by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:39 AM ET, Wed August 30, 2017
Officials from Pittsburgh International Airport announced their facility will become the first in the United States to allow public access gates, shops and restaurants beyond the security checkpoint without requiring an airline ticket.
The new "myPITpass" program, in cooperation with the Transportation Security Administration, will allow the public to have year-round access to the Airside Terminal at the Pittsburgh airport beginning September 5.
People will be able to access the Airside Terminal by following several key procedures, including checking in on the third-floor ticketing level, showing valid photo identification, obtaining a stamped myPITpass and going through all necessary security checkpoints just as other passengers boarding flights do.
"For years, we've heard from travelers and non-travelers alike who want the opportunity to shop the stores at the airport," County executive Rich Fitzgerald said in a statement.
"Thanks to the constant work of Christina Cassotis and her team at the airport, as well as the support of Congressman Tim Murphy, we're finally able to make that a reality with the myPITpass Program."
"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," Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said. "We have worked closely with the TSA on this program. This program builds on our successful Holiday Open House program and Airside access for guests of the airport Hyatt hotel."
[READMORE]READ MORE: Is This the Future of Airport Security?[/READMORE]
The passes will be issued between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday, and will only be valid on the day they're issued. Passengers with airline tickets going though security checkpoints will receive priority.
People without tickets will be strictly vetted and screened as if they were boarding a plane. All rules for carry-on luggage will still apply to those receiving the myPITpass for Airside access.
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