Non-Travelers Will Now Be Able to Greet Family and Friends at This U.S. Airport
by Daniel McCarthy /
Want to greet a loved one at an airport’s gate with flowers and chocolate in hand? You may want to book travel through Pittsburgh International Airport.
Pittsburgh became the first major U.S. airport since 9/11 to allow non-travelers through its security gates this week when it announced its new myPitpass program.
The program will allow people not holding airline tickets to travel through security, so they can access gate attractions or say goodbye to or to greet loved ones.
To get access, travelers need to go to a myPITpass counter inside the Landside Terminal at Pittsburg International and show a valid driver’s license or passport. Then, pass holders will have to go through an alternate security checkpoint that has the same requirements as the airport’s regular security lines.
While there are some security concerns—the Association for Professional Flight Attendants said it was “not the right approach to airline safety and security"—the program has support from the Transportation Security Administration.
“We look forward to working with the airport on this program,” the TSA said in a statement, also explaining that “participants should be prepared to receive the same level of security screening as travelers and should ensure they’re not carrying any prohibited” and that people on the no-fly list will not be allowed through gates.
According to Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis, a major reason for the program’s launch is to let people enjoy food offerings that are only located behind Pittsburgh’s gates.
"Since I started here, people have been asking about shopping and dining at the airport,” she said.
Pittsburgh International boasts the typical quick-service airport food—Starbucks, TGI Fridays, McDonalds—while also offering some one-of-a-kind restaurants including Bellfarm Kitchen, which offers locally sourced food in an upscale environment, and Vino Volo, a wine boutique with a tasting lounge and bar.