Two more security checkpoints will temporarily close Wednesday at Philadelphia International Airport, creating potential bottlenecks at the remaining screening hubs.
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The Transportation Security Administration will shutter the checkpoints at Terminals A-West and F until further notice. The federal agency had already temporarily closed the security lines at Terminal C, available only to PreCheck flyers, last week. Like that closure, the latest ones are the result of TSA staffing shortages caused by the partial government shutdown, airport spokesperson Heather Redfern said.
Passengers will still be able to access Terminals A-West, C and F after clearing security in other parts of the airport. Airport officials are directing travelers to use the checkpoints at Terminals A-East, B and D/E during the temporary closures.
⚠️ Temporary Closures: Beginning Wednesday, March 18, TSA will temporarily close the Terminal A-West, Terminal C, and Terminal F security checkpoints to help optimize operations across other checkpoints.
What you should know before you arrive 👇
🕗 TSA Operating Hours:… pic.twitter.com/HbosTFiECz
— PHLAirport (@PHLAirport) March 17, 2026
Wait times at the security gates for Terminal B, the closest option for passengers flying out of Terminal C, were at 10 minutes as of Tuesday evening. Lines were moving quicker at all other checkpoints, where wait times were 2-3 minutes. These estimates are regularly updated on the airport’s website.
Philadelphia International Airport recommends passengers budget an extra 30 minutes to accommodate the security restrictions. Travelers should arrive 2 1/2 hours before domestic flights and 3 1/2 hours before international travel, transportation officials said.
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