The Pittsburgh airport wants to become the first since 9/11 to allow people without tickets past security to the gates. That’s awful thoughtful of it, allowing the passengers to have one last farewell. Or is it?
Just as important to the cash-strapped airport, it will allow more shoppers into its Airmall, a sprawling zone of stores and restaurants that has lost business in recent years.
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Pittsburgh has seen a 28% reduction in passengers since 2000. US Airways, which controls about 80% of the airport’s gates, dropped about 100 flights a day there in an attempt to reduce costs. The airline has been struggling financially.
Ahh. Who would have guessed money was involved? Shocking. I suspect there are a number of airport owners which now wish their facilities had been designed differently to facilitate commerce with security.
Airlines and security consultants are against the proposal because they say it will put more stress on security personnel. It will be interesting to see how this issue plays out.