Pittsburgh airport will allow non-passengers through to gates

Change in security is first since 9/11

Care to do some shopping at the airport, even if you’re not flying? Or walk a loved one to the gate before his flight?

You’ll be able to do that starting next week at Pittsburgh International. The airport is poised to become the first in the USA to allow non-fliers regular access into its gateside terminal areas since security measures changed after 9/11.

The airport has won approval from the Transportation Security Administration to allow non-ticketed customers to pass through security, though they would still have to go through the same screening as those catching flights. They’d also be required to show ID so they can be vetted against no-fly lists.

“Participants should be prepared to receive the same level of security screening as travelers and should ensure they’re not carrying any prohibited items such as weapons before coming through the security checkpoint,” the TSA’s Mike England said.

Access with the “myPITpass” program starts Sept. 5, when non-flying visitors can request a day pass at a special counter in

Customers with no tickets will still have to go through the same screening as passengers.

the airport’s ticketing area. Gateside access will initially be allowed only on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Officials say that could be expanded if the pass proves popular.

To ensure that visitors don’t bog down screening lines, airport and TSA officials say ticketed passengers will receive priority at checkpoints. “We don’t expect this will have any impact on wait times,” England said.

The move is a major victory for Pittsburgh International, which helped pioneer modern airport design when its terminals opened in 1992. Anchoring the airport’s concourses was its Airmall, a collection of stores that was unusual for most U.S. airports at the time.

Security changes after 9/11 restricted terminal access to ticketed customers and abruptly curtailed access to the popular airport shops.