This looks like fun!
When an airport opens a new terminal, there are a lot of moving parts. Granted, there will be people there who’ve worked in the terminal(s) that is/are already established. But there are also plenty of new employees who’ve not been in their respective roles before, are working with technology and other things that they’re not 100% comfortable/familiar with yet, etc. And, let’s face it – when things are brand new, stuff can get messed up. Computer glitches. Temperatures that are too hot or too cold. If they have the chance of a “dress rehearsal,” it gives them the opportunity to iron out those bumps in the road before officially opening to the public.
That’s exactly what Pittsburgh International Airport plans to do.
The New PIT Terminal Project
Located about 10 miles west of downtown Pittsburgh, PIT opened in 1952. From 2005 onward, the airport has seen much growth, so in 2017, Allegheny County Airport Authority officials announced a $1.1 billion plan to renovate and reconfigure PIT’s current terminal complex, including a new landside terminal and a new parking garage. Under the proposal, the current landside building would be demolished, and the number of gates would be reduced from 75 to 51. A new landside building would be constructed between the airside terminal’s concourses C and D, with new security and baggage facilities, a new international arrivals area, along with multiple other amenities to serve passengers.
The project was delayed due to Covid, but is now almost done and, with it being so huge, it makes sense that officials want to have a test run or “dress rehearsal” to get the kinks out before they officially open.
That’s where we come in.
Be a Volunteer Passenger
PIT is looking for 3,000 to 4,000 people to take part in what they’re describing as a “full-scale dress rehearsal” that will enact “what Day One will look and feel like.”
The goal of the event is to simulate an actual day of passenger traffic in the airport. Volunteers will be given instructions for roleplaying, such as arriving to fly out, just landing for arrival, etc. One example is that some volunteers will be instructed to arrive at the departures curb, stop at ticket counters, go through the security checkpoint, and then through the bridge tunnel that leads to airside.
“We want people to come in and make sure it’s comfortable for them,” says airport spokesperson Bob Kerlik. “We’re going to take all that feedback and make any changes we need to make.”
The airport noted that there will be no compensation or reimbursement – participation is 100% voluntary.
How to Sign Up
The Airport Authority hasn’t announced an exact date for the dress rehearsal, although (A) they expect it will happen in September and (B) they plan to announce the date of the event in the next week or two.
If you’re interested in participating, PIT has a web page to volunteer. From their URL:
Pittsburgh, We’re Getting it Ready for You!
The grand opening of the transformed Pittsburgh International Airport is scheduled for this Fall 2025. But before we get to that milestone, there are several others,
including a public trial of the transformed PIT that is key to being able to finalize an opening date. And you can be a part of it.
Scheduled to be held during the month of September (with a final date forthcoming), the public trial is a full-scale dress rehearsal will re-enact what Day One will look and feel like.
It’s a voluntary opportunity to test, shape, and influence the new PIT experience before it officially opens.
You’ll act as a passenger, move through the terminal, and experience the transformed PIT to help us enhance and improve the Day One experience for everyone.
Participants will be assigned various roles and will be asked to provide feedback to the team, ensuring accessibility, and preparing communications and operational readiness.
And yes, this means that participants will be subject to the same rules and regulations as if they were traveling, including having a government-issued ID.
Finally, please note that participation in the public trial is entirely voluntary. No compensation or reimbursement will be provided to participants.
Sign up today! More details are coming soon, and official trial dates will be announced shortly. But for now—register your interest so you’re first in line when sign-ups go live.
The interest form only requests your first and last name, email address and phone number, and asks if you’re an airport employee. It doesn’t suggest you need to live in or near Pittsburgh, so I suppose that’d mean anyone could volunteer and potentially be picked.
So if you’ve ever been interested in being part of the opening for an airport terminal, now could be your chance!
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