PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh International Airport security officials are advising Thanksgiving travelers to arrive two hours before their scheduled departure and to review new security screening procedures and carry-on rules to facilitate an easier airport experience.
Additionally, airport officials are advising that myPITpass – the program that allows the general public to access the Airside Terminal without a boarding pass – will be suspended Nov. 23-27. The program is expected to resume Tuesday, Nov. 28 with normal hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, along with the airport’s annual Holiday Open House set for Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Last month, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implemented new screening procedures for carry-on items. The new procedures require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in separate bins with nothing on top or below for X-ray screening. This helps TSA officers obtain a clearer X-ray image of the item.
It is also possible that passengers may experience more bag checks. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving. There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint; food and liquid items that comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags.
Passengers should review all rules for carry-ons in advance of their flight at: https://www.tsa.gov/.
The new security measures do not apply to passengers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® who are using TSA Pre✓® lanes. Travelers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® do not need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, electronics, light outerwear, or belts.
For those picking up loved ones during the week, drivers are asked to use Extended Parking and the Cell Phone Lot which are free for up to one hour. Drivers are asked to not park on the side of airport roadways, or for extended periods along the Arrivals Curb, as police will be monitoring those areas. All unattended vehicles will be towed.
“Because of new nonstop flights, passenger traffic has increased about seven percent in 2017 at Pittsburgh International Airport, and the effects are noticeable,” said Alyson Walls, communications manager. “We thank travelers for flying and encourage everyone to arrive early and review all rules to have a more pleasant holiday travel experience.”
From Nov. 20 through Nov. 27, an average of 31,000 people are expected to arrive and depart daily at Pittsburgh International. There is a 10 percent increase in seat capacity for this time period compared to last year.
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 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.