Pittsburgh's airport will soon become the first in the U.S
since 9/11 to allow members of the public who don't have a ticket into secured
areas.
The program, called MyPITpass, begins Sept. 5.
"Since I started here, people have been asking about
being able to escort loved ones to the gate or being able to shop and dine at
the airport," Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis
said in a statement. She added that the airport has worked closely with the TSA
on the program.
MyPITpass will operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to
5 p.m. During those hours, the general public will be able to check-in on the
third floor of the airport, across from Allegiant's ticketing location, by
showing a photo ID. There, they'll be vetted and given a stamped pass to take
to security. With that pass, they can go through security following the same
rules as passengers. All rules for carry-on luggage will apply to those using MyPITpass.
The airport said ticketed passengers will be given priority
in security lines.
In a statement, the TSA said that the program won't reduce
safety at Pittsburgh airport.
"Participants should be prepared to receive the same
level of security screening as travelers and should ensure they're not carrying
any prohibited items such as weapons before coming through the security
checkpoint," said Karen Keys-Turner, TSA's federal security director at
the airport.