Longest line at Philly airport? Cheesesteaks, not security

Philadelphia Airport Sets World Record with 1,291 Cheesesteaks on National Cheesesteak Day

A new Guinness World Record was established at Philadelphia International Airport on Monday as organizers assembled an impressive line of 1,291 cheesesteak sandwiches, more than doubling the previous record of 500.

The massive display took place inside a departure hall between Terminals B and C, transforming the typical airport scene into a celebration of Philadelphia’s most iconic culinary contribution on National Cheesesteak Day.

“We went for the world record for the longest cheesesteak in history,” said Clarence LeJeune of MarketPlace PHL, the company that manages concessions at the airport. “Today we accomplished that goal here in Philadelphia.”

The record-breaking attempt brought together dozens of workers in black aprons who methodically assembled the sandwiches along tables set up in the terminal walkway. They efficiently filled rolls from silver buckets of ingredients as they moved past airport storefronts, creating a production line that stretched through the concourse.

The cheesesteak, which first emerged in Philadelphia in the early 1900s, has become inseparable from the city’s identity. LeJeune emphasized this connection, noting that the sandwich is “synonymous” with Philadelphia, alongside its passionate sports culture.

Michael Empric, an adjudicator from Guinness World Records, was on hand to verify the record. He explained that all food used in such record attempts must follow strict guidelines, including requirements that it be consumed or donated afterward.

Following the official certification of the record, the sandwiches were distributed to airport travelers, workers, and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff. The timing was particularly meaningful, as TSA employees have been working without pay during the ongoing government shutdown, making the cheesesteak giveaway a welcome gesture of support.

The cheesesteak, traditionally made with thinly sliced ribeye beef, grilled onions, and melted cheese on a long roll, has been a subject of passionate debate among Philadelphians for generations. Arguments about the best cheese (Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American), the optimal roll, and which establishments make the definitive version continue to this day.

LeJeune highlighted this culinary flexibility, noting there are few hard rules for making a proper cheesesteak, which is part of the “beauty of the experience.” However, he did point out one notorious exception: “You don’t ask for Swiss cheese,” he said, referencing a cultural misstep by then-presidential candidate John Kerry in 2003, when he ordered a cheesesteak with Swiss cheese during a campaign stop and drew criticism from locals.

The record attempt not only celebrated Philadelphia’s culinary heritage but also created a unique experience for travelers passing through one of America’s busiest airports. Rather than facing the typical stress of security lines, passengers encountered a different kind of queue entirely – one made of the city’s beloved sandwiches.

This event marks another chapter in Philadelphia’s ongoing celebration of its food culture. The cheesesteak, along with soft pretzels, water ice, and roast pork sandwiches, forms a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s culinary identity and continues to attract food tourists from around the world.

For the thousands of travelers and airport employees who witnessed or participated in the record-breaking event, it served as a reminder of how deeply food traditions can become intertwined with a city’s character and pride. As Philadelphia continues to evolve as a culinary destination, its signature sandwich remains a beloved constant – now with a world record to match its outsized reputation.