The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has made an ‘ill-conceived decision’ to allow non-flying airport visitors access to Pittsburgh International Airport’s shopping through airline security – according to the powerful APFA flight attendants union representing American Airlines.

 

APFA National President Bob Ross has strongly condemned the decision to provide access to non-flyers to Airside Terminal gates, shops and restaurants from today (September 5).

 

UNION GETS SERIOUS ABOUT ITS OPPOSITION

As part of a strong protest at the change in security protocols., APFA has also sent letters of complaint to the Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Secretary of Homeland Security (Acting) Elaine C. Duke, and the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) David P. Pekoske.

 

He describes allowing the non-flying public to go through security at the Pittsburgh International Airport for the sole purpose of shopping as ‘a terrible precedent and an ill-conceived decision’.

 

In a major statement, he added: “Flight attendants are the last line of defence on an aircraft and as first responders, we know this move by TSA is a bad idea that needs to be reversed.

 

“Aviation security relies on a layered approach where if terrorists breach a layer, second and third layers come into play to protect us. Letting our guard down in Pittsburgh or any other airport for the benefit of retailers is not the right approach to airline safety and security.

 

 

CASSOTIS SAYS AIRPORT HAS WORKED CLOSELY WITH TSA

“Beyond security concerns, having shoppers clog already frustratingly long TSA security lines will lead to flight delays and more passengers missing flights, especially during the busy holiday season.

 

“Personally, I’m stunned by the timing of this decision. Days prior to the anniversary of 9-11 is when we should be reminding the public of the need to remain vigilant – not sending the message that the airport is no different than their local mall.”

 

American Airlines is currently one of the airport’s most important customers, operating around 45 flights a day from Pittsburgh.

 

MIXED REACTIONS TO POST SECURITY NON FLYERS

This decision to allow non flyers through security to shop has also received a very mixed press in the US, but it has equally been strongly defended by Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority who has referred to the union’s comments as ‘misinformed’.

 

She says non-flying visitors who come to shop at Pittsburgh will have to clear security just like anyone else, with flyers given priority in queues at busy times.

 

 

In an earlier statement announcing the decision to open the airport’s shopping to non-flyers, Allegheny County Airport Authority Executive Rich Fitzgerald said: “For years, we’ve heard from travellers and non-travellers alike who want the opportunity to shop the stores at the airport.

 

“Thanks to the constant work of Christina Cassotis and her team at the airport, as well as the support of Congressman Tim Murphy, we’re finally able to make that a reality with the myPITpass Program.”

 

BUILDING ON EXISTING HOTEL PROGRAMME…

Hours for issuing passes will be Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm. The pass is only valid on the day of issuance. Adding her comments, Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said: “Since I started here, people have been asking about shopping and dining at the airport. We have worked closely with the TSA on this programme.

 

“This programme builds on our successful Holiday Open House programme and Airside access for guests of the airport Hyatt hotel.”

 

The airport maintains that ‘the same security requirements as ticketed passengers will be followed, ensuring no reduction in security’.

 

It says ticketed passengers will receive priority in the checkpoint line and the public going Airside will be strictly vetted and screened as if they were boarding a plane. All rules for carry-on luggage will also apply to those receiving the myPITpass for Airside access.

 

TSA HAS GIVEN ITS OK FOR THE NEW INITIATIVE

“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is pleased to support Pittsburgh International Airport on the launch of their myPITpass program,” said Karen Keys-Turner, TSA’s Federal Security Director for PIT.

 

“Participants should be prepared to receive the same level of security screening as travellers and should ensure they’re not carrying any prohibited items such as weapons before coming through the security checkpoint. We look forward to working with the airport on this programme.”