Travelers at one U.S. airport now have an unexpected place to wait for a flight or an arriving loved one. The new space lets visitors step outside, watch planes, and enjoy some fresh air without paying for lounge access.
Pittsburgh International Airport opened the UPMC Terrace on Wednesday, July 29. The 36,000-square-foot outdoor space is located on the arrivals level of the airport’s new terminal.
Unlike many airport terraces, this one is located before the security checkpoint and is completely free. Visitors do not need a boarding pass or airline ticket to use it.
The terrace is the first of four outdoor areas planned for the terminal. According to an Axios Pittsburgh report, Pittsburgh is among a small number of major U.S. airports offering a free outdoor space before security.
The Terrace Is Open to Everyone
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Visitors can access the UPMC Terrace through the Welcome Point near the VisitPITTSBURGH desk or between baggage carousels 5 through 8. The terrace will remain open year-round during regular airport hours, which are approximately 4 a.m. to midnight.
The space includes winding walkways, tables, chairs, and quieter areas where visitors can sit alone. Guests are permitted to bring food and drinks outside, although smoking is prohibited.
Travelers can also watch planes arrive and depart while waiting for a flight or meeting someone at baggage claim. Because the terrace is before security, airport employees and local residents can use it as well.
The Terrace Recreates Western Pennsylvania’s Landscape
The terrace contains 41 species of trees, shrubs and perennial plants arranged into woodland, meadow, river valley and upland areas. Approximately 60 percent of its plants are native to the region, according to Pittsburgh International Airport.
Locally sourced sandstone, timber features and curved walkways were used to reflect the Western Allegheny Plateau. The landscape was also designed to change with the seasons, rather than looking its best only in summer.
Rainwater collected from the terminal’s roof will be used to irrigate the terrace. Designers also carefully selected plants less likely to attract birds and other wildlife that could pose safety risks to aircraft.
Three additional terraces are expected to open in the future, including one more before security and two reserved for ticketed passengers. The airport has not announced when those spaces will begin welcoming visitors.