Summer travel is in full swing at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), with the airport expecting an 18% increase in passengers compared to last summer. The passenger numbers are also on par with 2019 pre-pandemic levels, indicating a strong recovery for the airport and tourism in Philadelphia. In this article we talk about Philadelphia Airport Preps for 18% More Summer Travelers.
Accordding to CBS NEWS, the summer travel season unofficially began over Memorial Day weekend, according to PHL spokesperson Heather Redfern. “We’ve been busy, nonstop since then,” she said. In particular, Wednesday and Thursday mornings are “very busy” departure times over the summer months.
On the Wednesday following Memorial Day, travelers described smooth check-in processes and calm terminals during late morning. “Very easy check-in. No problem,” said Adam Williams, passing through PHL from London on vacation. Anne Higgins, traveling with him, agreed: “Everything is quite kind of calm, isn’t it?”
While most travelers described easy journeys, some did experience delays. April Petrey’s flight back to Lexington was delayed, though she remained optimistic: “I just want to go home.”
Preparing for an Influx of Summer Travelers
In anticipation of the over 18% increase in passengers, PHL has focused on hiring and training additional staff. “We’re here to help you and we want you to have a great experience when you’re here,” said Leah Douglas, Director of Guest Services.
To boost employee morale and service levels, PHL also introduced a new “PHL Works” service excellence program open to all 17,000 airport staff. On Wednesday, a pep rally with drumlines and the Phillie Phanatic mascot helped kickoff the program. “They work here 24/7, 365 days a year so they’re a very devoted team and we just want to give them the encouragement and support they need,” Douglas added.
August is Peak Month for Summer Travel
While PHL has seen consistent passenger volumes since Memorial Day weekend, August is “probably” the single busiest month of the summer travel season, according to Redfern. For those flying out of Philadelphia this summer, longer TSA lines should be expected during the early weekday mornings.
“It’s great to see people back here again. No empty, eerie terminals,” Redfern said. PHL now feels alive, though it still hasn’t fully rebounded: “We’re not going to be completely back to our pre-pandemic numbers. We probably have another year for that.”
Tips for Traveling Through PHL This Summer
Based on PHL’s projections and early summer observations, travelers heading through Philadelphia International Airport should prepare for longer lines and busier terminals. Here are some tips for smooth summer travels:
- Arrive early! Leave extra time for check-in, security, and boarding
- Be flexible with flight times if possible – aim for mid-week and early mornings
- Check airport and airline apps for real-time updates on crowds, delays, etc
- Sign up for flight notifications and rebooking options from your airline
- Pack snacks, water, and other essentials in your carry on
- Bring entertainment like books, magazines, downloaded movies, etc
- Check airport services and dining options before arriving
- Confirm parking availability
- Allow extra transit time to the airport
With thorough preparation and a little patience, travelers can still experience efficient, enjoyable flights despite the summer crowds at PHL. I sincerely hope you find this “Philadelphia Airport Preps for 18% More Summer Travelers – What You Need to Know” article helpful.
Skylar Lacey, a Travel and Tourism Management graduate from Temple University, offers 5 years of experience in travel writing and airport logistics at PhiladelphiaAirport.net. Her expertise helps travelers make the most of their journeys through Philadelphia International Airport. Connect with her on Instagram for more travel tips and insights.
