Philadelphia Layover
Feb 15, 2010 | Comments 0
Stuck on a layover at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)? As the primary hub of US Airways and the 11th busiest airport in the world, the airport is located roughly 7 miles from down Philadelphia with makes the city an accessible destination for those stuck on a long layover. If you’re trying to figure out if you can leave the airport during your layover, click here for useful tips.
The airport offers over 160 stores and restaurants. You can find the Directory here with lists of the retailers by terminal (A-West, A-East, Concourses B, C, D, E, and F). Some points of interest include an XpresSpa in International Terminal A-West and Concourse C (for a list of ExpresSpa’s services, click here), drop in appointments are available or call in advance 877-SPA-3434). For a cheap massage, take advantage of the massage chairs at Brookstone in D/E Connector. There’s a Tech Showcase in D/E Connector, and The UPS Store and the AeroClinic in Concourse B. There’s also an exhibit called Explore Philadelphia in Concourse A-East.
The Philadelphia airport hosts a number of Art & Exhibitions. Click here for their current exhibitions. In addition, there’s the “Aviation Play Station” for children ages 1 to 7. Located in Terminal D adjacent to Gate D-10 and in Terminal A-East near Gate A-1, the Station features interactive displays including a hands-on jumbo-jet and a smaller airplane with hand controls.
Wireless Internet access is available from over 40 access points in every terminal. A fee is required for wireless access from Monday thru Friday (weekends are free). There are several purchase options available, including a 24-hour connection for $7.95 or a monthly unlimited option for $39.95. College students can connect for free by presenting their student ID at any Airport Information Counter and obtaining an authorization code. The Airport also offers over 100 semi-private workstations at the boarding gate areas of all terminals. These units consist of a pay telephone, outlets, worktable and bench.
There’s a number of executive lounges in the airport including American Airlines Admiral Club (Terminals A-East, D, and E), British Airways Executive Club Lounge (Terminals A, D), Delta Crown Room (Concourse E), United Airlines red Carpet Club (Concourses C, D), US Airways club and business center (Concourse B, C), and US Airways Club Star (Concourse F). Some of the lounges including US Airways offer a per visit rate and there are programs including Priority Pass where you can join and have a reduced rate at over 600 lounges in 100 countries worldwide. For more information on their three membership plans, click here.
The airport does not provide Left Luggage facilities. If you’re looking to explore the area and need to store your bags, LayoverGuide.com recommends getting a hotel room to use as a home base while you explore.
If you’re looking for a hotel near the airport, the Airport Marriott at Philadelphia International Airport is connected to Terminal B via skybridge, making it very convenient for a quick stop. Near the airport is also these hotels of varying price levels to choose from.
If you’re planning on leaving the airport and exploring the area during your layover, you can grab a taxi at Zone 5 on the Commercial Transportation Roadway. There’s a $10 minimum fair from the airport to any destination, and there’s a $28.50 flat rate from the airport to the Central Philadelphia area — which encompasses Fairmount Ave (most Northern point), South Street (most Southern point) Delaware River (most eastern point) and University City/ 38th Street(most Western point). There’s also the SEPTA High Speed Rail costing $7 one-way to the following stops: Airport Terminals A-East, B,C,D and E, Eastwick Station, University City, 30th Street Station (Amtrak), Suburban Station (connections to regional rail lines) and MarketEast/The Gallery (connection to Greyhound Bus Terminal). Fore more info, click here.
LayoverGuide.com’s Suggestions Of Things To Do On A Philadelphia Layover:
Philadelphia Tour
If you’re limited for time in Philadelphia, a tour is a great way to pack in a number of attractions. There’s tons to choose from including Historical Tours, I Glide Segway Tours, City Food Tours, Ride The Ducks Tour, Historic African American Tours, and more.
Independence Hall
Considered to be the “birthplace of the United States,” Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and signed by the Continental Congress in 1776. You will need a ticket from March 1 to December 31, except July 4; Thanksgiving and Christmas Day when no tickets are required. For more information on tickets, click here.
Liberty Bell
Located on Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets, the Liberty Bell is displayed in glass, conveying the message “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” It is well-known from a crack that first appeared in 1846.
National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center is an interactive museum located two blocks from Independence Hall and Liberty Bell. The museum is a non-partisan center that tells the history of the Constitution.
National Liberty Museum
The National Liberty Museum houses one of the largest collections of contemporary glass, including the centerpiece which is a 21-foot “Flame of Liberty” sculpture. The museum also honors 2,000 heroes.
Have a suggestion or advice for Philadelphia layovers? Leave a comment below!
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Filed Under: layover • North America • United States
