Lois Larson
Pittsburgh International Airport was the first airport in the country since the 9/11 terrorist attacks to offer access beyond security to non-ticketed visitors. The MyPITPass program, launched in 2017, allows guests without plane tickets to go through security and visit the airport's Airside Terminal, where they can dine and shop. The airport has over 30 restaurants, including a bar and grill at concourse D, and Buford's Kitchen, which is right before the security lines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can non-passengers eat at Pittsburgh Airport? | Yes, Pittsburgh International Airport was the first airport in the US since 9/11 to allow non-passengers beyond security. |
| How is this possible? | Through the MyPITPass program, a partnership with the Transportation Security Administration. |
| When is the program available? | Year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the possibility of additional hours and weekend days. |
| Where can non-passengers eat? | Over 30 restaurants are available, including the airport café, which offers a view of the airport. |
| Do you need a boarding pass to enter the airport restaurants? | No, but you will need to go through security. |
| Are there any restaurants before security? | Yes, Buford's Kitchen is located right before the security lines and offers alcohol and food. |
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What You'll Learn
- Pittsburgh International Airport's MyPITPass program allows non-flyers to access restaurants
- The airport has over 30 restaurants, including local food and sports-themed bars
- The airport's cafe has a view of the planes
- Before 9/11, Pittsburgh Airport's AirMall was open to non-flyers
- Some people buy refundable tickets to access airport restaurants
Pittsburgh International Airport's MyPITPass program allows non-flyers to access restaurants
Pittsburgh International Airport's MyPITPass program allows non-flyers to access the airport's restaurants, shops, and gates. The program, which launched in September 2017, is a partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It is the first program of its kind in the country since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 to offer access beyond security to non-ticketed visitors.
With the MyPITPass program, guests without plane tickets can go through security and visit the airport's Airside Terminal, where they can dine, shop, and greet passengers. The program is available year-round from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with the possibility of additional hours and weekend days being added. There are over 30 restaurants available for flyers and guests, including local Pittsburgh cuisine such as cheese and roasted mac, as well as sandwiches, alcohol, and other dining options.
Prior to the 9/11 attacks, local shoppers could visit the AirMall at Pittsburgh International Airport without a boarding pass. However, after the attacks, only ticketed passengers and airport and airline employees were allowed to enter. This resulted in a significant drop in business for the airport's restaurants and shops. With the introduction of the MyPITPass program, the airport has received positive feedback, and people have been taking advantage of the airport's concessions and exploring the terminal.
While the MyPITPass program offers a unique opportunity for non-flyers to access airport amenities, it is important to note that some individuals may prefer to dine and shop outside of the airport due to the time and hassle involved in going through security. Additionally, some airports, like the Albuquerque Sunport, do not allow individuals to bring luggage into the terminal when visiting pre-security restaurants, which can be a hindrance for those specifically seeking to dine at airport restaurants.
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The airport has over 30 restaurants, including local food and sports-themed bars
Pittsburgh International Airport has over 30 restaurants, bars, lounges, and eateries. The airport became the first in the country since the 9/11 terrorist attacks to offer access beyond security to non-ticketed visitors through its MyPITPass program. This program allows visitors without plane tickets to go through security and visit the airport's Airside Terminal, where they can dine, shop, and engage in other activities.
The airport's restaurants offer a variety of dining options, including local Pittsburgh cuisine such as cheese and roasted mac. Visitors can also find sports-themed bars and grills decorated with collectibles honouring local teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers. These establishments typically serve beer, sandwiches, burgers, and flatbreads.
Pittsburgh International Airport is known for its quality food, fine dining, and customer service, ranking highly among airports in these areas. The airport's large size accommodates a wide range of social amenities and food services, providing a unique dining experience with well-crafted steel décor and spectacular views of the airport.
One notable dining spot is the Hyatt, which is connected to the airport and features a well-regarded bar. Buford's Kitchen, located before the security lines, offers alcohol and casual dining options, along with a view of the TSA checkpoint. Additionally, there is a bar and grill just outside security that serves burgers and flatbreads.
With its diverse culinary offerings, Pittsburgh International Airport provides a range of dining experiences for travellers and visitors alike, ensuring that everyone can find something to suit their tastes.
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The airport's cafe has a view of the planes
The Airport Café Has a View of the Planes
Pittsburgh International Airport became the first airport in the country since the 9/11 terrorist attacks to offer access beyond security to non-ticketed visitors. The airport's MyPITPass program, launched in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration in 2017, allows guests without plane tickets to go through security and visit the airport's Airside Terminal, where they can dine and shop. This program has received positive feedback, with people taking advantage of the airport's concessions, exploring the airport, and watching planes arrive and depart.
Pittsburgh International Airport offers a unique dining experience at its airport café, where you can enjoy a meal while taking in spectacular views of the airport through its open-glass front. The airport is known for its quality food, fine dining, and customer service, with several restaurants, bars, lounges, and eateries to choose from. The airport's large size makes it an ideal place to house these social amenities, providing a variety of options for both flyers and visitors.
One notable dining option at the airport is the bar and grill located in Concourse D. This restaurant is a fun Pittsburgh watering hole, decorated with Steel City collectibles that pay tribute to local sports teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. Here, you can enjoy local Pittsburgh food, such as cheese and roasted mac, along with sandwiches and a variety of beers. It's a great place to celebrate Pittsburgh's professional sports teams and socialize with fellow travellers or visitors to the airport.
In addition to the restaurants within the airport, there are also dining options nearby. The Hyatt, connected to the airport, offers a nice bar for those who want to enjoy a drink and a more relaxed atmosphere. Buford's Kitchen, located just before the security lines, serves alcohol and casual dining options. For those who enjoy people-watching, Buford's provides a great spot to observe travellers passing through the TSA checkpoint, and there's also a Dunkin' Donuts across the way.
Whether you're a traveller passing through or a local looking for a unique dining experience, Pittsburgh International Airport offers a variety of options, including the airport café with its stunning views of the planes and airport activity. It's a great place to satisfy your hunger and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the airport while taking in the sights of aircraft arriving and departing.
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Before 9/11, Pittsburgh Airport's AirMall was open to non-flyers
Pittsburgh International Airport has a wide range of restaurants and bars, including local Pittsburgh cuisine and fine dining. Before 9/11, non-flyers could access the airport's AirMall, but this changed after the 2001 terrorist attacks.
In 2017, Pittsburgh International Airport launched the MyPITPass program in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration. This program allows non-ticketed visitors to access the airport's Airside Terminal, where they can dine, shop, and greet passengers. This was the first program of its kind since 9/11 and has received positive feedback from the public.
While non-flyers can now access certain areas of the airport, there are still restrictions in place. The MyPITPass program is currently only available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, although there are discussions about extending the hours and adding weekend access. Additionally, not all restaurants in the airport are open to the public. Some popular dining options before security include Buford's Kitchen, Dunkin' Donuts, and the bar at the Hyatt, which is connected to the airport.
The airport's restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, including local Pittsburgh food such as cheese and roasted mac. The bar and grill at concourse D are decorated with Steel City collectibles, paying tribute to local sports teams. The airport café also offers a unique view of the airport, with an open-glass front allowing diners to watch planes arrive and depart.
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Some people buy refundable tickets to access airport restaurants
Pittsburgh International Airport became the first airport in the country since the 9/11 terrorist attacks to offer access beyond security to non-ticketed visitors. Known as MyPITPass, the program allows guests without a plane ticket to go through security and visit the airport's Airside Terminal, where they can shop, dine, and do the same activities as ticketed passengers.
While some airports have followed suit, many still require a boarding pass to access restaurants and other amenities. As a result, some people have resorted to buying refundable tickets to access airport restaurants and lounges. This is especially common at airports that offer premium dining and lounge experiences.
For example, one person shared that they booked a refundable flight to access an airport lounge. They noted that it is difficult to prove that you didn't plan on traveling, and lounges are treated as perks, so it's relatively easy for airlines or credit card companies to revoke lounge access.
Another person shared that they booked a flight with points within three hours of departure and then canceled the flight as soon as they entered the lounge. They noted that all tickets can technically be canceled within 24 hours, so a flight within this timeframe is definitely refundable.
While this strategy may grant access to airport restaurants and lounges, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and costs. Buying a refundable ticket solely for dining or lounge access may violate the terms and conditions of the airline or credit card company, leading to possible repercussions. Additionally, fully refundable fares are typically more expensive, and there is always a risk of missing the cancellation deadline, resulting in an unintended financial burden.
Therefore, while purchasing a refundable ticket may provide access to airport restaurants and lounges, it is essential to weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks and make an informed decision.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Pittsburgh International Airport offers a program called MyPITPass, which allows non-ticketed visitors to access the airport's Airside Terminal and take part in activities such as shopping and dining. The program is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and there are over 30 restaurants to choose from.
There is a bar and grill at concourse D, which offers local Pittsburgh food such as cheese and roasted mac, along with sandwiches. There are also restaurants inside the Hyatt, such as Buford's and Dunkin' Donuts.
Yes, Pittsburgh International Airport offers various social amenities and services. Besides dining options, the airport features shops, lounges, and gates that non-flying visitors can access through the MyPITPass program.
