Table of Contents
Philadelphia International Airport is a busy hub with plenty of airlines to choose from. Whether you’re flying for business or just itching for a vacation, you’ll see names like American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, and Frontier popping up.
The best airline for you? Well, that’s going to come down to your budget, your destination, and honestly, what you care about most.
Some airlines lean hard on low-cost fares, which is great if you’re counting every dollar. Others are all about comfort and in-flight perks, though you’ll probably pay more for the privilege.
Knowing what each airline actually offers can make picking one a little less overwhelming.
You’ll also find a bunch of direct flights from PHL, so you won’t always have to mess around with layovers. That’s a relief, right?
Key Takeaways
- Philadelphia International Airport has a bunch of major airlines for all kinds of travelers.
- Both low-cost and full-service airlines operate from Philly, so there’s real choice.
- Your “best” airline is going to depend on what you value—price, comfort, or maybe just who has the least annoying boarding process.
Overview of Philadelphia International Airport and Major Airlines
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) connects you to tons of places, both in the U.S. and abroad. It’s a solid option whether you’re traveling for work or just for fun.
It’s about 7 miles from downtown Philly, which isn’t too bad if you’re grabbing a cab or hopping on the train.
PHL handles nearly 500 departures a day to over 130 destinations. That’s a lot of planes coming and going.
It’s one of the country’s bigger airports, and it’s set up for both domestic and international travelers.
There are 22 airlines here, and the terminals are pretty modern, with accessibility features that actually help. American Airlines uses PHL as a key hub, so you’ll see their planes everywhere.
Top Domestic and International Airlines Operating at PHL
Frontier, Delta, Spirit, and Southwest are some of the busiest for domestic flights out of Philly. American Airlines is the big international player, sending people all over the world.
Here’s a quick look at the top airlines by passenger numbers in 2024:
- Frontier Airlines: 3.6 million passengers
- Delta Airlines: 1.9 million passengers
- Spirit Airlines: 1.7 million passengers
- Southwest Airlines: Lots of flights and a strong presence
With these airlines, you’ve got plenty of options and flexibility when planning a trip. It’s not hard to find a flight that works—at least, most of the time.
Evaluating the Best Airlines Flying from Philadelphia
Picking an airline at PHL? You’ll want to think about reliability, how happy people are with them, and where they actually fly.
These factors end up making or breaking your trip, whether you’re heading out for work or just trying to escape for a bit.
Criteria for Ranking Airlines from PHL
Start with on-time performance, customer service, and baggage policies. For example, Piedmont Airlines has a pretty good reliability record, with only about 13% of flights delayed over three years.
Ticket prices matter, sure, but sometimes you get what you pay for. American Airlines might cost more, but you might get a comfier seat.
JetBlue has a reputation for friendly crews, which is always nice.
Flight frequency and ease of booking are worth checking, too. Does the airline let you cancel easily? Are the baggage rules clear, or are you going to get surprised at the gate? Little things, but they add up.
Most Popular Carriers by Passenger Satisfaction
At PHL, JetBlue and American Airlines get a lot of love from travelers. JetBlue’s crew is often mentioned as a high point, even if not everyone is wild about every part of the experience.
American Airlines is a go-to for frequent flyers. People seem to like the steady service, even if it’s not always the cheapest option.
United and Southwest also fly from Philly, though they don’t have as many flights. Southwest stands out for extra legroom and fewer baggage fees on some routes, which is great if you’re heading to Florida.
Nonstop Destinations and Route Networks
Where you’re going makes a big difference. American Airlines has the biggest nonstop network from PHL, with direct flights to major U.S. cities and some international spots.
JetBlue is strong on East Coast and Florida routes, so it’s handy for quick trips in that direction.
Piedmont Airlines mostly covers regional American connections, which is helpful if you want easy transfers.
Nonstop flights save you hassle and time. Airlines with more direct routes just make travel simpler—who wants to hang around in another airport if you don’t have to?
Spotlight: Frontier Airlines at Philadelphia International Airport
Frontier Airlines is a favorite for budget-friendly flights out of Philly. If you’re looking to save cash, they’re worth a look.
You’ll find direct flights to a bunch of U.S. cities, and their services are set up to be affordable and pretty straightforward.
Frontier Airlines’ Routes and Destinations from PHL
Frontier flies to over 50 destinations from Philadelphia International Airport. Some of the most popular direct routes are Orlando, Denver, and Las Vegas.
That’s a good spread, whether you’re heading out for fun or work.
They mostly stick to domestic routes, so don’t expect a ton of international options. Still, with 50-plus routes, you can get to a lot of key cities on the east coast, midwest, and west coast without much trouble.
Their fares are usually lower than the competition, making them a solid pick for budget travelers who just want to get where they’re going without spending a fortune.
Unique Services and Amenities Offered by Frontier Airlines
Frontier’s reputation as an ultralow-cost carrier is well-earned. You basically pay for what you actually use.
The base ticket price is low—sometimes surprisingly so. But if you want to choose your seat, bring a carry-on, or grab a snack, that’ll cost extra.
Honestly, it’s a pick-and-choose setup. You decide what matters and what you’re willing to pay for.
Booking is simple enough, whether you’re on their website or using the mobile app. There’s also “Discount Den,” which is a membership that unlocks even steeper discounts on a bunch of flights.
You won’t find luxury touches here, but the planes have modern seats and generally get you where you need to go. If you’re the type who’d rather save cash than pay for extras, Frontier’s probably worth considering for trips out of Philadelphia.