SECURITY LINES AT THE MAIN LEVEL OF THE LANDSIDE TERMINAL AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | PHOTO BY VIRGINIA LINN

[Updated April 18: The TSA issued this clarification from an earlier announcement on the security checkpoint lines at Pittsburgh International Airport: “TSA PreCheck travelers are to use the main checkpoint and the non-TSA PreCheck travelers can use both checkpoints.”]

Changes are coming to Pittsburgh International Airport about where passengers should go for security clearance by Transportation Security Administration officers.

Starting May 5, passengers with TSA PreCheck clearance will go to the main security checkpoint on the main floor (second level) of the Landside Terminal.

Related: Latest REAL ID Deadline Is Fast Approaching in Pennsylvania

Those without that special clearance will use the main checkpoint or go to the alternate security checkpoint, which is up the escalators from the main floor to Level 3 Ticketing. Passengers should then follow the directional signs from there.

The changes are aimed at handling the increased passenger volume more efficiently at the airport, according to a TSA release. The nearly 10 million passengers who traveled through PIT last year was its highest total in nearly two decades. And passenger volume at PIT in 2024 surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time. In earlier configurations at PIT at peak travel times, the PreCheck passengers had been directed to the alternate checkpoint.

Those with TSA PreCheck clearance have expedited screening; they don’t need to take off their shoes, light outerwear and belt or remove their laptops or other electronics, and 3-1-1 compliant liquids from their baggage as it goes through the X-ray machines.

Passengers at PIT also can expect to see canine teams, which will be working the checkpoint areas to identify any passengers who may be carrying an explosive device.

In another change, beginning May 4, all passenger screening checkpoints will be closed from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. daily. Passengers will not be able to access the Airside Terminal or gate areas during those hours.

To provide easy access to apply for TSA PreCheck status — at least for residents of Westmoreland County — a special “pop-up” enrollment center will be available at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport in Latrobe from April 29-May 9 (excluding the weekend). This will be available in the baggage claim area of the airport.

Those interested in obtaining PreCheck status need to pre-enroll, make an appointment online (appointments are being taken now) and complete their enrollment in-person or as a walk-in during those dates. Applicants must bring documentation proving identity and citizenship status.

The same process can be followed to obtain this clearance by appointment at the TSA office on Level 3 Ticketing at PIT. The cost to enroll for TSA PreCheck is $76.75 and membership lasts five years. At the appointment, electronic fingerprints and a photograph are taken. Successful applicants will receive a Known Traveler Number to add to airline reservations. Approval can take anywhere from three to five days to up to 60 days.