How to Kill Time at Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport handles nearly 25 million passengers each year. The lucky ones get to spend some time in its new B/C Terminal, home to a 45,000-square-foot mall, Philadelphia Marketplace at the Airport.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Travel Clocks
• Comfortable Shoes
• Travel Clothes
• Travel Kits
• Travel Pillows
• Paperback Books
• Travel Magazines
• E-mail Accounts
• Travel Services
• Athletic Gear
• Travel Games
• Telephone Calling Cards

For the Adults

1. Figure out how much free time you'll actually have. Check to see if your flight is late and whether it will arrive/depart in terminal A, B, C, D or E.
2. Go to the B/C Terminal retail area first and look for groups of white wooden rocking chairs set amidst floral planters. Sit down, get your bearings and decide where to go next; or stay and read in comfort until your flight.
3. Shop 'til you drop. Dozens of shops carry clothing, toys, collectibles, CDs, perfumes, chocolates and sporting goods. Be aware that you may have to check in some of your larger items or have them shipped (see Warnings, below).
4. Dine at bar/grill restaurants, snack bars, fast-food eateries or any number of sit-down restaurants. Note that a variety of eateries and shops can also be found in most of the other terminals.
5. Look for the permanent and rotating art exhibitions in all five terminals. Recent presentations have included sculptures, porcelain, woodworks and photography.

For the Kids

6. Cater to your kids' interests, if they are with you, to keep them from getting antsy or whiny. You also want to tire them out before they get on the plane.
7. Choose from numerous kid-friendly eateries in the B/C mall and throughout the airport concourses.
8. Take younger children (ages 1 to 7) to the Please Touch Aviation Station, located in Concourse E, near Gate E4.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are departing on a flight, you must check in at your gate at least an hour before the flight, longer on international flights. Check with your airline.
• Keep in mind that many airlines have new carry-on restrictions and that you may have to check in larger purchases or have them shipped.