It's the middle of the busy summer travel season, and if you've flown lately, you know how long it can take to get through security. News4's Justin Finch has the top travel tips the TSA says can move you through faster. (Published Friday, July 7, 2017)
These Tips Will Get You Through TSA Faster
Breaking with a practice that began after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Pittsburgh International Airport will soon allow non-ticketed patrons past its security checkpoints, NBC News reported.
The airport, getting back to the "good-old days" of air travel, will let non-flyers access inside gates, shops, restaurants and artwork year-round. With approval from the Transportation Security Administration, the change will take effect Sept. 5.
Non-flyers will have to check in at a special desk, show a valid photo I.D., have their name checked against a "no fly" list and then, just like regular flyers, go through security.
While the TSA said it supports Pittsburgh's change, it noted that no additional staff has been hired for the change. It also said there are no plans to expand the program.
TSA to Implement New, Stronger Airport Screening
roguebuckeye on September 4th, 2017 at 03:20 UTC »
The Pittsburgh situation is somewhat unique. For those who don't know the history, it may seem odd that this would be requested, and granted, when no other airports have plans with the TSA to follow suit.
Right before 9/11, Pittsburgh completed a major renovation of the airport as part of a plan to make the airport a major shopping and economic hub. They basically built a high end mall into the concourse of the airport. Then... 9/11. With no way for non-flyers to get to the stores, it's been a flop. The stores are still there, but perpetually empty. I have assumed that they are somehow subsidized by the Port authority to keep them from leaving.
In any case, the change in rules was disastrous to the economic vision that was planned. I don't imagine shoppers flocking to the airport, but given the history, it makes sense why they pushed to allow non-flyer access.
caribou16 on September 4th, 2017 at 00:57 UTC »
Back in the early 90s my dad took me to pick up my grandparents at the airport. I was probably about 10 or 11. Going through the metal detector, I get pulled aside because of course I have a swiss army knife in my pocket. Security guard tells me it's an awesome knife, gives it back, and waves me through.
Jkid on September 3rd, 2017 at 23:47 UTC »
This needs to be expanded to every airport in the US immediately or soon as possible. We are not safer than we were before 9/11. I long miss the days when you can just tour a airport and see the planes arrive and depart,