Michael Turner
Direct answer: PHL terminals offer pay-per-use trolleys and a small number of complimentary bag carriers at key locations. Expect trolley stations at ticketing lobbies, curbside islands and baggage claim exits; most units accept coins and contactless payment from vendors such as Smarte Carte.
Where to look: Check terminals A–E for clearly marked trolley bays near arrival exits and the main check-in halls. If you don’t see any, ask a terminal information desk or an airline agent–they can point to the nearest machine or a staffed porter stand.
Payment and practical tips: Carry quarters or enable tap-to-pay on your device to avoid delays; coin-only machines are less common but still present. For continuous use between curb, check-in and claim, rent at the ticketing level so you won’t need to re-rent after deplaning. If a unit jams, report it to the vendor contact on the trolley rather than leaving it in a traffic lane.
Alternatives: Pre-book curbside porter/Skycap service (tipping customary), request mobility or baggage-handling assistance at check-in, or bring a compact wheeled bag or personal foldable trolley. For last-minute confirmation of services in a specific terminal, call the terminal information line or check PHL’s official website before departure.
Baggage trolley availability at PHL
Available: coin-operated and complimentary push trolleys are stationed in ticketing lobbies, curbside loading zones and every baggage claim area across PHL terminals.
- Types and access: coin/token-release trolleys at curbside and baggage claim; free flatbed carriers for oversized items in select terminals; airline-provided porter/skycap assistance at curb for a fee (recommended gratuity $2–5 per checked bag).
- Exact locations: look for trolley bays adjacent to airline ticket counters, directly outside curbside departure zones, and beside each baggage carousel; terminal maps on the PHL website and information desks list precise kiosk positions.
- Deposit procedure: coin-operated units require a deposit; return the trolley to the designated slot to retrieve the refund or token. Keep small change or a token app on hand to avoid delays.
- Accessibility and special assistance: request complimentary wheelchair or escort service via your carrier or at any terminal information desk; staff can provide alternative handling if standard trolleys aren’t suitable.
- Oversize and heavy items: very large or unusually shaped items may not fit on push trolleys–ask ground crew or airline staff for specialized equipment or gate-check options before check-in.
- Rules and etiquette: return trolleys to marked bays (leaving them in curb lanes can trigger retrieval charges); secure loose items and avoid overloading to prevent damage or injury.
- Lost items and reporting: report belongings left on a trolley at the nearest information desk or your airline’s lost-and-found within 24–72 hours; include flight number, carousel, and photos to speed recovery.
- Pre-trip planning: if you prefer hands-off handling, reserve porter service through your carrier ahead of travel or arrange a door-to-door baggage delivery provider that meets terminal pickup rules.
Where to Find Baggage Trolleys in Each PHL Terminal & Concourse
Locate baggage trolleys at ticketing curbside islands, ground transportation/arrivals levels, and just past each security checkpoint; terminal- and concourse-specific spots follow.
Terminal A – A-East and A-West
A-East: rows of trolleys at the curbside ticketing islands near the main drop-off lanes, adjacent to the ground transportation plaza, and beside the elevator/stair cores that lead down to the baggage claim level; a small supply is placed immediately past the TSA ID check inside the concourse entrance.
A-West: trolley stacks at the A-West curbside islands and outside the covered walkway to the parking garage, near the baggage claim exits for arriving flights, and at the concourse connector between A-West and the central terminal area.
Concourses B, C, D and E
Concourse B: main entry to B has trolleys by the curbside drop zone and at the baggage claim exits; additional units sit near the stairs/elevators to the hourly parking and by the ground transportation signage.
Concourse C: trolleys placed at the primary curbside islands and inside the arrivals hall next to the baggage service office; a pair of stacks is typically located near the food court/central concourse intersection.
Concourse D (international): heavier-duty trolleys are staged at the international arrivals hall, adjacent to customs/immigration exits, at the curbside international curb islands, and near the shuttle/transfer desk to other terminals.
Concourse E: smaller stacks near regional jet arrival doors, at the E curbside ticketing islands, and by the walkway to economy parking and rental car shuttles.
Return trolleys to marked bays at curbside islands, to racks near each baggage carousel exit, or to the trolley corrals just inside terminal entrances; if none are visible, ask a gate agent, baggage service counter, or Ground Transportation staff for the nearest supply.
Payment options at PHL: coin, card or complimentary
Bring at least one U.S. quarter and enable contactless payments on your phone or card; terminals typically accept coins or tap-to-pay at trolley stations, while free assistance is available for travelers with reduced mobility or when requested from airline agents.
Coin-operated dispensers: found near curbside entrances, concourse access points and baggage claim levels – carry small change for immediate use. Card and mobile wallets: most trolley stands now include EMV/contactless readers; if a reader shows an error, try a different reader or use mobile wallet’s NFC instead of the chip reader.
Complimentary options: request gate or curbside help at the ticket counter, contact airline customer service before arrival, or use the terminal’s assistance phone for on-demand porter service. Passengers requiring ADA help are entitled to free baggage-trolley service and priority assistance through airline or airport disability services.
Quick checklist: pockets with $1 in quarters, contactless card active, airline phone number saved, and a plan to ask staff for a free assist if needed. If you’ll be spending time outdoors while waiting, consider a best commercial grade patio umbrella.
How to retrieve refunds or release a coin-operated trolley at PHL
Return the carrier to any docking bay and pull the release lever; the coin or token normally drops into the small return slot on the unit. If there’s a red or labeled refund button, push it once and wait 5–10 seconds for the mechanism to cycle.
If the coin/token does not come back
Locate the unit ID (usually a sticker or plate with a number) and photograph it. Report the problem at the nearest information/concierge desk or airline ticket counter and give them the unit ID, terminal/concour se location and time. Most desks can trigger a manual release or escalate to ground operations.
If the housing accepts card or mobile pay, the refund will be returned to the same payment method; allow 3–5 business days for processing and keep a photo of the payment confirmation screen when possible.
When the mechanism is jammed or you need immediate help
Ask a gate agent, ticket counter staff or any on-floor representative to summon facilities/operations – many terminals maintain personnel with keys or tools to free stuck carriers. If an on-machine phone number is posted, call it and provide the unit ID. Keep the coin/token and any receipts until the issue is resolved; a photo of the jam and the unit ID speeds any refund request.
Tip: if you must move bags immediately, request temporary assistance from airline staff or the information desk while the refund is processed.
Size, weight and oversized baggage rules for PHL trolleys
Recommendation: keep each piece under 50 lb and under 62 linear inches (length + width + height) when moving it with a terminal trolley; any item exceeding either threshold needs processing at the carrier’s oversized-baggage or check-in counter before entering secure areas.
Standard trolleys at PHL are intended for suitcases, duffels and carry-on-sized bags. Airlines that operate at PHL generally apply a 50 lb weight limit and a 62 in dimensional limit for checked bags; charges or special handling apply for heavier or larger pieces – notify your airline in advance for pallets, bicycles, golf clubs and musical instruments.
Strollers and compact baby gear: collapse and gate-check when possible; if packing in a box or protective bag for check-in, measure folded dimensions and list weight at the ticket counter. For an economical travel umbrella stroller option, consider this model: best inexpensive newborn stroller umbrella.
For oversized, oddly shaped or high-value pieces, follow these steps: 1) weigh and measure at home; 2) alert the airline by phone or online prior to travel; 3) arrive earlier than normal to complete oversized check-in and pay any fees; 4) request a special handling tag and retain receipts. If carrier staff deny trolley transport for safety, move items via curbside ground-transport or use a paid baggage-handling service.
Quick practical checklist: weigh each bag; measure length+width+height; consolidate to avoid >50 lb or >62 in; label fragile items; contact carrier ahead for sports equipment or large boxes.
Accessible trolleys and requesting baggage assistance at PHL
Book special-assistance service with your carrier at least 48 hours before departure; for same-day needs, contact the curbside ticket counter or an Information Desk immediately upon arrival at PHL.
- Pre-travel actions
- Call the airline’s special assistance line or use the carrier’s accessibility form; provide flight number, terminal (PHL), mobility-device dimensions and weight, and arrival/departure times.
- If screening support is required, call TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 up to 72 hours ahead to arrange assistance through security checkpoints.
- Request confirmed pick-up/drop-off points (curbside, ticket counter, gate) so ground staff know where to meet you.
- Day‑of procedures
- At curbside or ticketing, present ID and boarding pass; ground agents will assign a porter or mobility attendant and document any checked items needing special handling.
- For departures, attendants can escort through security and to the gate; for arrivals, request a “meet-and-assist” at the jet bridge or baggage claim–confirm whether the airline will transfer your bags to the claim area.
- If an automated trolley requires payment and you cannot use it, ask staff at the nearest Information Desk or a Transportation Security Officer to release or provide an alternative.
- Handling mobility devices and oversized items
- Declare wheelchairs, scooters, and mobility aids at check-in; obtain gate-check tags when applicable and keep any removable batteries protected per carrier rules.
- For fragile or oversized equipment, request written handling instructions and get a receipt or tracking tag at drop-off.
- Confirm whether your carrier will accept weight/size exceptions for assistive devices so you avoid excess-fee surprises.
- Third‑party porter services and fees
- If the airline does not provide porters, ask an Information Desk for approved vendors; compare flat fees and included services (door‑to‑door assistance, bag transfer, tipping policy).
- Common tipping guideline: $3–$5 per standard bag, $5–$10 for heavy or bulky pieces; tip at completion of service.
- Onsite points of contact
- Airline special assistance desk at ticketing counters or gates (call carrier in advance to confirm location).
- PHL Information Desks for immediate release of pay-operated trolleys, direction to porter vendors, and coordination with ground handlers.
- TSA Cares: 855-787-2227 for screening accommodation coordination.
- Practical tips
- Carry a printed note describing any assistance needs, device specs, and a backup contact number to show staff quickly.
- Allow 90–120 minutes for domestic departures and 3 hours for international flights when assistance is requested.
- Label mobility devices with contact information and take photos before handing them to handlers for condition records.
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Report lost items or trolley damage and claim reimbursement at PHL
Notify the nearest customer service desk in the terminal immediately and file a written report within 24 hours.
Report the incident to both the carrier (for checked or handled bags) and to PHL Lost & Found/terminal operations. For damage, submit a property-claim to the carrier if an airline employee or ground handler caused harm; submit to the airport operator for damage resulting from fixed equipment or terminal trolleys.
Document condition and chain of custody: photograph damage from multiple angles with a ruler or common object for scale, keep boarding pass and bag tag, save original purchase receipts, collect witness names and contact details, request a written incident report or reference number from the desk agent.
| Step | Contact | Information to provide | Typical deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate on-site report | Terminal customer service desk / gate agent | Incident time, location, photos, witness names | Within 24 hours |
| Airline property claim | Airline baggage or claims desk / online carrier portal | Boarding pass, bag tag, purchase receipts, repair estimate, photos | Many carriers: 24 hours (damage) to 7 days (delayed items) |
| PHL Lost & Found report | PHL Lost & Found online form or terminal office | Description, photo, terminal/concours, time/date | Submit immediately; follow-up 7–14 business days |
| Property-operator claim | PHL Risk Management / terminal operations | Signed incident report, receipts, photos, police report if theft | Allow 30–90 days for adjudication |
For suspected theft or significant damage, file a police report at the terminal or local precinct and attach the report number to all claim paperwork. Obtain written confirmation from every desk or agent that received your report and request a claim or reference number in writing.
Claim submission checklist: clear photos, original purchase receipts or certified value appraisal, repair shop estimate, boarding pass and tag, written incident report, witness contacts, police report if applicable, claimant contact and mailing address. Send duplicate copies by email and certified mail where required.
If a carrier denies responsibility, escalate using the carrier’s appeal process, then consider filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation for domestic flights or pursuing small-claims court with the documented evidence. For unresolved claims against terminal equipment, direct correspondence and certified claims to PHL Risk Management with a demand letter and all supporting documents.
