TSA Wait Times at Philadelphia International Airport: What Weekend Travelers Should Know Philadelphia International Airport is among the busiest in the nation, designated as a Core 30 airport by the Federal Aviation Administration. Combined with the high volume of travelers on Fridays, which are among the busiest days for air travel, understanding TSA wait times is critical for weekend flyers. As of Friday morning, March 20, the average TSA security wait time at PHL is approximately 30 minutes. Travelers with TSA PreCheck, particularly at Terminal D/E, can expect a significantly shorter wait, with the process taking around 25 minutes less than standard security lines. Those planning to depart PHL this weekend or early next week are advised to check the airport’s real-time TSA wait time website frequently for updates. It’s important to note that the Transportation Safety Administration does not offer reimbursement for missed flights caused by delays in the security screening process. However, travelers may consider purchasing third-party travel insurance to cover such expenses. Additional delays could occur due to recent terminal closures at PHL. Terminal C was shut down in early March, followed by the closure of Terminal A-West and Terminal F. These closures have increased the volume of passengers at remaining terminals, potentially lengthening wait times. The ongoing partial federal government shutdown is also affecting air travel nationwide. TSA has reported an absence rate of about 10%, which has strained staffing levels and contributed to extended security lines. Travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport well in advance to account for these factors. (This story has been updated to correct a misspelling in a headline)#federal_aviation_administration #philadelphia_international_airport #transportation_security_administration #tsa_precheck #terminal_d_e
