Arriving Early At Pittsburgh Airport: How Early Is Too Early?

Pittsburgh International Airport has advised passengers to arrive at the airport between two-and-a-half and three hours before their flight. This is due to long security screening waits, especially for early morning flights. The TSA recommends arriving 90 minutes to two hours in advance of a scheduled flight.

How early to arrive for a domestic flight

Pittsburgh International Airport recommends that travellers arrive 90 minutes to two hours in advance of their scheduled domestic flights. However, during peak travel times, including flights departing between 5 am and 8 am, it is recommended that you arrive two to three hours in advance. This is because security screening wait times can be very long, especially during the early morning rush. After this time, security wait times tend to drop dramatically, with waits of around 20 to 25 minutes.

How early to arrive for an international flight

It is recommended that you arrive at Pittsburgh International Airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Peak travel times, including flights departing between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., may require you to arrive even earlier—up to three hours in advance.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends that travellers arrive 90 minutes to two hours before their scheduled flights. It's important to be prepared for security screening, which can take time. The TSA website has a helpful feature called 'What can I bring?' which allows travellers to find out if an item is permitted in carry-on or checked luggage.

Security wait times at Pittsburgh International Airport can be lengthy, especially during the early morning rush. On one Monday morning, wait times were reported to be around 25 minutes at 10 a.m. and 20 minutes at 5 p.m. However, these times can vary, and it's always better to allow extra time to ensure you don't miss your flight.

Therefore, for an international flight, it is advisable to arrive at Pittsburgh International Airport at least three hours in advance to account for potential delays and ensure a smooth travel experience.

How early to arrive during peak travel times

Pittsburgh International Airport advises travellers to arrive at the airport between two-and-a-half and three hours before their flight during peak travel times. Peak travel times include flights departing between 5 am and 8 am. The airport's website shows that security times tend to drop dramatically after the early morning rush. For example, on one Monday morning, wait times at 10 am were about 25 minutes, and at 5 pm, they were about 20 minutes. The TSA recommends arriving 90 minutes to two hours in advance of your scheduled flight.

How early to arrive for early morning flights

Pittsburgh International Airport recommends that travellers arrive 90 minutes to two hours in advance of their scheduled flights. However, the airport has also issued a travel alert advising passengers to arrive between two-and-a-half and three hours early, especially for early morning flights. This is due to long security screening waits, which can be up to three hours during the summer. Security times tend to drop dramatically after the early morning rush, with wait times of around 25 minutes at 10 am and 20 minutes at 5 pm.

For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at least two hours in advance, and for international flights, three hours in advance. For all flights during peak travel times, including flights departing between 5 am and 8 am, it is recommended to arrive two to three hours in advance.

To prepare for security screening, it is important to know what should and should not be packed in a carry-on or checked bag. The TSA website has a feature called "What can I bring?" which provides helpful information on preparing for a flight.

How to prepare for security screening

Pittsburgh International Airport recommends that travellers arrive 90 minutes to two hours in advance of their scheduled flights. However, during peak travel times, including early morning flights, it is recommended that you arrive two-and-a-half to three hours early. Security times tend to drop dramatically after the early morning rush, so if you are travelling at a quieter time, you may not need to arrive quite so early.

To prepare for security screening, it is important to know what should and should not be packed in your carry-on bag or checked bag. The TSA website has a feature on its homepage called 'What can I bring?' which can help you to find out if an item is permitted in your luggage. It is also worth checking with your airline, as they may have specific requirements.

You should also make sure that you have all the necessary documentation with you, such as your passport or other accepted ID, boarding pass, and any other relevant paperwork. It is a good idea to have these easily accessible, as you will need to show them at various points during the security screening process.

If you are travelling with liquids, make sure that they are in containers no larger than 100ml and that they fit comfortably within a clear, resealable plastic bag. This includes drinks, creams, pastes, and other items of a similar consistency.

Finally, be prepared to remove any coats or jackets, as well as items such as belts, scarves, and hats, as these will need to be screened separately. It is also worth noting that you may be asked to remove your shoes, so wearing shoes that are easy to take on and off can help speed up the process.

Frequently asked questions