Sleeping in Airports

Pittsburgh Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Pittsburgh Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

the cleaning crews have no problem running a vacuum cleaner inches from you head, but that is a minor distraction. – M. Freeman

PIT Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Pittsburgh Airport.

What to Expect

Pittsburgh Airport (code: PIT) has a single terminal with four concourses, making it easy to get around on foot. The airport is open 24 hours a day, and the main security checkpoint is open all night.

Travellers appreciate the free WiFi and the outposts of local eateries, breweries, and shops. Overnight snacks and sandwiches are available in the 24-hour shop in the main terminal. Economy-class travellers who want to upgrade their layover can pay to enter two airport lounges.

Sleeping in Pittsburgh Airport

pittsburgh airport guideDon’t expect too many overnight sleepers here. Seating is generally sufficient for this size airport, but most are single seats equipped with armrests. Some travellers have cited noise as an issue, so bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. A mat will come in handy should you decide to sleep on the floor. Here are a few good sleep spots that travellers have reported:

  • Airside, try the Southwest area of Concourse A.
  • Landside, a few upholstered, curved benches are near the main security checkpoint.

For uninterrupted sleep, an indoor moving walkway connects the main terminal with a hotel. Nearby hotels also offer free airport shuttles. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Pittsburgh Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Keep in mind that airline check-in and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the terminal’s public area (landside), you will not be able to get through to the terminal’s secure area (airside) until the morning. The TSA security screening checkpoint hours vary according to location:

  • Main Checkpoint (Transit Level): open 24 hours

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Pittsburgh airport sounds like a nightmare, there is a hotel connected to the terminal and several nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles:

Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport – Connected to the airport terminal via a moving indoor walkway. Free shuttle service within a 7-mile radius. » Check Rates

Nearby hotels with free airport shuttles:

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Pittsburgh Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

  • American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Airside, Mezzanine Level. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
  • The Club at PIT – Location: Airside, Concourse C, near Bar Symon. The lounge is also accessible from Concourses A, B and D. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.

Military Lounge

  • USO Lounge – An 1,100 square foot lounge with workstations, couches, easy chairs, books, magazines, TV, light snacks and space to interact with family. The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Airside, past Gate A24. Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Mon, Fri & Sun) • 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Tues) • 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Wed) • Closed (Thurs & Sat).

Related Pages: Pittsburgh Airport Lounges

Drinking Water

A reader tells us that fountains to refill water bottles are available on the airside. They can be found in most concourses near the restrooms.

Food & Drinks

When you get the midnight munchies, check out the Farmer’s Fridge vending machines. There are currently no 24-hour food options. Food concessions operate with varying schedules, although many open at 4:00 AM and close between 8:00 PM and midnight. The Strip Market (Airside, Center Core) offers grab-and-go meals and snacks and is open from 4:00 AM – midnight.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Charging points are available throughout the terminal. Portable charging rods can also be purchased from the FuelRod kiosk. Location: Airside, Concourse C.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Pittsburgh Airport. No passwords or purchases are necessary. Just open your browser to be automatically connected to the FlyPittsburgh.com homepage.

Security & Safety

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Pittsburgh Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts (Smarte Carte) are available on Levels 1 and 3 landside. Rates: unknown.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – The Mother’s Nursing Lounge is a clean, quiet, carpeted room with comfortable seating and a changing table. A family restroom is adjacent to the lounge. Location: Airside, Concourse C, near Gate C52.
  • Children’s Play Area – Kidsport has seven fun, interactive installations that inspire creativity and learning. The play area also has a nursing area with additional play equipment, a changing table and comfortable seating for adults. Location: Airside, Concourse C, near Gate C56.

Information Desk – Locations: Landside, Level 2 • Airside, Center Core. Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM. You can also use one of the white courtesy phones for assistance or seek the help of an airport ambassador.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Multiple locations, both landside and airside.
  • Currency Exchange – CXI Currency Exchange is available. Location: Landside, Floor 2. Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Sun-Fri) & 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sat).

Pet Relief Area – One pet relief area is located outside, near the landside Baggage Claim area. An indoor pet relief area is available in Concourse D, next to the post office.

Pharmacy – Rite Aid (Center Core, Level 3) and GNC (Concourse A) are available. Note that prescription services are not available; however, over-the-counter medications are sold here.

Post Office – Location: Airside, Concourse D, opposite Gate D76.

Interfaith Reflection Room – Location: Airside, Mezzanine Level. Hours: Unknown.

Sensory Room – A soundproof space to escape the overwhelming activity of the terminal. Visitors can adjust the room lighting and participate in calming activities here. Location: Airside, Concourse A, near Gate A9.

Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available at Hudson News in Concourse B, Concourse C and the Center Core. In addition, a wide variety of retail shops are available throughout the airport, including multiple locations for last-minute snack and drink needs.

SIM Cards – A reader says, “SIM cards are not available at Pittsburgh airport. It is suggested to pick up a SIM card from locations like 7-11, Rite Aid, or any locations of the telco providers once outside the airport” (October 2023)

Smoking – Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the airport.

Things to do & see

  • Art in the Airport – Rotating and permanent art exhibitions are displayed throughout the airport. Check out the interactive Fraley’s Robot Repair Shop or learn about the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen through photographs. In addition, local performers put on live performances at the Center Core Stage.
  • Piano – Live music is performed here every Thursday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Location: Landside, Level 3.

Workspace – Jabbrrbox provides a quiet work area with everything you need as a mobile worker. Locations: Airside, Concourse B, near Gate B33 • Airside, Concourse C, near Bar Symon.

Airlines
Pittsburgh Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Alaska Airlines • Allegiant Airlines • American Airlines • Breeze Airways • British Airways • Delta Air Lines • Frontier Airlines • JetBlue • Southwest Airlines • Southern Airways Express • Spirit • Sun Country • United Airlines.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Pittsburgh Airport is served by 28X Airport Flyer (via West Busway), which runs between the airport and several key destinations in and around downtown Pittsburgh. Stops include Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, Robinson Town Centre and several transit stations. Buses pick up every 30 minutes at a designated stop outside of Door 6, Baggage Claim. For route maps, schedules and fare information, visit the Port Authority of Allegheny County website.

Car Rentals

Car rental service counters are located landside in the baggage claim area. On-site car rental agencies include: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • SIXT.

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Courtyard Pittsburgh Airport   •   DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh Airport   •   Hampton Inn Pittsburgh-Airport   •  Homewood Suites by Hilton Pittsburgh Airport Robinson Mall Area   •   Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport   •   La Quinta Inn Pittsburgh Airport   •   MainStay Suites Pittsburgh Airport   •   Marriott Pittsburgh Airport   •   Residence Inn Pittsburgh Airport Coraopolis   •   Sheraton Pittsburgh Airport Hotel   •   Wyndham Garden Pittsburgh Airport.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Ride Apps

Both Uber and Lyft operate from Pittsburgh Airport. The pick-up point is outside door 4 at Baggage Claim.

Taxis and Shuttles

Taxis and shared-ride shuttles, including SuperShuttle, are available 24 hours a day in the ground transportation area. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.