How early to arrive at Pittsburgh airport

[corinascot]

We're considering changing dates for our upcoming trip (long story) and we'd fly out of Pittsburgh. We're about 2 hours from the airport (Cleveland). If our flight is at 7:55 AM on Sunday, Dec 17, how early would we have to arrive at the airport to park the car, check luggage and be at the gate on time. We're flying Southwest.

Thanks!

 

[FFXDSNADDICT]

I traveled out of Pittsburgh Internation Airport in September. Our Flight was at 8am on a Friday. I go to school at WVU and its about an hour and a half from Pittsburgh. Having never been to the airport I planned on getting there about 3 hours early ( Im from DC and getting through Dulles security can be a 3 hour process) When we arrived at 4 it was deserted and the ticket counters didn't even open up untill 5:30. Traffic wasn't a problem either seeing as they FINALLY finished construction on I-79. I would suggest arriving at 5 so you can park and get all fo your stuff on the bus that takes you to the terminal. Once you are through with the ticket area the security is pretty quick and it only take about 5 to 10 minutes to find your gate. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me!
BTW: In the circle where the food is located the Au Bon Pan has GREAT ALMOND Cossiants!

 

[keishashadow]

Sunday is THE day to fly out of PIT

We park offsite @ charlie browns (cheapest & great service-they clear the snow off your car & have it heated up for you when you get off their shuttle).

We try to arrive @ cbrowns 2-1/2 hrs prior to flight time, always early enough through security to have a wait & grab some breakfast.

enjoy your trip!

 

[pocohontas2004]

We got email from USAir this week that PIT is requiring check-in at least 45 minutes before flight time and being at your gate at least 15 minutes before flight time. The trip from Charlie Brown's is 15 minutes and a great place to park.

 

[safetymom]

PIT does have a second screening point if the lines get too long. I would still plan on 2 hours to park, get inside and to your gate.

 

[SuperSteelerFan]

We leave tomorrow on the 7:55a Southwest flight. We are leaving home at 5:30a for a 30 min drive. I figure by the time we park (we are probably using the extended airport lots) and drag our stuff and 2 kids as well as meet the other 7 people traveling with us, that should be enough time to get through security.
Edited after I looked on Charlie Brown's site - maybe we will park there as it would only be $45 vs $54 at the airport. I have to think about this now.

 

[keishashadow]

We leave tomorrow on the 7:55a Southwest flight. We are leaving home at 5:30a for a 30 min drive. I figure by the time we park (we are probably using the extended airport lots) and drag our stuff and 2 kids as well as meet the other 7 people traveling with us, that should be enough time to get through security.
Edited after I looked on Charlie Brown's site - maybe we will park there as it would only be $45 vs $54 at the airport. I have to think about this now.

There's a coupon in the Entertainment book for 1/2 off one week also, if you're AAA they have a good discount.

Charlie Brown's has a website where you can download a coupon (not as good as the 2 above but still decent). I always hand the clerk all the discounts I have and she's happy to sort them out & give me the best rate.

You can also request their frequent flyer/return guest cards. They stamp them based on amount you pay to park (or perhaps # of days you parked, cannot remember) but, a few trips later & you earn a free stay.

IMO, nothing worse than schlepping your bags in the parking lot, you never need touch them using Charlie Browns if you use the porters. We usually fly AT & it's right inside the door for checkin.

Good luck.

 

[iluvflorida8]

I only fly Southwest out of Pittsburgh to Orlando(2x a month). I have never gotten to the airport more than 90 minutes ahead of my flight, and always have at least an hour extra waiting at the gate.

P.S. I always use Charlie Browns parking...can't beat there service and prices.