Everyone Welcome: No Need to Fly to Visit Airmall at PIT

Starting next week, people without an airline ticket will be able to visit the shops and restaurants in the airside terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport.

photos courtesy pittsburgh international airport

Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, access to the Airmall at Pittsburgh International has been restricted to flying customers only.

That changes beginning next week, when a pilot program takes effect that will allow non-passengers access to the shops and restaurants in the airside terminal.

“This makes PIT the first airport in the country with this type of program, a major asset for the mall-type airport,” U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy's office said in a news release.

In order to get a pass to the airside, visitors must first be vetted like any regular passenger and show their ID at a counter on the landside building. If approved, they will be given a pass to get through security and onto the tram for travel to the landside terminal.

The airport has been trying for years to allow non-passengers to visit the airside shops and eateries.

“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,” Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis says.

Access will be limited to 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays. Non-flying visitors to the Airmall will undergo the same security requirements as ticketed passengers, who will receive priority in the checkpoint line.