Pittsburgh International Airport Security Checkpoint Changes Begin

MOON TOWNSHIP, PA — Significant security checkpoint changes went into effect Monday at Pittsburgh International Airport after lengthy lines were causing a growing number of travelers to miss their flights.

The Transportation Security Administration implemented the changes.

From 4 a.m.-7 a.m. on weekdays, the alternate security checkpoint now is dedicated exclusively to travelers enrolled in TSA PreCheck who are ticketed to fly out of the airport. PreCheck lanes at the main checkpoint will not be open during that period.

After 7 a.m., a TSA PreCheck lane is available at the main checkpoint through 8 p.m. The alternate checkpoint could reopen during the day on an as-needed basis, dependent on passenger volume to serve both TSA PreCheck and non-TSA PreCheck travelers.

Why are the changes necessary?

"The surge in passenger volume in the early hours of the morning has started to exceed the capacity of the security checkpoints," the TSA stated in a release. "The increase in passenger volume is a result of additional flights that have been added by airlines to accommodate traveler demand."

TSA officials believe the moves will expedite the screening process, maximize space and minimize line wait times for all travelers at both checkpoints. TSA piloted the change for a few days in May to determine whether it would improve passenger flow and the agency decided to move forward with it.

Even with the impending change, passengers still are advised to arrive at the airport three hours before their scheduled departure to ensure they catch their flight.