Pittsburgh Airport Opens Advanced TSA Checkpoint to Enhance Security

Pittsburgh International Airport Unveils Next-Generation Security Checkpoint

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has officially launched a new, state-of-the-art security checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), marking a significant milestone in the airport’s ambitious Terminal Modernization Program. As of Tuesday, November 18, 2025, all departing travelers now pass through a single, consolidated facility designed to fundamentally reshape the passenger experience. This isn’t just a minor upgrade; it’s a complete overhaul aimed at boosting efficiency, strengthening security protocols, and streamlining the journey from curb to gate for the nearly 10 million passengers the airport served in the last year.

The new checkpoint is the centerpiece of a multi-year, $1.7 billion effort to modernize PIT. The previous airport design, which required passengers to check in at a landside terminal and then take an underground train to a separate airside building for their gates, often created bottlenecks and confusion. The new, consolidated 811,000-square-foot terminal, which began construction on October 14, 2021, eliminates this disjointed process. By centralizing key functions, the airport and the TSA are directly addressing the challenges of growing passenger volumes and the need for a more intuitive and less stressful security process.

A New Era of Screening Technology

At the heart of the new checkpoint are significant technological advancements designed to make screening both more secure and more convenient. The facility is equipped with sixteen Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) units. This system automatically verifies a traveler’s identity by comparing a real-time photo taken at the podium with the photo on their government-issued ID, enhancing identity verification and reducing manual checks.

Once past the identity check, passengers encounter eight Automated Screening Lanes (ASLs). These lanes feature larger bins to accommodate more items, an automated conveyor system that returns bins to the front of the line, and RFID tracking for carry-on items. The most impactful upgrade for many travelers will be the introduction of Computed Tomography (CT) scanners. These advanced machines provide a 3D image of the contents of a carry-on bag, allowing TSA officers to conduct a more thorough analysis electronically. For the passenger, this means laptops, large electronics, and approved liquids can remain inside their bags, speeding up the process and reducing a common point of hassle.

Behind the scenes, a new, fully automated Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) uses a complex network of conveyor belts to screen all checked luggage for potential threats. This integrated system works in tandem with the passenger checkpoint to ensure comprehensive security coverage. The combination of these technologies represents a major step forward in airport security infrastructure.

As Gerardo Spero, TSA Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania, stated, “This new checkpoint represents a leap forward in both safety and efficiency. By combining the latest screening technologies with streamlined processes, we’re able to provide faster, smoother travel while upholding the highest security standards.”

Streamlining the Entire Passenger Journey

The new security checkpoint is a critical part of the broader Terminal Modernization Program’s goal of creating a more cohesive and pleasant travel experience. The previous system, with its main and alternate checkpoints, is now replaced by a single, 12-lane facility in one centralized location. This creates a more open and predictable environment, guided by modern electronic displays that provide real-time flight and queue-time information. On its opening day, the new terminal processed approximately 20,000 passengers, with a peak wait time of about 20 minutes, a smooth transition for a project of this scale.

The collaboration between the airport authority and the TSA was fundamental to the project’s success. Travis McNichols, PIT’s Chief Operations Officer, highlighted this partnership, stating, “Our partnership exemplifies PIT’s commitment to safety and security in working with all stakeholders. We look forward to an enhanced passenger experience through the new security checkpoint.” This sentiment was echoed by airport CEO Christina Cassotis, who expressed her relief at the smooth opening and noted the team was ready to “tweak in real time” to optimize operations.

Beyond the checkpoint itself, the modernization program includes enhancements to the entire airport ecosystem. Passengers will find larger post-security areas to recompose themselves after screening, reducing congestion. The project also addresses landside logistics with a new 3,300-space parking garage and an 8,000-space shuttle lot, improving access to the new terminal. Every element is designed to work together to shorten the total time from car to plane.

Conclusion: A Model for the Future

The opening of the new TSA checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport is more than just a local news story; it’s a case study in the future of airport design. It demonstrates a clear shift toward integrating advanced security technology with passenger-focused infrastructure. By consolidating operations and deploying systems that reduce hassle without compromising safety, PIT is setting a new standard for how airports can manage increasing passenger loads, which have already surpassed pre-pandemic levels at the facility.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, projects like PIT’s Terminal Modernization Program will likely become a blueprint for other airports. The successful collaboration between government agencies like the TSA and airport operators proves that strategic, long-term investment can solve long-standing travel pain points. The result is a system that is not only more secure but also more respectful of the traveler’s time and experience, ensuring that the journey is as smooth as the destination is exciting.

FAQ

Question: When did the new TSA checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport open?
Answer: The new checkpoint became fully operational for all departing passengers on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

Question: What is the biggest change for passengers with the new CT scanners?
Answer: Passengers can now leave laptops, other large electronics, and 3-1-1 approved liquids inside their carry-on bags during the screening process, which helps to speed up the lines.

Question: Is the new checkpoint part of a larger project?
Answer: Yes, it is a key component of Pittsburgh International Airport’s $1.7 billion Terminal Modernization Program, which includes a new, consolidated 811,000-square-foot terminal building and other infrastructure improvements.

Sources

• TSA