When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Philadelphia?
To beat the crowds and enjoy pleasant weather, the autumn or the spring- when as an added bonus, you can see the cherry trees in bloom- is likely to be the cheapest time to book your flight to Philadelphia. Some visitors may be dead set on experiencing the USA’s Independence Day on July 4 in the “Birthplace of America”, but as that is part of the peak summer season, prices will increase.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Philadelphia?
If you want to be part of the annual Independence Day celebrations or see Philadelphia in full summer swing, secure the best deals for your budget by booking at least four months in advance. Outside of this time, there will be cheaper return flights on offer. Look out for deals on last-minute flights to Philadelphia in the peak months of June to September.
Flying to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Central Philadelphia can be reached from PHL airport in about 20 minutes, as it is just an eight-mile journey. It is the largest airport in the state of Pennsylvania, serving about 30 million passengers annually.
Three U.K. airports offer Philadelphia flights. London Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport have year-round direct flights to PHL, while Glasgow Airport has seasonal flights to Philadelphia from May to September. Each of these airports in the U.K. is served by the same three airlines: British Airways, American Airlines and Finnair. PHL is well connected with other airports, and some flights may take an indirect route through other American or European cities, including routes offered by Lufthansa, Air Canada, Aer Lingus, United, and Virgin Atlantic.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Philadelphia International Airport has seven terminals, identified by letters A through to F. All the terminals are accessible after security checks and can be reached on foot or in some cases, by free shuttle bus (between terminals A-East, C and F.). Most international flights will arrive at Terminal A-West or A-East, where baggage claim for those arrivals can also be found. The airport offers many passenger amenities including free Wi-Fi in all terminals, more than 150 food, drink and retail shops, ATMs, charging stations for laptops and phones, nursing stations for mothers, and different art exhibitions in each terminal.
Getting to the City from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
It has never been easier to get into the city centre from PHL. Public transport is provided by Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and there is a train that connects terminals to downtown Philly every 30 minutes 5:00am-12:30am. Outside the baggage claim area are different zones for each type of transportation to the city centre. The SEPTA bus stop in Zone 1 has three routes to different parts of the city. Taxis charge a flat rate to the city centre (plus fuel surcharge) and can be found in Zone 5. Limo and shuttle services leave from zones 6 and 4 respectively. A shuttle bus from Zone 2 can take customers to car rental companies.
Why Visit Philadelphia?
History buffs, food lovers and film fans alike will delight in the city affectionately called “Philly,” which has enough on offer to attract visitors both old and young. While many travellers head to the USA’s capital Washington, D.C., to get their American history and political fix, Philadelphia should not be overlooked for its role in the formation of modern-day America; after all, it was here that the Declaration of Independence and American Constitution were signed by the Founding Fathers in the late 18th century.
If you want to continue your tour of American history, take a look at the darker side by visiting the Eastern State Penitentiary, a prison-turned-museum where notorious mobster Al Capone was locked up in 1931. Once you’ve got your history fix, enjoy a Philly cheese steak, or put your trainers on and follow Rocky’s lead by running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (and satisfy your cultural side by exploring the gallery while you’re at it). If you’re interested in the festival scene, there are no fewer than 60 major events planned for the city in 2018.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
British travellers need prior approval to enter the USA, either through a visa or the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). Most British passport holders with an ePassport will be able to receive an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the VWP. This must be applied for, online, at least 72 hours before departure and grants you entry for 90 days. If you do not qualify for travel under the VWP, you will need to apply for a visa at your nearest US Embassy or Consulate before you travel. The currency in the USA is the US dollar.
