philadelphia international airport airlines
Philadelphia International Airport – Quick Facts
Location & Connectivity
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) sits just 12 mi (19 km) south of downtown Philadelphia and 195 mi northeast of New York City. The airport connects the region to over 300 nonstop destinations worldwide, making it a major hub for both domestic and international travelers.
Terminal Layout
PHL features a single, transit‑center style terminal. All departing and arriving passengers use the same area, but the terminal is divided into three concourses (Concourse A, B, and C) connected by a central sky‑bridge. Each concourse hosts gates served by different airlines, a strategic layout that optimizes passenger flow.
Passenger Traffic
In 2022, PHL handled roughly 58.8 million passengers, rebounding strongly to 95 % of its 2019 peak. The high traffic underscores the airport’s importance as a gateway for the Mid‑Atlantic region.
Airlines Operating at PHL
Major U.S. Carriers
| Airline | Headquarters | Typical Routes from PHL | Seat Class Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | Chicago, IL | 60+ nonstop flights into the U.S. and 20 international routes | Economy, Premium Plus, United Polaris |
| American Airlines | Fort Worth, TX | 50+ nonstop U.S. routes, 10 international flights | Economy, Premium Economy, Business |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, GA | 50+ nonstop U.S. routes, 15 international flights | Economy, Comfort+, Delta One |
United, American, and Delta dominate PHL’s longest‑haul network, offering frequent stops on major trans‑continental and international routes.
International Airlines
| Airline | Destination Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways | London (Heathrow), 5 hours | Premier lounge access, excellent onboard service |
| Lufthansa | Frankfurt, Munich | German regional network, strong in-flight connectivity |
| Air Canada | Toronto, Ottawa | Canadian Carriers community and partnership with United |
| Turkish Airlines | Istanbul | Long‑haul cargo‑friendly, excellent legroom |
| Emirates | Dubai | Leading cabin experience, Sky‑Away lounge |
PHL’s international options span Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and North America, reflecting a diverse portfolio of long‑haul services.
Low‑Cost Carriers
| Low‑Cost | Notes | Average Ticket Price (PEKES–MSR) |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | Flexible change rules | $115–$250 USD |
| JetBlue | Free hotspot Wi‑Fi | $100–$200 USD |
| Allegiant Air | Budget fares to niche markets | $90–$170 USD |
Low‑cost carriers are predominantly concentrated in Concourse C and cater to budget‑conscious travelers and leisure markets.
Comparing the Airlines – Key Factors to Consider
Price & Fare Structure
Price is a primary driver, but fares differ significantly between carriers, especially when comparing economy with different fare rules. A key tip: use fare‑comparison apps (Google Flights, Skyscanner, Hopper) and set price alerts to monitor PHL fares for your desired route.
Comfort & Seating
| Feature | United | American | Delta | Southwest | JetBlue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Seat Pitch | 30 in | 30 in | 30 in | 32 in |