Security
Air traveler safety is our top priority at Pittsburgh International Airport. The Allegheny County Airport Authority continues to prioritize safety measures while also providing the best possible customer service along the way.
Current Security Wait Times
Starting May 5, TSA PreCheck will be available only at the main PIT security checkpoint.
Learn more about this and other checkpoint changes at Blue Sky News.
TSA PreCheck
Main
How we keep you safe at PIT
Only passengers with boarding passes are allowed past security checkpoints, and prohibited items including pocket knives, guns, ammunition and incorrectly-sized liquids are confiscated at the checkpoints.
Security Tips
Planning ahead and packing properly can speed up the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport. Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport by reviewing TSA’s guidelines. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with or poses other security concerns.
Real ID
The REAL ID Act requires changes to state standards, procedures and requirements for the issuance of driver’s licenses and identification cards.
Beginning May 7, 2025, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, photo ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight.
Pre-Verification
Medication
Medications in pill or other solid forms must undergo security screening. You can facilitate this screening by clearly labeling medication. Medication can undergo a visual or X-ray screening and may be tested for traces of explosives.
Inform the TSA Officer
Before the screening begins, inform the TSA officer that you have medically necessary liquids and/or medications. Place them in a bin or bowl separate from other property, along with accessories associated with your liquid medication such as freezer packs, IV bags, pumps, and syringes.
Accessories
Ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs, and other accessories may be presented at the screening checkpoint in a frozen, partially frozen, or melted state to keep medically necessary items cool. All items, including supplies associated with medically necessary liquids such as IV bags, pumps, and syringes, must be screened before they will be permitted into the secure area of the airport.
3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption
TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your flight, but you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection.
Remove medically necessary items from your carry-on bag, and place them in a bin or bowl. If a medically necessary liquid, gel, or aerosol alarms additional screening will be required. If the alarm cannot be resolved, the item may not be allowed.
Screening
TSA officers may test liquids, gels, or aerosols for explosives or concealed prohibited items. If officers are unable to use screening technology to clear these items, you may be asked to open them for Vapor Analysis. Screening will never include placing anything into the medically necessary liquid.
Inform the TSA officer if you do not want your liquid medication to be screened by X-ray or opened. Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid, and you or the traveling guardian will undergo additional screening procedures, which may include AIT screening, a pat-down, and additional screening of your carry-on property.