100 Days In: PIT’s New Terminal is Setting a New Standard

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series documenting the first 100 days of the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport. Subsequent stories will appear in the coming weeks in Blue Sky News.

Just after 2 a.m. on Nov. 18, 2025, Christina Cassotis, CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport, began the countdown. Then, on the count of three, the leadership team that made opening day possible shouted, “Go live.”

With that order, history was made and the new terminal was officially open. One hundred days later, the new terminal, built by Pittsburghers, for Pittsburghers, has redefined what an airport is. It is also living up to its promise to provide a more intuitive, efficient, and passenger-friendly experience from curb to gate for travelers using Pittsburgh International Airport.

Passenger feedback during the first 100 days consistently highlighted the ease of use with the intuitive design, the natural light, and the calm atmosphere.

“Overwhelmingly positive,” said Elise Gomez, Manager, Customer Experience at Pittsburgh International Airport. “And even if someone has an issue, they usually start the conversation by saying how much they love the new airport or what a great job we did on the terminal and then talk about their issue.”

According to Gomez, most of the questions to customer service center around their unfamiliarity with the new building.

One of the main reasons for few issues is because from the very beginning of the new terminal design, Universal Access principles were embedded. It was part of PIT’s goal of becoming one of the most accessible airports in the world and to ensure that the building is inclusive, safe and welcoming to all passengers, regardless of age, ability or background. As part of that, PIT implemented a dedicated service design team as part of the new terminal process, a rarity for airports.

PIT’s commitment to accessibility made history. In February, PIT was the first transportation facility in the world to be awarded the innovative solutions for Universal Design (isUD) from the University of Buffalo’s Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA Center).

This recognition establishes PIT as a benchmark for universal design and family-friendly travel in the airport sector. It reinforces PIT’s position as not just a transportation hub, but a model for universal access and inclusive design worldwide. The certification recognizes the airport’s unwavering commitment to Universal Access.

“Receiving Universal Design Certification from the IDEA Center is a tremendous honor,” said Siri Betts-Sonstegard, Senior Vice President, Experience & Design at PIT. “Our goal has always been to make Pittsburgh International Airport a place where everyone feels comfortable and capable of traveling independently. This recognition validates years of thoughtful planning, collaboration and innovation.”

Technology improving traveler experience

While Universal Access principles make sure passengers feel safe and welcome, new technologies have made the traveler’s experience easier and less stressful.

The new TSA security checkpoint consists of 12 lanes featuring a more intuitive layout and advanced screening technology that has significantly streamlined the passenger experience.

Shoes can stay on and new Computed Tomography (CT) scanners provide detailed 3D images of bag contents, allowing laptops, electronics, and liquids that are 3.4 ounces or less to remain inside carry-ons. This has had an unexpected, but positive, consequence.

“We are seeing a significant decrease in laptops and cell phones being turned into Lost & Found,” Gomez said.

Behind the scenes, the implementation of the new baggage and handling system has met and even exceeded expectations.

“The early results of the new system have been terrific,” Rusty Hottenfeller, Director of Facility Maintenance & Airline Services, said. “We have collected large volumes of data associated with the new baggage and handling operations and it shows us how well it is working.”

Data collection has shown:

• Bag and tug driver time has been significantly reduced within the new setup by eliminating the ½ mile tug route.
• 15 percent improvement on the sortation read rate, meaning faster delivery of bags.
• 74 percent savings on daily power consumption due to reductions in number of motors, better efficiency and reduction in runtime.
• Faster bags with quicker belt time inbound, outbound and international arrivals.
• Workforce Improvements
• 25 percent reduction in noise level
• More efficient TSA inspection of checked bags with new mobile inspection tables that improve TSA access
• New ergonomically safer carousel heights

The new terminal program also allowed the ACAA to make improvements and upgrades to the parking and roadway systems around the terminal.

The most notable addition is the new Terminal Garage which features 3,300 public spaces, offering three times the amount of covered parking than the former garage . It also features state-of-the-art space-finding technology, making parking substantially faster and easier.

Next to the garage is the new Terminal Lot, a new product that adds close-in surface parking. Both are next to the new terminal and a short walk to the airline counters, security checkpoint, and baggage claim.

All the lots, including the legacy lots now known as the Shuttle Lot, have also incorporated the latest reservation technology making parking more convenient and affordable.

Parking at PIT offers the best airport parking rates, especially when pre-booked at least three days in advance. Pre-booking reservations for all PIT’s parking options can be made at PARKatPIT.com.

Convenient features also include contactless payment options including pay stations, tap-in/tap-out without a ticket, and QR codes with reservations.

The new terminal also allowed for the installation of Fixed Automated Spray Technology (FAST) on the upper bridge level (Departures) and on ramps leaving the terminal.

The FAST System is an automated spray deicing technology designed to prevent ice formation on roadways. It is built directly into the pavement, offering a quick, powerful, non-corrosive thawing agent that ensures safety and efficiency.

During the near-record January snowfall, the system kept those roadways clear, allowing snow removal crews to focus on other areas, keeping the airport roads accessible and safe.

Follow Blue Sky News’ 100 Days series next week for the latest in concessions and new terminal art.