Philadelphia Airport Shuts More Checkpoints Amid Ongoing Partial Shutdown
Philadelphia Airport has shut additional security checkpoints this week as TSA staffing shortfalls continue. Terminals A-West and F closed on Wednesday. Terminal C’s PreCheck-only lane had closed the previous week.
Why checkpoints closed
The airport and TSA said the moves aimed to reassign officers to other lanes. The closures responded to staffing gaps caused by an ongoing partial shutdown. The lapse in Department of Homeland Security funding began Feb. 14.
About 50,000 TSA officers are required to work without pay during the funding lapse. Many missed their first full paychecks on Friday. Internal TSA statistics obtained by Filmogaz.com show more than 350 officers have resigned during the shutdown.
Where PreCheck and checkpoints remain open
TSA PreCheck is still available in Terminal A-East and Terminal D/E, according to PHL. The airport asked travelers from A-West to use A-East. Those departing Terminal C should use Terminal B. Travelers from Terminal F were directed to the D/E checkpoint.
- Terminal A-East: 4:15 a.m.–10:15 p.m. (PreCheck closes at 6:30 p.m.)
- Terminal B: 3:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
- Terminal D/E: 3 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
All terminals remain connected after security. Passengers can reach any gate from any open checkpoint.
Traveler impact and advice
Long security lines have formed. On Thursday morning lines stretched as far back as the baggage claim area at one point. Similar delays have occurred at airports nationwide.
AAA travel advisor Jana Tidwell urged passengers to arrive early. She recommended two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. She warned that some lines have stretched to four or five hours.
Tidwell also advised travelers to load airline apps, airport apps, and the MyTSA app. These tools can help monitor wait times and gate information. Airlines will not make exceptions for late arrivals, she added.
Monitoring wait times
PHL encourages passengers to check real-time TSA wait times online before leaving for the airport. Travelers impacted by the ongoing partial shutdown should plan extra time. Filmogaz.com will update developments as the situation evolves.
