PIT becomes first airport in country to open shops to public
Pittsburgh International Airport has become the first airport in the nation to allow the public to access gates, shops and restaurants beyond the security checkpoint without requiring an airline ticket.
As part of a Transportation Security Administration pilot program announced Aug. 28, the public now have year-round access to the Airside Terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport. The change went into effect Sept. 5 for shopping, dining and meeting passengers.
According to a press release form the Allegheny County Airport Authority, members of the public wishing to participate in the program must check in, show valid identification and pass through the security checkpoint.
“For years, we’ve heard from travelers and non-travelers alike who want the opportunity to shop the stores at the airport,” Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald praised Allegheny County Airport Authority Chief Executive Officer Christina Cassotis as well as the support of U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair, who assisted with the TSA to make the program a reality.
Cassotis said the new program “builds on the airport’s successful Holiday Open House program and Airside access for guests of the airport Hyatt hotel.”
The airport said the same security requirements as ticketed passengers will be followed, ensuring no reduction in security. Ticketed passengers will receive priority in the checkpoint line, and those going Airside will be strictly vetted and screened as if they were boarding a plane. All rules for carry-on luggage will also apply to those receiving the myPITpass for Airside access.
Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s federal security director for Pittsburgh International, said participants should be prepared to receive the same level of security screening as travelers and should ensure they’re not carrying any prohibited items such as weapons before coming through the security checkpoint.
Through the new “myPITpass” program, members of the public will be able to access the Airside Terminal by following these procedures:
• Check in on third floor ticketing level (across from Allegiant)
• Show a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
• Have name vetted against no fly list and obtain stamped myPITpass
• Go through security checkpoint observing the same rules as passengers boarding flights.
Hours for issuing passes will be Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the possibility of additional hours and weekend days in coming months.
The pass is valid only on the day of issuance.
Pittsburgh International Airport serves more than 8 million passengers annually on 16 carriers.