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

AirlineHeadquartersTypical Routes from PHLSeat Class Availability
United AirlinesChicago, IL60+ nonstop flights into the U.S. and 20 international routesEconomy, Premium Plus, United Polaris
American AirlinesFort Worth, TX50+ nonstop U.S. routes, 10 international flightsEconomy, Premium Economy, Business
Delta Air LinesAtlanta, GA50+ nonstop U.S. routes, 15 international flightsEconomy, 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

AirlineDestination HighlightsNotes
British AirwaysLondon (Heathrow), 5 hoursPremier lounge access, excellent onboard service
LufthansaFrankfurt, MunichGerman regional network, strong in-flight connectivity
Air CanadaToronto, OttawaCanadian Carriers community and partnership with United
Turkish AirlinesIstanbulLong‑haul cargo‑friendly, excellent legroom
EmiratesDubaiLeading 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‑CostNotesAverage Ticket Price (PEKES–MSR)
Southwest AirlinesFlexible change rules$115–$250 USD
JetBlueFree hotspot Wi‑Fi$100–$200 USD
Allegiant AirBudget 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

FeatureUnitedAmericanDeltaSouthwestJetBlue
Average Seat Pitch30 in30 in30 in32 in
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