We timed PIT's new terminal
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Standard security took about 14 minutes last Friday morning. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios
The people mover is gone and security is streamlined, but how fast can you actually get through Pittsburgh International Airport's new terminal? We timed it.
Why it matters: PIT opened its new $1.7 billion terminal late last year, promising to slash curb-to-gate times for many travelers.
The big picture: Whether you're perpetually late or an airport theory evangelist, you can usually get from the terminal doors to your gate in about 20 minutes.
Yes, but: It depends on where you park, when you're flying, if you have checked bags, TSA PreCheck status, and other variables.
What they're saying: PIT officials recommend arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
Reality check: If you avoid peak travel days and parking in the shuttle lot, it can be a lot faster.
- Lines are longest at PIT for the first flights out between 5am-7am, when they can take 40 minutes or longer.
Zoom in: Here's how long it took us to get to our gates.
🛩️ Alexis traveled on a Wednesday for a 9:57am flight. She was dropped off at departures at 9:01am and cleared security with PreCheck by 9:06am. She arrived at Gate B2 by 9:11am.
- Curb to gate: 10 minutes.
✈️ Ryan took about five minutes to park in the terminal lot on a Thursday for an early morning flight, and another five minutes to walk from the lot to security. Virtually no line with TSA PreCheck. He walked another six minutes to the end of A Terminal.
- Curb to gate: about 13 minutes.
- Airport exit to gate, with parking: about 28 minutes.
🛫 Chrissy was dropped off at the curb at 8:42am for a 9:45am flight on a Friday. She made it through standard security by 9:01am, and arrived at Gate B14 by 9:04am.
- Curb to gate: 22 minutes.
🛬 Axios' Emma Way flew out of PIT on a Saturday. She arrived 15 minutes before boarding and still had time to grab a smoothie. She was dropped off at departures, breezed through security with PreCheck and walked to Gate B8.
- Curb to gate: 11 minutes.
Caveat: The ride from the shuttle lot — the airport's most affordable parking option — takes longer compared to the old airport, causing the airport to consider automating the process.
- People used to be able to walk from the shuttle lot to the terminal.
- Now, they have to wait for the shuttle and take an estimated 10-minute ride.
Pro tip: Check security wait times here.
The bottom line: If you want to stop for coffee, hit the restroom or check out PIT's new dining options — and eventually its outdoor terraces — you'll want to give yourself extra time.