Airport guides · Philadelphia, PA

Flying into PHL: what to expect

Philadelphia International, Philadelphia, PA. Live conditions in plain words, plus what's normal on arrival and departure.

Airport codePHL / KPHL
Runways (FAA)4
Elevation33 ft
Longest runway12,000 ft
Flying to or from PHL?Get a free briefing: weather at both ends, the turbulence outlook and what to expect.Open My Flight

Weather at PHL right now

Weather report not available right now.

Source: NWS Aviation Weather Center METAR, TAF and pilot reports for KPHL. Updated every few minutes.

Runways and which way you'll land

PHL has 4 runways in FAA data: 08/26 (5,001 ft), 09L/27R (9,500 ft), 09R/27L (12,000 ft), 17/35 (6,500 ft).

Runway numbers are compass headings divided by ten (runway 27 points roughly west, 270°).6 Airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the direction you take off or land at PHL changes with the weather.5 That's normal.

Flying into PHL: common questions

Which runway will my flight use at PHL?

It depends mostly on the wind: airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the runway in use changes with the weather. FAA data lists 4 runways at PHL (08/26, 09L/27R, 09R/27L, 17/35); the longest is 09R/27L at about 12,000 ft.

Why might my flight circle before landing at PHL?

Holding is a normal way for air traffic control to space out arrivals when it's busy or the weather changes. Airplanes carry extra fuel for it. You can check current delay programs on the FAA's National Airspace System status page.

Is it normal for the landing at PHL to feel bumpy?

Yes. Low-level bumps are common on approach, especially on windy or gusty days, and a firm touchdown is often deliberate. The airplane is designed for it; keep your seat belt fastened while seated.

What can I bring through security at PHL?

TSA rules apply at every US airport: liquids in your carry-on must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all in one quart-sized bag. TSA's 'What can I bring?' tool covers specific items.

Before you go

  • Liquids in carry-on: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, in one quart-sized bag.1
  • Not sure about an item? Check TSA's "What can I bring?" tool.2
  • Need help at security because of a disability or medical condition? TSA Cares can help.3
  • Delays and ground stops across the US are shown on the FAA's airspace status page.4

Official PHL website

Calm reading for your trip

Nearby airport guides

EWR

Newark Liberty International

BWI

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall

JFK

John F. Kennedy International

LGA

LaGuardia

Sources

  1. TSA, Liquids, aerosols and gels rule (3-1-1)
  2. TSA, What can I bring?
  3. TSA Cares / passenger support
  4. FAA National Airspace System status (delays and ground stops)
  5. FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (takeoff and landing into the wind)
  6. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (aircraft performance and density altitude)
  7. FAA airport data via the NWS Aviation Weather Center airport API
  8. Holding patterns, explained (SafelyAboard)

Runway and elevation data: FAA, via aviationweather.gov, baked 2026-10-17. SafelyAboard doesn't rate airports.