Pittsburgh International Airport has announced the official opening date for its new terminal.
Passengers can see the new modern terminal on November 18.
“This is a new day for our region. This is an airport in Pittsburgh built for Pittsburgh. It improves the passenger experience and ensures that this region remains on the world stage,” said Christina Cassotis, CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport. “From its architecture that reflects our region, to amenities such as outdoor terraces and a state-of-the-art baggage system, to a simplified security checkpoint, this terminal leads the industry.”
Airport officials said more than 2,000 people took part in public testing to help understand what could be improved before the official opening. Those test passengers reportedly gave rave reviews.
PHOTOS: Participants tour the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport during the second public test
The placement of security stands and baggage claim areas have been adjusted.
Officials broke into the 1.7 billion USD project in 2021. in October
PREVIOUS STORY >>> Pittsburgh International Airport is moving forward with a new terminal
According to the airport, passengers can immediately expect:
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A faster and simpler security experience: The new terminal streamlines the security experience into a single, consolidated checkpoint with 12 TSA lanes, compared to the current seven lanes at the main checkpoint, and eliminates the need for an alternate checkpoint. The new checkpoint features state-of-the-art TSA equipment and automated trash return.
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Faster luggage delivery: Baggage delivery time should be cut in half. The new terminal reduces the eight-mile bag belt to three miles and improves on a more efficient system that is state-of-the-art.
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A new experience for international arrivals: International passengers will be able to arrive more efficiently and quickly by replacing a temporary patch to the old terminal that brought international passengers to the airport, a relic of US Airways’ connecting passenger design.
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Better and more efficient parking options: The new Terminal Garage has 3,300 spaces, three times the amount of covered parking and the latest technology, including digital signage with real-time availability numbers and green lights to indicate where open spaces are available. PIT also added a Terminal Lot, about a five-minute walk to the terminal doors. The Shuttle Lot, previously comprised of long-term, extended and economy lots, includes thousands of parking spaces and new, heated shelters with a shuttle tracking system that displays real-time information.
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Outdoor terraces: A rarity in US airports, the new terminal will have four terraces – two pre-security and two post-security – giving all passengers the opportunity to breathe fresh air and rest in peace. The terraces, which are still under construction, will be landscaped with natural Western Pennsylvania landscaping.
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Welcome point: Passengers arriving at the changed terminal will enter the PIT “Welcome Point”, a place where all airport visitors can wait for arriving passengers. This aspect of the terminal is uniquely Pittsburgh for a community that likes to welcome family and guests in person.
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Improved shopping and dining: Travelers will see 20 new or updated concessions as part of a revamped airport terminal, including local favorites like Mineo and national brands like Shake Shack and more.
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Universal access: The new terminal is guided by principles that make travel easier for everyone by creating services that benefit every passenger, from the design of the building to the user-friendly digital experience.
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Together with the new terminal, six thousand new parking spaces were created. The new garage will be opened to visitors on November 14.
PREVIOUS DESCRIPTION >>> The airport will add more than 6,000 parking spaces to accommodate the new terminal
Officials say 90% of the materials used to build the terminal were sourced locally.
“You get a sense of what Pittsburgh is from the moment you land,” Cassotis said. “And I think Pittsburghers will be surprised that we have so much to brag about and be proud of that we can tell other people about.”
Officials estimate the new addition will generate $2.5 billion in revenue for the Greater Pittsburgh region.
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