30/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 31/07/2024 02:39
PITTSBURGH, Pa.-The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is seeing a significant spike in checkpoint volume this summer that is exceeding pre-pandemic levels by thousands of travelers per day.
During June, TSA recorded 15 days when checkpoint volume exceeded 18,000 individuals screened, which was an increase of up to 5,000 to 6,000 more people on peak days compared to one year ago, in June 2023. Three days last month saw checkpoint volume exceed 20,000 people who passed through the checkpoints with the biggest increase in the early morning hours from 4 to 7 a.m.
Airport statistics for June show that more than 970,000 passengers flew through PIT, the most of any month since July 2005. They also noted that airline capacity increased by 21.5 percent with additional flights added to the schedule, many of which have been added in the early morning as a result of passenger demand. During June the number of international passengers increased by 67.1 percent and the number of domestic passengers increased by 12.7 percent compared to June 2023.
"This is the busiest summer travel season we have seen here in Pittsburgh, which mirrors what we are seeing nationwide," said Karen Keys-Turner, TSA's Federal Security Director for Pittsburgh International Airport. "The increase in the number of early morning travelers has hit a tipping point and now exceeds the capacity at our checkpoints during the peak morning travel period, so we have taken several steps to help mitigate the wait in the checkpoint lines in a focused effort to improve the passenger experience."
"We are continuing to see growth in our market with strong passenger demand as travelers capitalize on new air service options," said PIT Chief Development Officer Paul Hoback. "At the same time, we have worked with our TSA partners to improve the passenger experience, and we look forward to the new terminal opening next year which will bring a streamlined screening experience."
Steps taken to help mitigate the wait times at the checkpoints are listed below.
When travelers find themselves in checkpoint lines, they are encouraged to do three things while waiting in line that ultimately help cut down the amount of time people are in the line.
Travelers who own firearms are strongly encouraged to go through their carry-on bags before leaving home to ensure that their guns and ammunition are not in their carry-on bags. TSA officers have intercepted 10 firearms at the checkpoints since mid-June, which slows down the checkpoint lines for other passengers. When TSA officers detect a firearm, that checkpoint lane comes to a complete stop until the police arrive and remove the firearm, traveler and their other belongings from the checkpoint.