Meeters and greeters and the general public will have access to all gates, shops and restaurants at Pittsburgh International (PIT) under a new initiative beginning Sept. 5. The airport will be the first in the country to allow access to the general public.
PIT, in cooperation with the Transportation Security Administration, is participating in a pilot program under which the public will have year-round access to the Airside Terminal. Through the new “myPITpass” program, members of the public will be able to access the Airside Terminal by following procedures. Each person wanted to access the secure side of the airport will be required to check in, show a valid photo identification and have their name vetted against the No Fly list before being issued a stamped “myPITpass.” The person can then go through the security checkpoint, observing the same rules as passengers boarding flights.
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 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,” said Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis. “This program builds on our successful Holiday Open House program and airside access for guests of the airport Hyatt hotel.”
