Owais Crawford
Pittsburgh International Airport is one of the few airports in the United States that allow non-ticketed visitors to access the airport's shops, restaurants, and gates. The program, known as MyPITPass, was launched in September 2017 in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This program allows non-ticketed visitors to go through the same security procedures as passengers and access the airport's Airside Terminal. While the program was well-received by the public, it faced criticism from flight attendant unions and was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2022, it is unclear if the program has resumed. Similar programs have been implemented in other airports across the United States, such as San Antonio International Airport, Tampa International Airport, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the pass | MyPITPass or PIT pass |
| Availability | Free of charge |
| Timings | 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday |
| Location | Third floor ticketing level, across from Allegiant |
| Security | Regular airport security. Only 1 personal item allowed. |
| Amenities | Shops, restaurants, gates, smoking areas, kid areas, etc. |
| Parking | $1 to $3 per hour. $8 maximum for all-day parking. |
| Status | Suspended at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and has yet to resume |
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What You'll Learn
- Pittsburgh Airport offers a free pass for non-flyers to access shops, restaurants, and gates
- The pass is available from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, on the third floor
- Non-flyers must go through the same security as those boarding an airplane
- The program was suspended during COVID-19 and has not yet resumed
- Other airports offering similar programs include San Antonio, Tulsa, and Ontario
Pittsburgh Airport offers a free pass for non-flyers to access shops, restaurants, and gates
Pittsburgh International Airport offers a free pass for non-flyers to access shops, restaurants, and gates. The pass is called the myPITpass, and it allows guests without plane tickets to go through security and visit the airport's Airside Terminal. The airport was the first in the country since the 9/11 terrorist attacks to offer such access to non-ticketed visitors. The program was launched in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
To obtain a myPITpass, visitors can go to the third floor ticketing level, where passes are available free of charge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visitors with the pass will be subject to the same security procedures as those boarding an airplane and can only bring one personal item through the checkpoint. After passing through security, they are free to explore the airport, including shopping, dining, and watching airplanes arrive and depart.
The program has received positive feedback, with airport officials reporting that about 40,000 visitors have used it. It provides an opportunity for those who don't fly often to experience the airport's amenities and improvements. Additionally, it allows people to greet loved ones right at the gate, something that hasn't been possible in the U.S. for over a decade due to TSA restrictions.
Pittsburgh International Airport also offers other features such as a military lounge for active and retired military personnel and their families, providing workstations, television, and a space to spend time together. The airport is open 24/7, although security checkpoints are closed from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. daily. Visitors should note that while accessing the airport is free, parking fees may apply.
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The pass is available from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, on the third floor
Pittsburgh International Airport offers a pass that allows non-flyers to access the airport's shops, restaurants, and gates. The pass, called MyPITPass or Pitt Pass, is available free of charge from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, on the third floor ticketing level, across from Allegiant. This program was the first of its kind in the country since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, allowing non-ticketed visitors to pass through security checkpoints and access the airside terminal.
To obtain the pass, individuals can go to the third floor of the airport during the specified hours. Once they have the pass, they will need to go through regular airport security, which includes restrictions on what items can be brought through the checkpoint. Only one personal item is allowed, and adults must remove their shoes. After passing through security, visitors are free to explore the airport, including shopping, dining, and watching airplanes arrive and depart.
The MyPITPass program has received positive feedback, with airport officials stating that about 40,000 visitors have used it. It provides an opportunity for those who don't fly often to experience the airport's amenities and improvements. However, it's important to note that visiting the airport is free, but parking fees apply and can range from $1 to $3 per hour, with some sections offering a maximum daily rate of $8.
While the MyPITPass program is available at Pittsburgh International Airport, it's important to check the latest information before planning a visit. As of 2022, one source mentioned that the program was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and had not yet resumed. Therefore, it is advisable to verify the current status of the program before making plans to utilize the pass.
Additionally, it is worth noting that other airports across the United States have implemented similar programs that allow non-travelers to access certain areas beyond security checkpoints. These include San Antonio International Airport, Tulsa International Airport, and Ontario, California airport, among others. Each airport has its own application process and requirements, so it is important to review the specific details for each program.
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Non-flyers must go through the same security as those boarding an airplane
Pittsburgh International Airport became the first airport in the country since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 to offer access beyond security to non-ticketed visitors. The program, known as MyPITPass, 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.
To obtain a MyPITPass, you need to go to the third floor ticketing level, where passes are available free of charge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. After obtaining your pass, you will have to go through the same security procedures as those boarding an airplane. This includes restrictions on what you can bring with you—only one personal item is allowed, and you will have to remove your shoes if you are an adult.
Once you have passed through the security checkpoint, you are free to explore the airport. The shops in the airport are reportedly quite expensive, but there are various dining options, including Dunkin' Donuts, TGIFridays, pubs, and McDonald's. There is also a tram ride that takes you from security to the boarding area, and a kid area with toys and a bathroom. Additionally, the airport offers a Military Lounge for active and retired members of the military and their families, providing workstations, a television, and a space to spend time together.
While Pittsburgh International Airport was a pioneer in offering access to non-ticketed visitors, other airports have since followed suit. San Antonio International Airport, for example, launched the SAT Pass Program in February 2025, which allows non-ticketed visitors to spend time with friends and family or enjoy the airport's amenities. Similarly, Tulsa International Airport offers a Visitor Pass that allows non-ticketed visitors to enter the terminal without a ticket. These programs typically require an application in advance and adherence to standard security measures.
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The program was suspended during COVID-19 and has not yet resumed
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 program, known as MyPITPass, was launched in September 2017 in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration. The program allowed guests without a plane ticket to go through security and visit the airport's Airside Terminal, where they could shop, dine, and do the same activities as ticketed passengers.
The program received positive feedback, with airport officials reporting that about 40,000 visitors had used it. People took advantage of the airport's concessions, explored, and watched planes arrive and depart. The program was also seen as a way to boost revenue for the airport and give Western Pennsylvania residents who didn't fly often the chance to experience the airport's improvements.
While the program is currently suspended, there are still some ways for non-ticketed individuals to access certain areas of the airport. For example, active and retired members of the military and their families can access the Pittsburgh International Airport Military Lounge, which provides workstations, a TV-viewing area, and a space to spend time with family. Additionally, individuals can call the airline and inquire about adding "unaccompanied minor" services to a ticket, which may allow a parent or guardian to pass through security without a boarding pass to accompany a minor.
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Other airports offering similar programs include San Antonio, Tulsa, and Ontario
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 program, called MyPITPass, allows guests without a plane ticket to go through security and visit the airport's Airside Terminal, where they can shop and dine.
San Antonio International Airport
San Antonio International Airport offers a range of dining and shopping options for travellers. While it is not explicitly mentioned that non-ticketed visitors can access these areas, the airport provides a list of dining and shopping options on its website, suggesting that these areas may be accessible to the general public.
Tulsa International Airport
Tulsa International Airport offers various services and amenities for its passengers. The airport features shops with snacks, souvenirs, travel necessities, and luxury items. Additionally, Tulsa International Airport is committed to accessibility for all passengers and offers services like family restrooms, handicapped parking spaces, and assistance for individuals with disabilities. However, there is no specific mention of allowing non-ticketed visitors beyond security checkpoints.
Ontario International Airport
Ontario International Airport, located in Southern California, provides convenient access to nonstop flights to nearly 30 destinations, including New York, Las Vegas, and Mexico. While the airport emphasizes its shorter security wait times, there is no explicit mention of programs or access for non-ticketed visitors to shop or dine within the secured areas.
These airports showcase a growing trend of airports providing access to non-ticketed visitors, allowing them to explore, shop, and dine beyond the security checkpoints. This initiative has been well-received by the public, offering a unique airport experience and enhancing the overall appeal of air travel.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Pittsburgh International Airport offers a free program called MyPITPass, which 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.
MyPITPasses are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the third floor ticketing level, across from Allegiant.
Parking rates at Pittsburgh Airport range from $1 to $3 per hour, with a maximum daily rate of $8.
Pittsburgh Airport has various food options, including Dunkin' Donuts, TGIFridays, pubs, and McDonald's.
Yes, Pittsburgh Airport also offers a military lounge for active and retired members of the military and their families. The airport also has a kid's area with toys and a bathroom, as well as a tram ride that takes you from security to the boarding area.
