Cheap flights to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA)

Philadelphia Travel Guide

 There is so much to do and see when your flight to Philadelphia lands, that it’s hard to know where to go first. For most visitors on trips to Philadelphia, it’s best to start at the beginning. After all, this is where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written and signed, thus signaling the beginning of American freedom and civil liberties.

Today, travelers on Philadelphia flights gear up for a whirlwind history lesson. Sure, there’s the Liberty Bell, the signing of the Constitution and Independence Place, but if you look closely you’ll find that history runs deep within the Philadelphia limits. Pay close attention to Philadelphia hotels – look closely and you’ll see a combination of old Philadelphia combined with the new world. Philadelphia is packed full of cobblestone streets, grand halls and historic homes, but there’s a lot more to do and see that doesn’t include our forefathers.

Movie lovers booking flights to Philadelphia can run up the stairs of the Capitol building – a la Sylvester Stallone in Rocky – and then stand in line for cheese steak at one of the city’s famous stands. Sports lovers book trips to Philadelphia to cheer on the Eagles, the Phillies, the Flyers and the 76ers.

No matter what the reason is for booking Philadelphia flights and accommodations, you’ll leave the city with a renewed sense of passion for American history.

What’s the weather like in Philadelphia?

 Icy cold winters and extremely humid summers make spring and fall the best time to take flights to Philadelphia. If you can handle the crowds, Philadelphia goes wild every 4th of July (Independence Day) with fireworks and city-wide celebrations.

 When is the best time to fly to Philadelphia?

Peak Season:

Spring and fall are the best times to book flights to Philadelphia. Be aware, however, that Philadelphia is home to 300,000 students and 80 regional colleges and universities so plan your trip to avoid the fall arrival and spring exodus of all those students.

Off Peak Season:

Winter is cold in Philadelphia, but if you can brave the weather you’re likely to find cheap hotels and flights to Philadelphia.

Shoulder Season:

Spring can still be busy although the crowds will be smaller than the peak months. This can be a great time to book a holiday, as the weather will usually be around 1 to 10 degrees in March and 10 to 21 degrees in May, and prices will generally be slightly cheaper than during the summer months.

When is the best time to book a flight to Philadelphia?

When booking a trip to the City of Brotherly Love, it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets between 3 and 7 weeks in advance. The summer months tend to be the busiest for tourists visiting Philadelphia’s major attractions, so off-peak travel in the winter and fall may be better options if you wish to avoid the crowds. It can be easier to book a flight on short notice during the off-season. Flights may be cheaper on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays when there are fewer travelers.

How long is the flight to Philadelphia?

Philadelphia International Airport offers a wide range of flights both to and from the city on several major airlines. If you are traveling from Los Angeles, expect your nonstop flight to last approximately 5 hours. New Yorkers can travel to Philadelphia in about an hour nonstop, including time spent on the runway. Flights from London to Philadelphia last around 8 hours.

Which airlines fly to Philadelphia?

Many major domestic and international carriers service Philadelphia International Airport. For travel within the United States, look for flights with American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Spirit, and JetBlue, just to name a few. If you are traveling from outside of the U.S., select from Qatar Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa, or Air Canada.

What should you pack for a flight to Philadelphia? 

The weather in Philadelphia greatly depends on the season you visit during. The summer months can be very warm, so pack light clothing, including short-sleeved shirts and shorts along with comfortable sandals. In the fall and spring, you may want to bring clothing you can layer on chilly days, such as sweaters or sweatshirts and a warm jacket. For winter travel, bring a heavy coat, gloves, hat, and scarf for time outdoors, and stick to long-sleeved shirts and sweaters for indoors. If you’ll be taking in museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to bring sturdy walking shoes to keep you comfortable.

Getting to and around Philadelphia

 The main airport for travelers taking flights to Philadelphia is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). There is a shuttle available from the airport and transfer time is about 30 minutes. Car rental companies operate at the airport as well as limousine service.

A quick and easy way to get between your downtown hotel and the Center City is hopping aboard the Phlash, Philadelphia’s gas-engine trolley. It’s a convenient way to get to Independence Visitor Center, Penn’s Landing and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The trolley runs every day and can be boarded every 12 minutes at very affordable rates. It also provides direct connections to rail lines.

 What are some things to do in Philadelphia?

 Philadelphia is a city rich with history, and you can find plenty of exciting ways to spend your time here. The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall offer a great way to celebrate the heritage of the U.S. Copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are both on display at Independence Hall, and the Liberty Bell sits just across the street. Step back in time when you visit Eastern State Penitentiary, which was once home to Al Capone.

Of course, no trip to Philadelphia is complete without taking in some local cuisine. Try an authentic Philly cheese steak at the famed Geno’s Steaks, but be ready for a wait, as the line can sometimes stretch around the block. Pat’s King of Steaks is another famous place to get one of these mouthwatering meals.

Tips for your stay in Philadelphia

• National Park Service rangers invite you to the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site which commemorates Poe’s mysterious death on October 7, 1849. A series of special programs leading up to Halloween explore the famous author’s themes of madness, revenge, premature burial and death.
• Located across from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall in Independence National Historical Park, the Independence Visitor Center provides a free orientation to the culture, history, shopping and dining throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.
• Plan a visit to the National Constitution Center where you can explore the Interactive Constitution, a clause-by-clause explanation of the Constitution, providing easy access to basic constitutional facts and interpretation, and searchable by key words and Supreme Court cases.
• Be sure to visit the Philadelphia Stock Exchange (PHLX) which is the oldest stock exchange in the United States. The Exchange currently handles trades for approximately 2000 stocks, 1700 equity options, 25 index options, and a number of currency options.
• Celebrating more than 100 years of Gilbert and Sullivan and located in Philadelphia, The Savoy Company is the oldest amateur theater company in the world dedicated solely to the production of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Finding Flights from Philadelphia

 If you want to make Philadelphia just part of your trip to the Northeast, Cheapflights can help you find the connecting flights you need to get to Boston, New York, or beyond. Many of the major domestic airlines, including Delta, United, and American Airlines, fly in and out of Philadelphia International Airport. Fly from Philly to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls with Air Canada, or fly across the pond to the U.K. on British Airways.

Philadelphia International Airport tends to be busiest on Monday mornings, and you may also experience long lines during the early morning and early afternoon times on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Be sure to allow for extra time if you’ll be flying during those busy periods. Shuttle services are available to transport you between terminals once you get through security. The airport offers ample parking, and you can also take advantage of the SEPTA public transportation system if you prefer to take the train. Hotels in the area also offer shuttle service to the airport for added convenience.