"American Idol" contestant Jermaine Jones fled Los Angeles and the "A.I." guillotine ... because we got video of him after he landed in Philadelphia last night.

Jones flew first class -- which makes us think "Idol" may have paid for the ticket.

As we reported, the plan was for Jermaine to appear on tonight's show​, facing the music for lying about his criminal past.

It's true -- jets also fly west, but it would be a very fast turnaround.