Philadelphia International Airport

Don't Fret if You Get Stranded at Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport is one of the two airports that comprise the Philadelphia Airport System (the other being the Northeast Philadelphia Airport). As such, it helps drive much of the economy of the region, with $14 billion going into the local economy every year. The Airport System itself directly or indirectly provides employment to 34,000 people.

Services and amenities at the airport

Philadelphia International Airport has four runways and seven terminals for use by passengers and carriers. Passengers who have just arrived or are waiting for departure can enjoy good-quality food and beverages, and merchandise at the Marketplace at the Airport concessions which number over 150 to date. Though Marketplace concessions offer street pricing, the airport concessions program succeeded in being named the Best in North America for 2002 and 2003, due to the innovation, quality and diversity of the concessions.

Starting January 2000, Philadelphia International Airport has undergone capital improvements worth over $1 billion. In June 2001, the airport completed work on Terminal F whose 38 gates serve flights for US Airways Express. In May 2003, the airport opened international Terminal A-West which has 13 international boarding gates, and the International Arrivals Hall, as well as upgraded federal inspection and ticketing areas distributed throughout its 800,000 square feet of space. Starting 2001, Philadelphia International Airport began adding gates, until it reached its present total of 120 gates.

Being a rather large airport, it does happen at times that passengers may be stranded or get lost within the confines of the airport. This is why Philadelphia International Airport maintains a Hospitality Program for stranded travelers who may need refreshments and comfort items; and a Volunteer Program that assists passengers who have lost their way within the airport so they can find what they are looking for.

If entertainment is what travelers need, Philadelphia International Airport maintains a Performing Arts Program throughout the year and also an Exhibitions Program where local artists can have their work put on display for appreciation by passengers and the airport community.

Lodging near the airport

Passengers often require lodging that is near the airport so that they can easily catch flights back to their home city, or other destinations. Some hotels that operate near the airport are Sheraton Suites, Holiday Inn, Hilton, Sheraton Four Pointes, Residence Inn, Hampton Inn, Red Roof Inn, Extended Stay Studio Plus, Extended Stay America, Ramada Inn, and Embassy Suites (among others.)

Transportation from and to the airport

If no one is picking you up, you could opt to rent your own vehicle for private use from car rental companies such as National, Hertz, Enterprise, Dollar, Budget, AVIS, and Alamo. Some of these car rental companies may require at least 72 hours' notice before they can rent a vehicle to you. To contact a car rental company at the airport, you may use the information phones found at the baggage claim areas throughout the airport.

If you want to hire a cab instead, taxis can be flagged down at the Commercial Transportation Roadway, Zone 5. It is also possible to secure limousine service if that is what you require.

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