Insider Tips: How to Travel Like a Pro at PIT

The holiday travel season kicks off this week, with about 80 million travelers headed over the river and through the woods, AAA reports.

About 5.84 million people are traveling by air – and more than 230,000 will travel through Pittsburgh International Airport.

Allegheny County Airport Authority employees, TSA officers, and airline staff and crew are prepared to create a safe experience with minimal stress. But travelers can take steps to help cope with the inevitable wait times:

Tip 1: Visit FlyPittsburgh.com for the latest security line information.

You can access information from your phone on departure times and TSA wait times. (You may also want to check a map app to get an idea of travel time to the airport.)

Tip 2: Reserve a parking space

PIT offers many parking options, but during the holidays, the lots tend to fill to near-capacity. Reserve a space to make sure you nab one – and receive a discount. Visit flypittsburgh.com.

Tip 3: Check flight information often

PIT prides itself on keeping the airport open and operational during inclement weather (almost 30 years straight). But bad weather elsewhere can delay your flight by preventing your plane from arriving at PIT before ferrying you to your destination. Check flight status in the hours before your flight.

Tip 4: Give yourself plenty of time

Consider adding a few extra hours to arrive at the airport when flying during the holidays. You probably will need additional time to find a parking spot, get through lines at the ticket counter/baggage check-in and make your way through the TSA checkpoint.

“The Thanksgiving holiday is traditionally the busiest travel period of the year, and this year is no exception,” said Don Weston, acting Federal Security Director for the airport. “We expect to see record high checkpoint volume here at Pittsburgh and across the country. With that in mind, please plan to arrive in the terminal three hours before your scheduled flight out of PIT.”

(Check with your airline. Some ticketing counters do not open until two hours before their first flight.)

If you have extra time before your flight, you can take advantage of PIT’s dining and shopping options. Food ranges from local favorites to well-known national brands, whether you want to sit down and eat or grab something to go.

If you want to do some last-minute holiday shopping or treat yourself, the airport offers a selection of duty-free items such as electronics, desserts, clothing, travel aides, cosmetics, books and newspapers. For a list of vendors, visit Flypittsburgh.com.

Another way to pass the time is PIT’s Club Lounge. It’s open to all passengers—no membership required. Day passes (around $50) allow you to wait for your flight while enjoying food and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages. There is also wi-fi, reading materials, TVs, charging stations and comfortable seating. The Club Lounge is located in Concourse C and is open Sunday through Friday from 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 4:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

If you want to wrap up business before your trip, PIT also offers Jabbrrbox, a comfortable and quiet work environment you can rent on the Jabbrrbox app. This technology-equipped workspace is designed for the mobile worker. Jabbrrbox is available in Concourses C and D.

Tip 5: Plan and prepare for TSA security checks

The TSA provides robust security to ensure a safe travel experience. In recent years, the TSA has expanded lanes and introduced the latest technological advancements that enhance security while screening travelers efficiently. Even with these efforts, travelers can expect longer waits to pass through a checkpoint due to high travel volume during the holidays.

Enrolling in TSA PreCheck® can shorten your wait time because the program provides expedited screening that allows travelers to leave on their shoes, belts and hats and enables them to leave their liquids and electronics in their carry-on bags at the checkpoint. Enrollment information is available on the TSA website at TSA.gov. PIT also offers TSA PreCheck® through CLEAR.

Knowing TSA protocols can also make the holiday less stressful. TSA recommends travelers leave gifts unwrapped because packages may need to be opened to check the contents. Replica weapons and items that can be used as bludgeoning instruments (i.e., baseball bats) should be packed in checked bags.

You’ll also want to be cautious when flying with food. Solid foods such as baked goods, casseroles and meats can be carried through checkpoints. However, foods that are liquid or spreadable can’t go through checkpoints and should be packed in checked bags.

For a complete list of what you can carry on, visit the TSA website: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all.

Unsure if an item should be packed in a carry-on bag, checked bag, either or neither? Download the free myTSA app, which has a handy “What can I bring?” feature that allows you to type in the item to find out if it can fly. Or ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers may send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).

With proper planning and patience, holiday travel can be less stressful and allow you to enjoy your visit or much-needed vacation much more.

Bonus tip for PIT meeter-greeters

Holiday travel can be stressful, but so can dropping off and picking up loved ones at PIT this time of year. Please note that if you park on any road shoulders or loiter at the arrival doors, Allegheny County Police will ticket you. Unattended vehicles will be towed.

Several airplane tracking apps and websites, like FlightRadar24 and FlightAware, predict the actual landing time at the airport. Add a few minutes for the plane to taxi to the gate, your loved one to deplane, get landside and retrieve checked bags.

If you arrive before your loved one is ready, you don’t have to keep circling the airport. PIT offers free one-hour parking in the Extended Lot, which is just minutes from the terminal.