Pittsburgh International Airport to allow nonticketed visitors access to gates

— -- Pittsburgh International Airport will be the first major U.S. airport to allow public access to gates since admittance to terminals was restricted in the aftermath of 9/11.

The airport will begin to allow nonticketed visitors to enter previously passenger-exclusive zones starting Sept. 5. The Transportation Security Administration pilot program, called myPITpass, will give the public access to shops and dining and the ability to walk loved ones to their gates Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“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.

The security procedures for myPITpass holders will be the same as if they were ticketed passengers, according to the TSA’s security director for the airport, Karen Keys-Turner. Items prohibited for travelers, such as weapons and containers with over 3 ounces of liquid, will apply to pass holders as well.

Getting a pass requires a valid ID and being checked against the TSA’s no-fly list.

With a predicted influx of people going through security at the airport, ticketed passengers will be given priority for screening to ensure they can catch flights without delays due to nontravelers.