Flying out of Pittsburgh

[mugglemom]

In the past we have had to take all our luggage with us in order to get through the security there.

We are flying a different airline this time and I understand there may be curb check in and I can print my boarding passes off the internet.

So how does Pittsburg handle curb side check in of luggage when you normally have to stand next to your suitcases while they are exrayed and opened?

 

[DebbieB]

Which airline are you flying?

 

[mugglemom]

Air Tran

We normally fly US AIR and I know how they go through your stuff but Dh said the security had to be the same for eveyone there so I was wondering how to use curb check in.

 

[DebbieB]

I'm not sure that Air Tran has curbside checkin in Pittsburgh since they only have a handful of flights each day. Anyone know?

 

[crazy_for_the_dis]

No airline has "curbside check-in" at PIT per say, in that, no matter what you have to take your bags to the scanning area. You can "check in" and get your tickets now at the curb for some airlines (not Air Tran though), but they do not take your luggage. It does not matter if you fly US AIR, Air Tran, or any one else. They do seem to getting more lax though, since last time I was there in Jan, they were backed up and allowed people to leave their bags by the scanners without making you wait until yours were done. There is a scanner right next to the Air Tran counter, and typically you do not have near the lines here as you do by the ones for US AIR.

By the way, I flew Air Tran out of PIT last year and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I was amazed about how efficiently they run that airline. There was one woman at the ticket counter who checked you in. At the gate, a gentleman got on the mic., introduced himself as the pilot, and began the whole loading process!!! Then the same lady from the ticket area came up around 15 min later and finished the process. I don't know if they were short staffed that day or what, but I was totally impressed on how efficiently it ran! But I guess that may be why they offer such great rates as well!

 

[mugglemom]

Thanks for the great info and the vote of confidence for Air Tran! I will admit I was a bit nervous about not using a well known air line. But so far all I have heard is good about Air Tran!

I wondered about the curb side check in. I remember how strict they were last year and I just cound not figure out how it would work there.

From what I read Pitt is one of the few airports that does the scanning and inspections that way. When I try to tell others about it they think I am crazy and say just leave your bags and the curb and be done with them!

Is the Air Tran counter well marked? I know how to find the US Air one but I can not visualize where Air Tran is located. TIA!

 

[DebbieB]

Air Tran's counter is on the same floor as USAir, on the opposite end.

We were told to leave our bags by the scanner in December, they were backed up. Turned out ours were opened & hand checked.

 

[safetymom]

PIT is working on updating the scanning areas so that you will be able to use curbside check in. It is supposed to be done later this year but then who knows.