With Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) having opened its new terminal this week, the airport has issued key information to passengers to ensure a streamlined experience.
The redesigned terminal includes multiple changes intended to improve passenger flow, parking access, security, and amenities.
Arrivals and Departures
Passengers are advised to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. For peak travel periods, including early morning departures, arriving 2–3 hours before the scheduled flight is recommended.
The new terminal has three roadway levels:
- Departures (top) level: This level accommodates departing passengers and includes check-in and ticket counters, security, and drop-off points for private vehicles, shuttles, taxis, and ride-share services. Certain airlines, such as American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, provide curbside check-in for checked baggage.
- Arrivals (middle) level: Used for passenger collection by friends or family, and pick-up via shuttle services.
- Ground commercial curbside (bottom) level: Dedicated to taxis, ride-shares, limousines, hotel shuttles, and off-site parking shuttles, with pedestrian access to the Terminal Lot, Terminal Garage, and rental car counters.
Escalators and elevators connect all levels, including express escalators from the ground level directly to the Departures level.
Domestic arrivals will proceed through Automated Exit Lanes to reach the Arrivals level, allowing efficient movement out of the secure area. International passengers, after clearing customs and collecting luggage on Concourse C, will exit through a direct corridor to the Arrivals level, replacing previous longer routes via tunnels and trains.
Baggage Claim
The Arrivals level includes eight baggage claim areas organised by airline, reducing the distance passengers need to travel to collect checked luggage.
A Welcome Point has also been created for friends and family meeting arriving passengers.
Parking and Shuttle Services
Onsite parking includes the Terminal Garage, Terminal Lot, and the Shuttle Lot. The Shuttle Lot, replacing previous long-term and economy lots, requires use of shuttle buses to access the terminal. New heated shelters with real-time shuttle tracking have been added. Pre-booking for parking is available at PARKatPIT.com.
Security
The security checkpoint now has up to 12 screening lanes, including standard lanes, TSA Pre-Check, CLEAR, priority, military/ADA, crew, and employee lanes. New scanning equipment allows passengers to leave electronics in their luggage during screening.
After clearing security, passengers pass through a Skybridge to reach the airside mezzanine and gates.
Amenities and Accessibility
The terminal has been designed to meet accessibility standards. Features include inclusive restrooms, companion care spaces, quiet rooms, and sensory-friendly zones. Outdoor terraces are available for passengers, offering open-air areas.
New concessions include Hudson News & Gifts, Camden Food Market, and Café Conmigo. Additional retail and dining outlets are located throughout the terminal.
Information desks are located on the Ground Transportation level near Door 8 and in the Core between Concourses A and B. Volunteer Ambassadors are available to provide assistance. Wheelchairs can be requested at ticket counters or through the information desk.
New signage and interactive maps are provided throughout the terminal, and representatives will be present during the initial weeks to guide passengers.
The terminal redesign at PIT introduces updated infrastructure and facilities intended to streamline travel for passengers and visitors. Travellers are encouraged to review terminal maps and parking options in advance to facilitate their first visit.
