PHL TSA Wait Times — Philadelphia
Philadelphia International Airport. Live security wait times, updated every 10 minutes.
⚡ Fastest: Checkpoint 4386 · 3 min
GateWaitTimes independently measures security waits at PHL, taking a reading every ten minutes around the clock. We have recorded 24,824 readings here since August 25, 2026, drawn from official TSA, airport, and FAA feeds.
Learn more about our data credibility & sources →PHL TSA Wait Times by Hour
This chart shows the average security wait at PHL for every hour of the day, so a taller bar means the line is usually longer at that time. The numbers come from our own readings, which we take every ten minutes around the clock.
The current wait time at PHL is 10 minutes, which is about average for a Saturday, when the line usually runs around 13 minutes.
When Should You Leave?
Tap to pick your flight’s departure time
Wait by Checkpoint
| Checkpoint | Wait |
|---|---|
| Checkpoint 4389 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 5047 | 10 min |
| Checkpoint 4376 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 4127 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 3971 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 4390 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 4131 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 4386 | 3 min |
| Checkpoint 4129 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 3976 | 3 min |
| Checkpoint 5052 | 5 min |
| Checkpoint 4388 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 4130 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 4377 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 5068 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 4372 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 4368 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 4128 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 4374 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 4373 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 4375 | 6 min |
| Checkpoint 5069 | 3 min |
| Checkpoint 4126 | 3 min |
Wait Times by Terminal at PHL
Jump to live security waits for a specific terminal:
TSA PreCheck at Philadelphia
PreCheck lane status not reported right now
The TSA PreCheck lane at Philadelphia is usually the fastest way through security. Travelers keep shoes, belts, and light jackets on and leave laptops and liquids packed, so the lane keeps moving even when the standard line backs up. At an airport this size, most major checkpoints run a PreCheck lane for much of the day, though hours still vary by checkpoint.
The status above comes from the same feed as the wait time on this page. GateWaitTimes polls it every 10 minutes, around the clock. If the lane shows closed, standard screening is still open; recheck shortly before you leave in case staffing changes.
How Early Should You Arrive at PHL?
These are general guidelines for Philadelphia International Airport. Use the calculator above for a departure time tuned to the current wait, your drive, and whether you have PreCheck. Add time on peak travel mornings, around holidays, and if you're checking a bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the security line at Philadelphia (PHL) right now?
As of the latest measurement, the standard security wait at PHL is about 10 minutes. GateWaitTimes re-measures every 10 minutes, so check the live figure at the top of this page.
How early should I arrive at Philadelphia International Airport?
For a large airport, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. Add time during holiday peaks and early-morning banks.
Does PHL have TSA PreCheck?
Most US airports of this size offer TSA PreCheck lanes at their main checkpoints, though lane hours vary by checkpoint and time of day. Check the checkpoint status on this page for which lanes are reporting, and the TSA site for official PreCheck lane hours.
How often is this wait-time data updated?
GateWaitTimes polls TSA wait-time feeds, FAA airport status, and National Weather Service forecasts every 10 minutes, around the clock, and records every reading.
Is TSA PreCheck open at PHL right now?
PreCheck lane status at PHL is not being reported at this moment. GateWaitTimes checks every 10 minutes and shows lane status as soon as it is published.
About Security at Philadelphia International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) serves Philadelphia, PA. It is a large airport with steady passenger volume through most of the day, so the standard lane rarely empties out completely, which shapes how the security line at Philadelphia behaves: expect the longest waits when several departures cluster in the same hour, and much shorter ones in between.
If you hold TSA PreCheck, confirm lane status on arrival. PreCheck lanes are not staffed at every hour, particularly early in the morning and late in the evening.
The number above is a live reading for the standard lane, refreshed every few minutes. Security wait times can change quickly at PHL, so recheck this page shortly before you leave for the airport.
Fun Facts About Philadelphia International Airport
- Philadelphia International runs a renowned rotating art and exhibition program throughout its terminals.
- As the birthplace city's airport, it's a major gateway for tourists visiting the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
- It serves as a key East Coast hub and a major international gateway for transatlantic flights to Europe.
- The airport straddles the Philadelphia-Delaware County line, with part of it technically in neighboring Tinicum Township.