Pittsburgh Airport Terminals

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is a major aviation hub in the United States with a rich history dating back to the 1940s. Originally conceived as a military airport during World War II, it evolved into a commercial facility to meet the growing needs of the Pittsburgh area.

Origins and Early History

The airport’s story began in 1944 when Allegheny County officials proposed expanding a military airport with a commercial passenger terminal. Construction of the new terminal broke ground on July 18, 1946, with a cost of $33 million. The Greater Pittsburgh Airport, as it was initially named, opened on May 31, 1952, with the first flight taking off on June 3, 1952.

In its first full year of operation in 1953, the airport welcomed over 1.4 million passengers. At the time, it was considered one of the largest and most modern airports in the United States, second only to Idlewild Airport (now JFK Airport) in New York.

TIP: The airport’s original terminal featured observation decks and a unique "Horizon Room" with panoramic views of the airfield, showcasing the innovative design of the era.

Terminal Layout and Facilities

Pittsburgh International Airport consists of two main buildings: the Landside Terminal and the Airside Terminal.

Landside Terminal

The Landside Terminal houses all pre-security facilities and is divided into three levels:

Level 1 (Baggage Claim):

Baggage claim facilities
Ground transportation options (taxi, express shuttle, rental cars)
Services: ATMs, Airport Ambassador Station, Pittsburgh Welcome Center, pet relief area, boarding pass kiosks

Level 2 (Transit):

Access to parking
TSA security checkpoint

Level 3 (Ticketing):

Airline ticket counters
Services: Global Entry enrollment center, TSA oversized baggage, baggage screening points, wheelchair services

Use the centrally located escalators and elevators to move between levels efficiently.

Airside Terminal

The Airside Terminal, accessible after security, is where all departure gates are located. It is divided into four concourses:

Concourse A: 25 gates (A1-A25)
Concourse B: 25 gates (B26-B50), with only B26-B44 in use
Concourse C: 11 gates (C51-C61), handles international arrivals and some domestic flights
Concourse D: 14 gates (D76-D89)

All international arrivals (except those from cities with U.S. border preclearance) pass through Concourse C for customs and immigration.

Here’s the expanded and improved information about services, amenities, restaurants, and shopping at Pittsburgh International Airport in English:

Services and Amenities

Pittsburgh International Airport offers a wide range of services to enhance the traveler experience:

Nursing Lounge: A private and comfortable space for mothers and babies.
ATMs and Currency Exchange: Available at multiple locations throughout the airport.
Airport Ambassadors: Friendly staff providing assistance and information to travelers.
Chapel: A quiet space for reflection and prayer.
Kidsport Area: A play zone for children.
Massage Bar: For relaxation before or after your flight.
Post Office: For last-minute mailings.
XpresSpa: Spa services for travelers.
Wheelchair Services: Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility.
Bicycle Station: Includes a bike rack, air pump, and tools for cyclists.

The Airport Ambassador desk, located near Gate 6 on Level 1 pre-security, is an excellent resource for getting information and assistance during your visit.

Restaurants and Dining Options

The airport is significantly expanding its culinary options for 2025, including:

Shake Shack: The famous burger chain will open its first airport location.
Mineo’s: The legendary Squirrel Hill pizzeria will expand to the terminal.
Bad Egg: An award-winning breakfast bar.
Café Conmigo: A local coffee and tea house from Wexford.
Camden Food Market: Offering a variety of food options.
Mi Casa Cantina: A Mexican restaurant.
Sambazon Acai: For healthy açaí bowl options.
Stack + Press Delicatessen: A modern deli.
Beercode Bar & Kitchen: Recently opened, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a modern twist on favorite dishes.

For an authentic local experience, try Café Conmigo or Mineo’s Pizza, which represent Pittsburgh’s unique flavors.

Shopping

The airport is significantly enhancing its shopping options:

MAC Cosmetics: A global authority in makeup and cosmetics.
Champion City Sports: A Pittsburgh sports apparel store with interactive experiences.
Duquesne & Co: A modern concept focused on local artisans for gifts and accessories.
InMotion: Expanding its presence with a larger store focused on Apple products.
Johnston & Murphy: Undergoing a complete renovation.

Existing stores like Hudson Booksellers and 7-Eleven will continue to offer their services.

Don’t miss Champion City Sports for unique Pittsburgh sports team memorabilia, including special collaborations with brands like Build-a-Bear and Vera Bradley.

With these new additions and improvements, Pittsburgh International Airport is transforming to offer a more comprehensive and satisfying travel experience, reflecting local culture and meeting the needs of modern travelers.

The airport features a free lounge for active duty military and veterans in Concourse C.

Lounges

The Club: Located in the Main Terminal, Concourse C. Open from 4:00 am to 9:00 pm. Offers premium food, Wi-Fi, showers, drinks, and snacks. Passes start at $39 per passenger.
American Airlines Admirals Club: Located in the Main Terminal. Open from 4:00 am to 8:45 pm. Provides snacks, Wi-Fi, newspapers, and magazines.
Military and Family Courtesy Center: Located in the Main Terminal, Concourse A. Open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Offers TV and snacks.

For a more comfortable travel experience, consider purchasing a lounge pass if you have a long layover or delay.

Inter-terminal Transportation

Both the Landside and Airside Terminals are connected by an underground people mover, ensuring quick and convenient transfers between the two buildings

The people mover is the only way to access the Airside Terminal after passing through security, so make sure you have everything you need before boarding.

Pittsburgh International Airport continues to evolve, with a new terminal having opened on September 28, 2023, featuring modern amenities and design improvements to enhance the overall travel experience.

Popular flights

Here’s the information about popular flights from Pittsburgh International Airport and their flight times in English:

Popular Domestic Flights

Pittsburgh to New York: One of the most frequent flights, with multiple daily departures.
Pittsburgh to Orlando: A popular tourist destination, especially for families.
Pittsburgh to Los Angeles: Transcontinental flights connecting the East Coast to the West.
Pittsburgh to Las Vegas: A frequent destination for leisure and business trips.
Pittsburgh to Boston: A popular route for business and student travel.

Popular International Flights

Pittsburgh to Vancouver
Pittsburgh to Seoul
Pittsburgh to Hong Kong
Pittsburgh to Tokyo
Pittsburgh to Toronto

Flight Schedules

The first flight of the day departs at 05:00, which is AA349 to Charlotte.
The last flight of the day is F94373, departing for Denver at 22:07.

If you have an early flight, consider staying at a nearby hotel the night before to avoid the stress of arriving on time.

The airport averages 47 departing flights per day, offering a wide range of options for travelers. Mondays tend to be the busiest days, with an average of 8 flights.

It’s important to note that flight schedules and frequency can vary depending on the season and demand. Always check updated schedules with the airline or airport before planning your trip.