Pittsburgh International Airport anticipates record-breaking numbers during Christmas holiday travel
Airports across the country are expecting to see record numbers over the next two weeks, and Pittsburgh International Airport is no exception.
From Sunday, December 21 through Sunday, January 4, Pittsburgh International Airport expects approximately 465,000 arrivals and departures. This represents an increase of 6% compared to the same period last year.
The busiest remaining days are expected to be Friday, December 26 and Sunday, December 28, with an expected total of 34,000 seats combined on each date. Friday, January 2 is expected to be the next busiest day, with an expected total of 33,800 seats.
Chima Anyanwu is heading home to Texas for the holidays, and he’s not the only one.
“I came here to visit loved ones, you know, for a little while,” Anyanwu said. “It’s pretty hectic, so I like to come at least an hour and a half early.”
Airport officials said it’s important to remember that early morning and late afternoon hours are typically busier, so it’s a good idea to allow extra time. Travelers should try to check in their bags at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
The new TSA checkpoint can accommodate up to 12 lanes. Airport officials said the additional lanes will help accommodate the large number of travelers expected over the next two weeks, but travelers may have to wait a little longer.
A reminder for drivers picking someone up: There is a new free waiting lot that allows drivers to park for up to an hour while waiting.
The airport said the terminal garage offers more than 3,200 spaces and is a five-minute walk from the terminal. The terminal lot offers more than 2,800 flat-level spaces within a three- to five-minute walk. Long-term and extended lots are also available, with shuttles running 10 minutes to the terminal.
Parking lots will fill up quickly due to holiday travel, so reserving a space is strongly recommended. Travelers can pre-reserve space online. http://parkatpit.com/
Download the FREE WPXI News App for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook And Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
