More Restaurants, Security Lanes, Seating Planned for Philadelphia Airport Terminal

Philadelphia International Airport will spend $127 million to redesign and expand its F terminal, which primarily serves 275 daily US Airways Express regional flights. The 38-gate terminal was designed in the late ’90s for 30- to 50-seat jets, but increasing fuel costs have led airlines to favor 70- to 100-seat jets on their regional routes. Two of the terminal’s concourses will be lengthened, allowing the airport to reposition gates to accommodate larger planes and expand passenger waiting areas. Other planned improvements include:

–A larger shuttle stop that will provide cover to passengers using buses to connect to other terminals.

–An additional 60,000 sq. ft. of retail space, doubling the number of restaurants and shops.

–A new, more intuitively placed baggage claim building with a taxi stand.

–Security screening will move to the current baggage claim site, allowing for the addition of two new lanes for a total of four.

–A walkway between Terminals F and E will become a secured connection corridor, allowing passengers to access any part of the airport without going through security a second time.

–A lounge for US Airways frequent fliers.

All new concessions will be open by September 2013, and the full project is scheduled for completion in early 2016. philly.com