At the Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), you’ll soon be able to enter security without a boarding pass, thanks to a new pilot program between the TSA and the airport which launches on September 5, 2017.

It’s unclear if this will be rolled out nationwide, however Pittsburgh has seen a steep decline in passenger traffic the past several years US Airways declining presence here, after the American merger, so as an effort to increase business for the shops and restaurants at the airport, they’re allowing locals to enter who aren’t flying with a myPITpass.

Currently this is only allowed between the hours of 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, however they are looking to extend this in the near future. On one hand this is great if you’d like to bring a friend or family member to the gate if you’re not flying, though I can’t imagine that this new program will noticeably increase the traffic to the airport concessions.

Also, if you’re a TSA Precheck member, you will not be able to use it with this program. Also when requesting a pass, names will be checked with the no-fly list.

Check-In Process for Airside Access

1. Visit myPITpass Ticket Counter 3rd Flr, Landside Terminal (Across from Allegiant)
2. Show Valid Photo ID (Driver’s License or Passport) to obtain myPITpass*
3. Pass through Airport Security Checkpoint (Same requirements as airline passengers)

Bottom Line

This is a cool pilot program that Pittsburgh is offering and I hope it rolls out nationwide, but if you’re looking to get through airport security at another airport in the meantime, you could always just buy a refundable ticket….