The union representing flight attendants at American Airlines is criticizing Pittsburgh International Airport's decision to allow non-flyers to pass through security checkpoints to access the airside terminal's shops, restaurants and gates. The airport is the first in the country to allow non-flyers to access areas beyond security checkpoints, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
– Pittsburgh International Airport is bringing back a tradition that was banned after 9/11: letting people without tickets go through security to the airside part of the terminal. The airport will allow non-flyers airside to shop, dine, or say goodbye to loved ones at the gate as of Tuesday, with the approval of the Transportation Security Administration, reports NBC. Pittsburgh is the first airport to allow this since 9/11, and non-flyers will have to go through the same security checkpoints as travelers. They will also have to go to a special desk to get a "myPITpass," which will involve producing a photo ID and being checked against no-fly lists, reports the New York Daily News. Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, says people have been asking about access to shopping and dining at the airport for years. Bob Ross, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, however, says the change will lead to longer security lines and decreased safety, reports the Tribune-Review. "Allowing the non-flying public to go through security ... for the sole purpose of shopping is a terrible precedent and an ill-conceived decision," he said in a statement. The TSA says there are no plans for similar programs at other airports.