Pittsburgh International becomes First in Country to Allow Public to Access Gates, Shops and Restaurants beyond Checkpoint
By checking in, showing valid ID and passing through security checkpoint, public can shop, dine and meet/greet loved ones
Pittsburgh, Aug. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pittsburgh International Airport, in cooperation with the Transportation Security Administration, announced today that it will become the first airport in the country to allow the public to access gates, shops and restaurants beyond the security checkpoint without requiring an airline ticket and no reduction in security.
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As part of a TSA pilot program, the public will have year-round access to the Airside Terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport beginning at 9 a.m. Sept. 5, for shopping, dining and meeting/greeting passengers. Through the new “myPITpass” program, members of the public will be able to access the Airside Terminal by following these procedures:
- Check in on 3rd 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.
“For years, we've heard from travelers and non-travelers alike who want the opportunity to shop the stores at the airport," said County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. "Thanks to the constant work of Christina Cassotis and her team at the airport, as well as the support of Congressman Tim Murphy, who assisted with the TSA, we're finally able to make that a reality with the myPITpass Program.”
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 only valid on the day of issuance.
“Since I started here, people have been asking about being able to escort loved ones to the gate or being able to shop and dine at the airport. We have worked closely with the TSA and we are thrilled that the agency selected Pittsburgh as the first airport in the country to implement this pilot program,” Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said. “This program builds on our successful Holiday Open House program and Airside access for guests of the airport Hyatt hotel.”
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 the public 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.
“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is pleased to support Pittsburgh International Airport on the launch of their myPITpass program,” said Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s Federal Security Director for PIT. “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. We look forward to working with the airport on this program.”
Additional information is available at www.flypittsburgh.com/myPITpass.
About Allegheny County Airport Authority:
Allegheny County Airport Authority, which manages Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, is committed to increasing air service, improving customer service and inspiring growth in the Pittsburgh region. Its 2016 Annual Report detailing growth and improved financial position can be found at www.flypittsburgh.com/AR16.
Pittsburgh International Airport serves more than 8 million passengers annually on 16 carriers. During the past two years, the airport has increased its nonstop destinations more than 80 percent to include 68 airports. Air Transport World named Pittsburgh International its 2017 Airport of the Year. Travel + Leisure has again named Pittsburgh International a Top 10 Domestic Airport in 2017. In addition, TripAdvisor ranked Pittsburgh International Airport a Travelers’ Choice Favorite for Shopping in 2016.
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee9b03aa-f076-469d-aff9-9e993a68686f
Bob Kerlik Allegheny County Airport Authority 412-472-3840 bkerlik@flypittsburgh.com
