Barrett O.
Yelp
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is a significant air travel hub in the United States, located approximately 20 miles west of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Since its inception in 1952, the airport has evolved into a modern facility that handles both commercial and charter flights, catering to all the travel needs of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
The history of PIT dates back to the 1940s when the site was selected as a military airbase. In 1952, it officially opened as Greater Pittsburgh Airport, later renamed Pittsburgh International Airport in 1972. Throughout the years, the airport has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, including a $1 billion rebuilding project in the 90's to accommodate the growth of US Airways as a major hub.
Today, PIT serves as a base for various airlines, offering both domestic and international flights. Major carriers operating at the airport include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, among others. Additionally, charter services such as Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines provide low-cost options for passengers, as well.
PIT is known for its innovative design, which includes a Landside Terminal and an Airside Terminal connected by an automated people mover system. Their system, called the Pittsburgh International Airport People Mover, operates in two parallel tunnels and allows passengers to quickly access their gates. I am grateful because everything is far away from TSA check-in so a couple escalators and a train ride and I'm much closer to concourse for today's planned flight. (Note: I was flying first class which allowed me to check-in at the airline counter first, and there's also a special short line for 1st class passengers at TSA. That's huge because that line is insanely long)
The airport also offers a range of amenities and services to enhance the travel experience. Travelers can enjoy a variety of dining options, from fast-food chains to sit-down restaurants, as well as numerous retail stores for shopping. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and charging stations are provided for passengers to stay connected. I gotta say I was pleased with all the Dunkin spots around but not sure about the bars being open at 6AM. I mean, as I strolled through PIT at the crack of dawn, I couldn't help but notice the surprising number of patrons already perched at the airport bar. With a beverage in hand and eyes still heavy with sleep, I'm thinking that it's some group like the "Breakfast of Brewskis Club." The bar's neon lights seemed to whisper, "It's 6 AM somewhere," as the dedicated early birds proved that in the world of air travel, there's no such thing as a wrong time for a little liquid courage. :-)
Bottom line: This airport is a premier travel hub that provides an array of passenger services to ensure a convenient and comfortable journey. From information desks, airport ambassadors, and baggage assistance to accessibility accommodations and meet-and-greet services.
The airport's innovative design features an efficient people mover system, connecting the Landside and Airside terminals, making it a top choice for modern travelers.
Operating hours for PIT vary depending on the terminal and specific services. Generally, the airport is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with TSA security checkpoints opening at 4:00 AM and closing after the last flight. My experience with the TSA checkpoint was thankfully uneventful and the employees were generally patient and easy to navigate.
To stay updated on airport news and announcements, travelers can visit the official PIT website at www.flypittsburgh.com or connect with the airport on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/flypittsburgh/