Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia International is American Airlines’ main East Coast hub for flights to Europe, and it has a layout that is easier than most: a long line of terminals, lettered A through F, most of them connected behind security so you can walk between them.

The terminals

Terminal A is split into A-West and A-East and handles international flights, including American’s transatlantic departures. Terminals B and C carry much of the domestic mainline flying, D and E take other domestic services, and Terminal F is the regional-jet terminal, reached from the main spine by a shuttle. For most connections you can walk the airside corridor between terminals; the exception is Terminal F, so if your connection involves it, allow a little more time for the shuttle.

Getting into the city

The easy route into town is the SEPTA Airport Line regional rail. Trains run from stations along the terminals into Center City — stopping at University City, Suburban Station, and Jefferson Station — in around 20 to 25 minutes, for a modest fare. It is far more predictable than the road. By car, the airport is about 11 km southwest of Center City, a short drive when I-95 is behaving.

Worth knowing

PHL’s role as a connecting hub means busy banks of flights and, in summer, weather delays that ripple through American’s schedule. Security lines build around the peaks, so if you are originating here rather than connecting, give yourself margin. The walkable terminal spine makes it a comfortable airport to move through once you are airside — just remember Terminal F is the outlier that needs the shuttle.