Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Facilities and Services
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - PA, USA)
The services and facilities on offer at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) mean that there is plenty to occupy visitors. Its five main terminal buildings (A to E) and now joined by a recently opened sixth - Terminal F, meaning that there are now even more shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and airline lounges.
If you are hungry, yet pushed for time, then a number of the eateries within the 'Philadelphia Marketplace Food and Shops' now offer a 'Take Out for Take Off' service, where your choice is wrapped as a takeaway meal, so that you can enjoy it on the plane.
Since the summer of 1998, Philadelphia Airport has established its very own Art Exhibitions Program, where rotating exhibitions of art works are staged, including paintings, sculptures and photographs, often being themed and created by local Pennsylvania artists. These pieces are displayed in each of the terminals, including Terminal A (East and West) and the Fireman's Hall Museum (between Terminals C and D).
Airport Information Desks
Tel: +1 215 937 6937
Philadelphia Airport boasts information desks within each of the terminal buildings, often sited close to the security checkpoints. Staff are available 24 hours a day in Terminal B and Terminal C, and between 07:00 to 23:00 elsewhere. There is also a Hospitality Program for emergency weather situations, as a Communications Center for language assistance. In the event that you need to page another traveler, then there are some 150 LCD strategically placed visual paging monitors.
Shops and Restaurants
Philadelphia Airport boasts in excess of 150 different eateries and shopping outlets spread around the concourses of Terminals B and C meaning that passengers with some time on their hands can enjoy a nice meal before indulging in a spot of duty free. Named the Philadelphia Marketplace, shoppers can choose between CNBC News, BlackBerry, the Body Shop, Hudson News, International Shoppes Duty Free, Magic Pens, the Nanny Caddy Kiosk, the Pennsylvania Market, Stellar News. Most stores open at 07:00 and close as late as 21:30 or 22:00.
If you are looking for a bite to eat, then possibilities include Burger King, Chick-Fil-A, Cibo Bistro, Currito Burrito, Dunkin' Donuts, the Earl of Sandwich, Go Pretzels, King of Pizza, Legal Sea Foods, Philly Steak and Gyro, Sbarro and Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen, amongst others. The coffee shops and eateries open as early as 04:45 / 05:15, staying open until between 20:00 and 23:00.
Currency Exchange, Communications and Banking Facilities
Travelex is the place to come for currency exchange at PHL, with outlets at Terminal A (East and West), and at Terminal B and C (B / C Connector). There are also various cashpoints (almost 20) around the terminals, providing a simple way of obtaining some US dollars. To cash checks, head to America's Cash Express, situated at Terminal A (East / B).
Business and Conference Facilities
Tel: +1 610 362 4333
For the most comprehensive business facilities at Philadelphia International, the US Airways Business Center is the place to come. Here you can book meet rooms and take advantage of the workstations, computers and secretarial services on offer. Wireless Wi-Fi Internet access is now available everywhere, for those with enabled laptops and Smart phones. Terminal A's UPS Store offers a shipping services, as well as photocopying, faxing and more.
Disabled Facilities
Tel: +1 215 683 9840
Philadelphia Airport caters well for disabled passengers and visitors. Facilities within this category include allocated parking spaces, Braille signposts, easy access for wheelchairs, video phones and TDD telephones for the deaf. There is also an acclaimed Airport Autism Access Program for children with autism, allowing them to become familiar with their surroundings and even taking part in a simulated flight experience.
Other Facilities
Tel: +1 215 937 6888 (Lost and Found)
Other facilities at PHL include hospitality services during emergency situations, and the Mercy Careport Hospital, with medical, immunization and first aid facilities. Families with young children may like to pay a visit to the Aviation Play Center in Terminal D (next to Gate D-10). Of note, smoking is not allowed anywhere onsite.
