Airport to Allow Friends and Family to Escort PAX to the Gate

Public to be given “myPITpass” at no reduction of security to flyers

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) will soon allow the public into secure terminals, as long as they are not on the “No Fly” list and can pass through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. In a press release, the airport announced the launch of the “myPITpass” program, starting on Tuesday, September 5, 2017.

“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 on this program,” Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said in a statement. “This program builds on our successful Holiday Open House program and Airside access for guests of the airport Hyatt hotel.”

Members of the public who wish to utilize the program will have to check in like other flyers at a counter at the ticketing level. After presenting a valid, government issued photo identification (a driver’s license or passport) and passing the “No Fly” list check, they will receive a stamped pass. The pass will be presented to the TSA alongside a photo ID, where they will be screened like other passengers.

Passes will only be valid on the day they are stamped, with repeat guests requiring a new one every time they wish to visit the secure zone of the airport. Because visitors will not be allowed to bypass the TSA checkpoint, there will be no lapse in security for flyers or aircraft.

The program is the first of its kind across the United States. No other airports have announced if they will begin allowing non-passengers into the secure zone.