Airport to Allow Friends and Family to Escort PAX to the Gate
Joe Cortez September 01, 2017
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.
This was the policy at PIT for years until after 9/11. The Airmall back then, of course, was much larger and the airport busier, but it was always nice to have dinner, plane spot, and do some shopping (PIT regulates pricing to street prices). This is definitely more about the shopping and money than letting loved ones through.
Ditto what Grog said. I hate security lines as much as the next person but the delays are people getting their luggage packed correctly onto the xray belt and security pulling out bottled water from bags. It's not like all passengers will have an entourage seeing them off - maybe 1 in 20 will have someone escorting them to the gate. Just chill, people.
The comments for this article make me sad. Absolutely, let friends and family come in, for goodness sake. It will make time go faster. And it's not like they're going to bring in two carry-ons a piece and truly hold up any security beyond a quick body scan. And they'll indeed probably spend some money. It's all kabuki security theater anyway. Why not let the travel experience become a little less stressful, a step closer to what it was like years ago? Where has our civil society gone? You whiners makes me sad, sad, sad.
STUPID!!!!!!! As efficient as tsa is you are now going to allow more people access to the secure arera. Longer lines, less security, and people blocking the gate area as you disembark an aircraft. Say goodby at the street!
A step backwards. Why can't loved ones continue to say goodbye outside of security?