphia is a much better East Coast connection option than JFK or Newark...

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Jen I.

Elite '09

84

432

Jen I.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
1/6/2009

I grew up flying in and out of Philly.  I remember when it was delapidated, brown and ugly.  I remember when the food options were limited and somewhat disgusting.  I remember confusing baggage claim and horrible check in lines.

Since their rennovation several years ago, there has been marked improvement on the development of PHL and I give my stamp of approval.

I've never had a bad experience here and I come through PHL usually once a year.  I arrive from SFO, sometimes I have baggage to collect, sometimes I don't.  When I do, I make my way to baggage claim and pick it up with relative ease.  When I make my way back to SFO, I arrive 2 hours early, never usually have an issue with check in (sometimes there's a sports team of sorts (30 girls in tennis gear, 25 boys in soccer jerseys) checking in at the same time as me, but the 2 hour advance arrival usually is enough to get me in and through security on time.  Depending on your terminal, security check in can be confusing.  Some terminals, security wraps the lines around in an annoying way.  Some are pretty straightforward.

If I'm early and in Terminal C-D, I hit the food court for one last Chik-fil-a fix before I head back to San Francisco Proper, which is chik-fil-a-less.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (2)
  • Funny (2)
  • Cool (2)
Photo of MiKA I.

Elite '09

62

894

MiKA I.

Union City, CA

2 star rating
5/11/2009

Felt like an older airport with old and lame customer service. I swear we often times take customer service for granted and by being in another state, other than my own; customer service at this airport is NON-EXISTENT.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
  • Funny (3)
  • Cool (4)
Photo of Kim C.

Elite '09

38

143

Kim C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
3/13/2009

Minus one star because I had trouble connecting to the free wifi!

But PHL gets to keep the rest of the stars because:
1. Pretty exciting airport relative to the other ones I frequent (ORD, SJC, SFO, LAX). After frustratingly shutting off my laptop after realizing I couldn't surf the net, I wandered around and ended up getting some decent shopping done (hahaha). Felt like I was in a mall which always makes me happy :D
2. Lots of food options. There was a decently-sized food court (which made the whole place even more mall-like) with a CHICK-FIL-A! Unfortunately it was 10am and eating a fried chicken sandwich just didn't seem right, but definitely noted for future reference.
3. Efficient shuttles. When I first realized that I'd have to shuttle from terminals B/C to F to get to my gate, I was like OHHH NOSE! But the shuttles came at short intervals and wasn't too much trouble at all. I was fairly impressed.

Anyway, what happens when your boyfriend lives in South Jersey is that you get to spend way too much time at Philly International. Good thing I've found ways to love it.

Photo of Tom C.

Elite '09

112

144

Tom C.

Lambertville, NJ

3 star rating
10/12/2008

P.I.A.- A haiku

Lost luggage often
Jackpot hit at drink machine
Same all around world

I agree with Jim W. I have been in and out of PIA at least 4 times within the last year and at least twice a year all my life. There is nothing that makes it any worse than any other major airport around the world.

There was a stretch in which for four years straight my luggage was lost and had to be delivered to my grand mom's house usually around midnight. But one can't blame the airport for that and I'd even give an extra star for the fact that on more than one occasion midnight was actually Christmas Eve midnight. So kudos for that.

The one thing I will always attribute to PIA is earlier this year I bought an iced tea from a vending machine and only had a $20 to pay. The machine ended up giving me $85 back! The money kept pouring out like a slot machine in AC :) It was almost embarrassing!

So for all the complainers...it's an airport not the Four Seasons.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Funny (7)
  • Cool (2)
Photo of Jing G.

Elite '09

16

123

Jing G.

Philadelphia, PA

1 star rating
11/12/2008

Everytime I use this airport, I am again shocked and disappointed all over again.

This airport is one of the smaller (or at least, it feels that way) ones that I've had the pleasure of touching down in and it's also one of the dingiest and badly staffed ones ever.

I'm also still shocked that an INTERNATIONAL airport could be so un-internationally friendly.  Non of the signs were in any other language except english I believe.  Now I'm not the type of person who advocates putting spanish or anything on all the public signs, but its an INTERNATIONAL airport.  If you ever have travelled overseas I hope that at airports they have signs and other stuff in other languages and staff or at least staff willing to get a translator for you.  At least, Japan does.  And Japan is a country that is internationally known for being insular!  What does that say about PHL?

While this is not actually a concern that would affect me personally, the staff being really unfriendly and rude really does.  Who wants to land at 1 or 2am, get lost, and not be able to ask the staff for any directions?  They were all so cold and just walked by you as if you did not just pay thousands of dollars to land in this little hell hole.

Too bad I'll have to continue using this airport since I'd still rather not be hassled to take a shuttle to JFK..

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Funny (2)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of Michelle C.

Elite '09

187

306

Michelle C.

Collingswood, NJ

2 star rating
8/5/2008

A memo to Philadelphia Airport: the not-so-good, the bad and the ugly.

Even though I know from experience that Southwest is currently in Terminal E, your signs are never accurate and so panic sets in when I see "Southwest" written in big bold letters on the Terminal D parking sign.  Just because you are renovating does not give you the right to post misleading signs (or keep outdated ones up)!  Your security people probably laugh their asses off when they see me going to the wrong terminal once or twice a month!

Speaking of Terminal E, do you think we can maybe get a breakfast alternative to day-old bagels and muffins?  And while you're at it, could you maybe serve up some decent coffee?  Because the brown liquid you tried to pass off as coffee last week tasted like second-rate Folgers.  The only person I know who ever drank Folgers was my Pop-Pop (bless his soul), and I'm pretty sure his taste buds were singed off anyway, as he drank the stuff boiling hot.    

Last but not least, when a plane lands in its designated terminal, is there any reason why the bags take twice as long as any other airport to arrive at the baggage claim?  Christ almighty!  My 3-hours-delayed Saturday night flight from O'Hare is the only activity in hours and there isn't anyone around to unload the bags.  I see more activity from the homeless people loitering in your hallways than the actual staff.  

The stars come from the fact that you are renovating so I'm assuming it means things will improve.  Also, I have not had many delays with flights out of the airport... but I'm sure you guys will figure out a way to screw me next time!

People thought this was:

  • Useful (6)
  • Funny (5)
  • Cool (5)
Photo of Alexis S.

Elite '09

15

115

Alexis S.

Chicago, IL

1 star rating
1/8/2009

This is a terrible airport for connecting flights. I went from Chicago to Philadelphia to Newburgh and back. To get from gate F to all other gates you need to take a shuttle--fine. Since I was connecting though the gate number wasn't printed on my ticket so I had to check the television monitors when I arrived to find out, but just my luck, my flight wasn't listed! So I asked a woman at a counter at Terminal D where I should go and she sent me to Terminal C. I went to Terminal C and they told me I had to go back where I was at Terminal D! When I get to Terminal D to the gate I was supposedly assigned, my flight wasn't even listed on the sign!

Not to mention the bathroom:

-only 5 stalls creating a line out the door
-no toilet paper in stalls
-paper towel machines do not work

Anyway, I obviously found my way home, but what a disgusting airport!

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Funny (2)
  • Cool (1)
Photo of Evann G.

 

43

378

Evann G.

Philadelphia, PA

1 star rating
7/22/2008

Haikus inspired by the Philadelphia airport:

Boring terminal
Flight delayed seven hours?
SO shit out of luck.

PHL sucks balls
Security line stretches
To eternity.

Flying on Southwest?
Good luck trying to predict
Which terminal's yours.

Spoiled by Midway.
But even shit LAX
Is better than this.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
  • Funny (7)
  • Cool (4)
Photo of Jessica P.

Elite '09

268

500

Jessica P.

Emeryville, CA

2 star rating
6/26/2008

Philadelphia Freedom was playing in my head. I wanted OUT the minute I got in to PHL.

It's crowded. It's a bit dilapidated. The staff is pretty unhelpful and the service slow.

The security line is not clear, there are no signs, and you're pretty much left to guess which gate you are departing from, since there's not a lot of screens that tell you before you get locked into line. Check in online first!

I got there and immediately my flight was delayed. No reason, just par for the course of this trip. I had the ass end of the terminal and not that many options for decent food. I should've just sat in the bar. I tried to get a sandwich at one establishment, but the staff was too busy talking amongst themselves and giving their friends free hot sauce.

There are not that many seats, and the ones that are available have seen better days.

We board the plane and then are forced to sit on the runway for 20 minutes, due to traffic. We sit for 15 more minutes, only to be told we're #20 in line to depart. *crickets*

Time goes by and then we're told NO ONE is taking off due to air traffic control's request. Now, I've been sitting in this plane for over an hour. Poor communication, a huge void and just bad luck all around.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (6)
  • Funny (5)
  • Cool (5)
Photo of Marcy Lola R.

Elite '09

116

153

Marcy Lola R.

San Diego, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 8/19/2008

You know why?
Because the citizens of Philadelphia had the wherewithall to make every single thing sold inside the airport the same price as outside. Yes!!!
There's a huuuuuge mall in there, and every shirt, soda, socks, knickers, lotion and book is regular price. As in, no more paying 6 dlls for that crappy yogurt, or 4 dlls for a 20 oz bottle of water. They are 2 dlls. YAAAAAAY

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
  • Funny (3)
  • Cool (4)

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 2 star rating
    3/3/2008

    Yes,  the shopping is some of the most decent i've seen around but - GAAAAAAAAAAH. People are rude.… Read more »

Photo of Lyn P.

Elite '09

251

518

Lyn P.

San Diego, CA

2 star rating
4/18/2009

An older airport so don't expect amenities like moving sidewalks and efficient shuttles from one terminal to another. Getting picked up and dropped off isn't very efficient either. I was only in terminal a (American) so there were limited food/shopping options, but looks like terminals b & c have all the good stuff. Never got connected to the free wi-fi so I am glad that I didn't have to spend too much time here.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (4)
  • Cool (3)
Photo of Dave H.

Elite '09

577

1200

Dave H.

Philadelphia, PA

3 star rating
7/10/2008 3 photos

There are plenty of dining and shopping options at Philadelphia International (PHL), and the international terminal is shiny, in a pretty, baubly way. Facilities in general are clean. Staff I've run into are generally friendly and helpful, and I never feel unsafe while on the premises. Besides a few hotels, the airport isn't near anything, but you can conveniently use taxis, public transportation (rail and bus), and rent a car or limo if you want to travel to downtown Philadelphia.

I agree with Alexandra R. in that when I see this airport, that means I'm home - that, in itself, makes me feel good. I've been to many airports, and have seen worse than PHL.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (5)
  • Funny (4)
  • Cool (4)
Photo of Karen F.

Elite '09

310

1522

Karen F.

Philadelphia, PA

2 star rating
7/17/2008

What problems!  What hassle - the cecutiry lines are miles long.
Better allow for lots of extra time.

The parking costs a bundle (as with all airports) and once inside the shopping is mediocre and over-priced. ($3.00 for bottled water???)
They have you TRAPPED.

Supposedly an airport "spa" is set to open.  Maybe that will help.

The bathrooms also need more frequent cleaning.

And don't even get me started about holiday travel.  Ugh!!!!!

People thought this was:

  • Useful (5)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (4)
Photo of Jim W.

Elite '09

215

746

Jim W.

Chandler, AZ

3 star rating
10/12/2008

Philadelphia Intl' gets a bad rap, in my opinion.  My experiences here have been generally no worse than many major airports and certainly better than several such as O'Hare.

I did not find it filthy as several have stated.  I have not experienced excessive waits.  I have not run into rude customer service agents.

Maybe I have just hit them on good days.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (3)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (2)
Photo of J. A. C.

 

4

40

J. A. C.

Chicago, IL

2 star rating
12/16/2008

Okay, this airport is run down and gross.

It's got good timeliness of flights going for it, especially in the condensed traffic region of PHL/EWK/JFK/LGA.  

That aside, it's dingy (i love that word), kinda dim-lit from what I noticed, and strangely organized.  I think if you fly out of Terminal F (I think that's what it was), you're definitely in for a treat.

Go, get through security, walk to the Terminal's shuttle bus station, wait 20 minutes for the shuttle bus, ride over to the terminal, go through security (again), and then get on your flight.  It's a bit ridiculous.

Somehow, this place got amazing review by some traveler's group and they tout that recognition all over the place.  I certainly don't understand why.

People thought this was:

  • Useful (1)
  • Funny (1)
  • Cool (1)
1 to 40 of 97 |  
Page: 1 2 3
Write a Review

People Viewed This After Searching For...