TSA Checkpoint Philadelphia Closure: Latest Wait Times

Few things throw off a travel day quite like showing up to a security checkpoint and finding it closed. That’s exactly what’s been happening at Philadelphia International Airport, where TSA has temporarily shut down three checkpoints amid a federal government shutdown. Here’s what’s going on, which terminals are affected, and what you can expect when you fly.

Checkpoints closed at PHL: Terminal A-West, Terminal F, Terminal C (as of March 2026) ·
Date of initial closure: November 5, 2025 ·
Current wait time (typical): 1-5 minutes in open terminals ·
TSA PreCheck open at PHL: Yes, at select terminals

Does TSA close at Philadelphia airport?

Yes, TSA has temporarily closed three security checkpoints at Philadelphia International Airport. The closures began on November 5, 2025, when Terminal A-West and Terminal F checkpoints shut down due to staffing issues tied to the federal government shutdown, according to PhillyVoice. On March 18, 2026, Terminal C checkpoint also closed, as Philadelphia International Airport announced via Facebook that the temporary closures were “intended to optimize operations across the remaining checkpoints.”

Which TSA checkpoints are closed at PHL right now?

• Terminal A-West — closed since November 5, 2025
• Terminal F — closed since November 5, 2025
• Terminal C — closed since March 18, 2026

Open checkpoints include Terminal A-East (open for international travelers), Terminal B, and Terminal D/E, per PHL.org’s official checkpoint hours page. CBS News Philadelphia reported that Terminal A-West and Terminal F were shut down in addition to Terminal C, which had closed the prior week.

The implication: PHL is consolidating security operations to manage limited TSA staffing. For passengers, this means fewer entry points, but not longer waits — at least not yet.

Are PHL checkpoints closed due to government shutdown?

Yes, the closures are directly tied to the federal government shutdown, which has reduced TSA staffing levels. 6abc reported on March 15 that TSA staffing shortages at PHL continued as the shutdown reached the one-month mark. The airport’s official post stated the temporary closures were meant to “optimize operations” amid these staffing constraints.

How long is the TSA wait time at Philadelphia International Airport?

Wait times at open PHL terminals remain short despite the checkpoint closures. NBC News reported on March 18 that with three targeted checkpoints closed, remaining checkpoint wait times ranged from 2 to 17 minutes. By March 30, conditions had improved further.

Five terminals, one pattern: open checkpoints are processing passengers quickly, with PreCheck lanes seeing the shortest lines.

Data from USA Today, March 30, 2026.

What this means: if you’re flying out of an open terminal, you’re unlikely to face major delays. But the situation could change if more checkpoints close or passenger volume increases. Bottom line: Wait times at open checkpoints remain low, but passengers should monitor airport updates as conditions could shift.

What is the current wait time at PHL?

As of late March 2026, wait times at open checkpoints are consistently under 10 minutes for standard lanes and under 5 minutes for PreCheck lanes, based on airport data compiled by USA Today. The airport’s live wait-time guidance has been the primary source for these estimates, as noted by NBC News.

Are there delays at PHL despite checkpoint closures?

Not significantly. While three checkpoints are closed, passengers are being redirected to remaining terminals, and wait times remain manageable. USA Today reported on March 30 that wait times were as low as 2 minutes for PreCheck and 3 minutes for standard lanes at Terminal A-East.

What is the current news on Philadelphia airport?

As of late March 2026, the big story at PHL is that three TSA checkpoints are closed due to the government shutdown, but operations remain stable. USA Today reported on March 30 that three security checkpoints at PHL remained unavailable after the March 18 operational decision. The closures have not caused widespread disruption, but they have changed how passengers navigate the airport.

What happened at Philadelphia airport today?

For the most recent updates, check PHL’s official website and social media channels. Philadelphia International Airport’s Facebook page has been posting real-time alerts about checkpoint status.

Are flights cancelled in Philadelphia tomorrow?

Flight cancellations are not directly related to checkpoint closures, according to available reports. Passengers should check their airline’s status directly. NBC News reported that while travel woes have mounted, the checkpoint closures themselves have not triggered widespread cancellations.

Why this matters: the closures are an inconvenience for passengers, but flight operations remain normal. The real risk is if the shutdown continues and TSA staffing drops further, which could eventually lead to broader disruptions.

Is TSA PreCheck open at PHL?

Yes, TSA PreCheck is available at open checkpoints. PhillyVoice reported that during the shutdown, Terminal C was described as a PreCheck-only checkpoint before it closed. Currently, PreCheck is available at Terminal A-East and Terminal D/E, where wait times have been as low as 2 minutes.

Three checkpoints, one pattern: PreCheck lanes at open terminals are consistently faster than standard lanes.

Data from USA Today, March 30, 2026.

The trade-off: PreCheck remains a valuable option for frequent travelers, but the closure of Terminal C—a former PreCheck-only checkpoint—means fewer dedicated lanes are available.

Where is TSA PreCheck available at PHL?

TSA PreCheck is available at Terminal A-East and Terminal D/E checkpoints, according to PHL.org. CBS News Philadelphia published operating hours: A-East 4:15 a.m. to 10:15 p.m., B 3:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and D/E 3:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Do seniors get free TSA PreCheck?

No, seniors do not get free TSA PreCheck. The standard enrollment fee of $78 for 5 years applies to all applicants, regardless of age. There is no senior discount or free enrollment program from TSA.

Timeline: TSA checkpoint closures at PHL

What’s confirmed vs. unclear

“Temporary closures beginning Wednesday, March 18. TSA will temporarily close the security checkpoints at Terminal C to optimize operations across our remaining checkpoints.”

— Philadelphia International Airport official Facebook post, March 2026

“With three targeted TSA checkpoints closed, remaining checkpoint wait times ranged from 2 to 17 minutes.”

— NBC News, March 18, 2026

“Security lines moved smoothly on the afternoon of March 15, with average waits of 15 minutes or less.”

— 6abc, March 15, 2026

“Three security checkpoints at PHL remained unavailable after a March 18 operational decision.”

— USA Today, March 30, 2026

Summary

Philadelphia International Airport’s checkpoint closures are a direct consequence of the federal government shutdown, but the situation has not spiraled into chaos. Wait times remain manageable, TSA PreCheck lanes are operating efficiently, and flight cancellations are not widespread. For passengers flying from PHL, the choice is clear: arrive early enough to navigate to an open terminal, use PreCheck if you have it, and check the airport’s live updates before heading out. The alternative—showing up unprepared to a closed checkpoint—could mean missing your flight.

Frequently asked questions