Philly airport workers get customer-service refresher in advance of papal visit

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Travelers pass through a corridor at Philadelphia International Airport. (AP file photo)

Travelers pass through a corridor at Philadelphia International Airport. (AP file photo)

Philadelphia International Airport is gearing up for the late September visit of Pope Francis.

Passengers will pack the airport very much like a Thanksgiving holiday weekend, said spokeswoman Mary Flannery, who said some frontline employees will be getting  a refresher course in customer service.

“Those who have direct contact with the traveling public, because everyone needs a refresher about how people can do their jobs in a better way,” she said. “We want to remind people about customer service situations, understanding customer’s needs and expectations.”

The airport will be ready for the extra travelers who may number 25 percent more than normal, Flannery said.

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“We’re expecting a big crowd,  but we have great experience with that on Thanksgiving,” she said. “And, at least this time we know, for this situation, it’s not going to be snowing, so that’s a plus.”

Flannery said the airport is also coordinating with SEPTA on transporting passengers from the airport to Center City.

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