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TSA Wait Times at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Philadelphia International Airport security checkpoints. The data below shows historical maximum wait times by day and hour to help you choose the best time to arrive.

Peak Wait Time

25 min

Fridays at 7 AM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

22 time slots with minimal wait

Morning Wait Times (AM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Philadelphia International Airport for morning hours (12 AM - 11 AM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 AM - - - - - - -
1 AM - - - - - - -
2 AM - - - - - - -
3 AM 18m 16m 17m 15m 17m 19m 18m
4 AM 18m 13m 18m 22m 23m 21m 16m
5 AM 19m 13m 16m 16m 17m 14m 15m
6 AM 18m 15m 17m 16m 18m 13m 17m
7 AM 22m 17m 14m 15m 25m 15m 18m
8 AM 15m 12m 13m 13m 19m 13m 19m
9 AM 19m 11m 12m 16m 19m 13m 19m
10 AM 15m 9m 12m 15m 13m 8m 12m
11 AM 15m 7m 15m 15m 15m 12m 13m

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Philadelphia International Airport for afternoon and evening hours (12 PM - 11 PM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 PM 15m 11m 19m 19m 19m 19m 25m
1 PM 12m 8m 12m 19m 16m 14m 13m
2 PM 12m 12m 12m 19m 15m 10m 15m
3 PM 12m 14m 10m 16m 12m 12m 16m
4 PM 15m 15m 19m 15m 17m 14m 25m
5 PM 16m 17m 16m 19m 25m 16m 19m
6 PM 7m 9m 18m 14m 18m 8m 13m
7 PM 6m 5m 21m 12m 9m 8m 8m
8 PM 8m 4m 5m 10m 7m 16m 9m
9 PM 7m 1m 4m 6m 5m 2m 5m
10 PM 5m 1m 2m 3m 2m 1m 4m
11 PM 2m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 3m

Wait Time Legend

- No data ≤5 min 6-10 min 11-15 min 16-20 min 21-30 min 30+ min

Tips for PHL Security

  • Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights
  • Consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for expedited screening
  • Check peak times above and plan to arrive during lower-traffic periods when possible
  • Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the checkpoint
  • Remove laptops and liquids from bags if you don't have TSA PreCheck

PHL TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at Philadelphia International Airport?

TSA wait times at PHL vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 25 minutes on Fridays around 7 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 22 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.

What is the best time to go through security at PHL?

The best times to go through TSA security at PHL are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 22 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Fridays around 7 AM when waits are longest.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for PHL?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Philadelphia International Airport. PreCheck members enjoy expedited screening with shorter lines, and don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. If you fly more than twice a year, the $78 fee (valid for 5 years) is usually worth it.

How early should I arrive at PHL airport?

For domestic flights at Philadelphia International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Fridays at 7 AM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 25 minutes.