You can now share the joys of going through airport security and not even go anywhere. The days of the hurried kiss-and-go in the loading zone that have been with us since September, 2001 are gone — at least at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT).  You now have the option to park your car and walk to the gate with your loved one to see them off or welcome them home. The official statement from the Pittsburgh International Airport reads, “in cooperation with the Transportation Security Administration, [the airport] announced today that it will become the first airport in the country to allow the public to access shops and restaurants beyond the security checkpoint without requiring an airline ticket and no reduction in security.”

You will have to do a handful of things before walking the concourse and shopping at the news stands. The first thing you’ll have to do is check in on 3^rd Floor Ticketing Level (across from Allegiant). You will need a valid photo ID (e.g. a driver’s license or passport). You will have your name run for a quick background check and if you get a green light you’ll get a stamped myPITpass. You then get to travel through the security checkpoint just like the ticketed passengers. YES, the same rules that apply to carry-on luggage apply to myPITpass holders, so no knives, liquids over three ounces, etc. The hours for issuing passes will be Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pass is only valid on the day of issuance.

“Since I started here, people have been asking about shopping and dining at the airport. We have worked closely with the TSA on this program,” Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said in a press release. “This program builds on our successful Holiday Open House program and Airside access for guests of the airport Hyatt hotel.”

Additional information is available at www.flypittsburgh.com/myPITpass.

We also hope know and hope that we’ll get to see the return of scenes like this…