Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) Guide
Welcome to Pittsburgh Airport, where the Steel City meets the skies. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned pro, our guide is here to help you navigate your way through PIT with ease.
Looking for a stress-free airport experience? Our extensive guide provides helpful information and tips to help you get from your door to your gate, and includes important details such as flight status & tracking, airline departure terminals and gate locations, parking options, terminal maps, plus food and shopping directories. Let us help you make the most of your time at PIT Airport.
For more comprehensive information about major commercial airports, visit our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.com.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
When traveling from the airport, it is recommended to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. The busiest times at the airport are typically during the morning and evening rush hours, so try to avoid booking flights during those times if possible.
Getting to the Airport
There are several ways to get to Pittsburgh Airport, including driving, taking a taxi or ride-share service, or using public transportation. If driving, be sure to check the airport's parking options and rates ahead of time. If using public transportation, consider taking the Pittsburgh Port Authority's Airport Flyer bus, which provides service between downtown Pittsburgh and the airport.
Getting Oriented
Upon arriving at Pittsburgh Airport, be sure to use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented and find your way around the airport. The maps provide detailed information on the airport's terminals, gates, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. You can also use the maps to locate restrooms, ATMs, and other important facilities.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at PIT, be sure to check your flight status before leaving for the airport. You can do this through the airport's website or mobile app, or by contacting your airline directly. Additionally, be sure to pack your carry-on bags in accordance with TSA regulations to avoid delays at security checkpoints. Finally, consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to expedite the security screening process.
Security Wait Times
At PIT Airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. During peak travel periods, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer than usual. However, the airport does offer TSA PreCheck and CLEAR services to help expedite the security process for eligible passengers. You can check the current TSA wait times on the airport's website to help you budget how much time you need to get to the airport.
Check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) Terminals
Navigating PIT's Terminals
Pittsburgh International Airport has two main terminals: Landside Terminal and Airside Terminal. Landside Terminal is where passengers check-in, go through security, and access ground transportation. Airside Terminal is where passengers board their flights and find restaurants and shops.
Landside Terminal has two levels, with ticketing and baggage claim on the lower level and security and shops on the upper level. Airside Terminal has four concourses: A, B, C, and D. Concourse A has 25 gates, Concourse B has 22 gates, Concourse C has 14 gates, and Concourse D has 25 gates.
Major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines operate out of PIT's Airside Terminal. Concourse A is mainly used by Delta Air Lines and its partners, Concourse B is used by American Airlines and its partners, Concourse C is used by Southwest Airlines and its partners, and Concourse D is used by United Airlines and its partners.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
The airport has one main terminal building with four concourses: A, B, C, and D. The concourses are connected to the main terminal building via moving sidewalks, which makes getting between the gates relatively easy and quick. The walking time between the farthest gates is around 15-20 minutes, so it is recommended to use the moving sidewalks to save time.
If you need to transfer between concourses, there is a shuttle bus service available that runs every 5-10 minutes. The shuttle bus can be accessed from the center core of the airport, which is located between Concourse C and Concourse D. The shuttle bus is free of charge and takes only a few minutes to reach the other concourse.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Traveling through Pittsburgh Airport? With a variety of dining options available, from Asian fusion to Southern-style comfort food, there's something for everyone. And when it comes to shopping, the airport has you covered with high-end fashion, tech gadgets, Pittsburgh souvenirs, and more. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, discover what's available here.
Airport Hotels
Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? We've got you covered. Our list of top-rated hotels includes the contemporary Hyatt Regency, the conveniently located Hilton Garden Inn, and the value-for-money Americas Best Value Inn. You'll also find excellent options like the DoubleTree by Hilton and the Super 8 by Wyndham, both offering efficient transit options to the airport. Discover more about these and other great hotel options by visiting our Pittsburgh Airport Hotels page.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At PIT, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the curbside of each terminal. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, and vehicles are not allowed to wait or park for more than a few minutes. To avoid parking violations and traffic congestion, drivers are advised to use the cell-phone waiting areas located near each terminal.
The cell-phone waiting areas are free of charge and provide a convenient place for drivers to wait for their arriving passengers. Once the passengers have collected their luggage and are ready to be picked up, the driver can proceed to the curbside for a quick and hassle-free pick-up. It is important to note that vehicles are not allowed to wait or park at the curbside for more than a few minutes, so it is recommended to use the cell-phone waiting areas to avoid any inconvenience or penalties.
Parking Facilities & Options
Travelers flying in and out of Pittsburgh International Airport have several parking options available to them. On-site parking is available in the airport's parking garages and lots, which are located near the terminal. There are four parking garages and several surface lots that offer both short-term and long-term parking options. The airport also offers a cell phone waiting lot, which is free for drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers.
For those looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking lots are available near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, and some even offer covered parking options. Off-airport parking can be a great way to save money on parking fees, especially for longer trips.
Handicapped parking is available in all of the airport's parking garages and lots. Designated handicapped parking spaces are located near the elevators and shuttle stops for easy access to the terminal. Shuttle buses are also equipped with wheelchair lifts for those who need them.
Get details about Pittsburgh International Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
When arriving at PIT Airport, there are several transportation options available to get you to your final destination.
If you prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental companies located at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. The rental car center is located on the lower level of the parking garage, and shuttle service is available to take you there.
Taxi service is available at the commercial curb front of the airport, located outside of baggage claim. The estimated fare to downtown Pittsburgh is around $40, and the ride takes approximately 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at the airport. The pickup area is located outside of baggage claim, and there may be restrictions on where the driver can drop you off, depending on your final destination.
Airport shuttles are available for those who need transportation to nearby hotels or other locations. The shuttle pickup area is located outside of baggage claim, and fares vary depending on your destination.
For those who prefer public transportation, the Port Authority Transit (PAT) bus service provides transportation to downtown Pittsburgh and other locations. The bus stop is located outside of baggage claim, and the fare is $2.75 per person.
Passenger Services
If you're traveling through Pittsburgh Airport, you'll be pleased to know that there are a variety of passenger services available to make your journey as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available if you misplace any belongings during your travels.
If you're traveling with children, there are designated play areas to keep them entertained. Special-needs services are also available, including accessible restrooms, wheelchair assistance, and service animal relief areas.
If you need to do some banking, there are ATMs and currency exchange services located throughout the airport. And if you require medical assistance, there are first aid stations located in each terminal, as well as a medical center in the airside terminal.
Flight Status Info
For air travelers flying out of Pittsburgh Airport, it's important to stay up-to-date on the status of their flight. Fortunately, there are several ways to do so.
One of the most convenient ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
In addition to FIDS, passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Many airlines offer apps that allow passengers to receive push notifications, text messages, or emails about any changes to their flight status.
Another option for staying informed about flight status is to sign up for alerts through the airport's website or airline's website. These alerts can be sent via email or text message and provide updates on any changes to the flight status.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at PIT by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
Pittsburgh International Airport is located in the United States and serves the city of Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas. The airport has two main terminals, the Landside Terminal and the Airside Terminal, which are connected by a people mover.
On average, the airport handles around 20,000 passengers daily and has approximately 300 daily flights. The top airlines with the most daily flights at PIT include Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
PIT serves over 70 destinations, with the top 5 destinations being Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and Charlotte. The airport is also a hub for two airlines, Southern Airways Express and FedEx Express.
Airport History
Pittsburgh International Airport, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. Here are some significant events that have shaped the airport over the years:
- 1919: The first commercial flight takes off from what was then known as Bettis Field, a small airfield located in the Pittsburgh suburb of Mount Oliver.
- 1925: The City of Pittsburgh purchases Bettis Field and renames it Pittsburgh Municipal Airport.
- 1952: The airport moves to its current location in Findlay Township and is renamed Greater PIT Airport.
- 1972: The airport undergoes a major expansion, including the construction of a new terminal building and the addition of a second runway.
- 1987: The airport is renamed Pittsburgh International Airport to reflect its growing status as an international gateway.
- 1992: US Airways establishes Pittsburgh as a hub, bringing increased traffic and economic growth to the region.
- 2001: The airport is one of the first in the country to implement enhanced security measures following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
- 2013: The airport completes a $10 million renovation of its airside terminal, including upgrades to dining and retail options.
- 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic leads to a significant decrease in air travel, causing the airport to temporarily close some of its concourses and reduce its operating hours.
Airport Contact Info
For more information about the airport, please refer to the following:
- Airport Website
- Phone: 412-472-3525
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Pittsburgh International Airport, Landside Terminal, 1000 Airport Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15231