Inside Pittsburgh International Airport's new terminal: a wood-slatted ceiling, long skylights and a hanging mobile over the main hall

Pittsburgh International · Accessibility

Accessible travel through PIT.

The first airport with Universal Design Certification, a pioneering sensory room, free Sunflower lanyards and a terminal built for every body. Build a plan for your trip in a minute.

Build my plan Presley's Place

Photo: Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Short answer

Pittsburgh International was the first airport awarded Universal Design Certification from the University at Buffalo's IDEA Center (announced February 2026). It has Presley's Place, a sensory room on Concourse A past Gate A7, free Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards, an Assisted security lane and wheelchair-accessible parking shuttles. Request wheelchair help from your airline when you book.

Verified

Accessibility at PIT, by the numbers

1stairport with Universal Design Certification from UB's IDEA Center.

2019the year Presley's Place sensory room opened.

180+airports that recognize the Sunflower lanyard.

72 hbefore travel: when TSA Cares suggests you call.

Interactive

Your plan, step by step.

Check what applies to you or the person you travel with. The plan sorts every step by when to do it, and prints cleanly.

Build my PIT accessibility plan

Check everything that applies

Wheelchair or limited mobility Autism or sensory sensitivities A hidden disability Low vision or blindness Deaf or hard of hearing Traveling with a service animal Medications or medical devices Need a wheelchair-accessible ride from PIT Would like a volunteer to meet me

When you book

Request wheelchair service from your airline when you book, and say what kind of help you need. It can also be requested at the airline counter on the Departures level.

About 72 hours before

Call TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 with questions about screening and what to expect at the checkpoint.

At the airport

Accessible spaces are near the shuttle shelters, the Terminal Lot walkways and the garage elevators. Every parking shuttle is wheelchair accessible; call 412-472-5050 or use a call button for help. At security, use the Assisted lane.
Information desks: Ground level near Door 8 and in the airside Core. The airport lists hours of 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; phone 412-472-3525.
Accessible stalls are in every restroom. Family restrooms are on every floor before security and on every concourse, several with an adult changing table and adjustable sink.

Checked October 19, 2026 against the airport's own site. Every step comes from the airport's accessibility, parking and ground transportation pages. PGH Nonstop is independent and is not the airport.

Sensory-friendly

Presley's Place sensory room

Presley's Place opened in July 2019, inspired by an airport staffer's son. It gives travelers with autism and other sensory sensitivities a calm place to decompress before boarding or after landing.

Inside are private soundproof spaces, adjustable lighting, calming activities and comfortable seating, a sensory-friendly restroom with a universal changing station, and a transitional space with live flight information. The realistic airplane cabin, with seats and window scenes, was provided by American Airlines and Magee Plastics so families can practice boarding.

Find it

Concourse A, past Gate A7

After security, walk the Skybridge to the Core and turn onto Concourse A. Sensory bags are available at both information desks.

See it on our terminal map

The terminal

Built for every body

Universal design

The IDEA Center certification judged wayfinding, lighting, mobility access and sensory inclusion. PIT has a dedicated service design team, rare among airports.

Accessible counters

Ticket counters at accessible heights, high-contrast signs, and only one level change from the departure curb to the gates.

Restrooms and nursing rooms

Family restrooms and nursing rooms on every floor before security and every concourse after it, several with adult changing tables.

Terraces

The 36,000 sq ft UPMC Terrace, open to everyone 4 a.m. to midnight weather permitting, is reached from the Arrivals level.

PIT PAWS

Certified therapy dogs visit the terminal to help travelers relax before flying. Email the airport's PIT PAWS team to find out when they will be on site.

Help in person

Volunteer Ambassadors in purple vests help with wayfinding, and information desks have access to translators, including ASL.

Downtown Pittsburgh's skyline across the river on a clear day, with the UPMC sign atop the U.S. Steel Tower at center

Need a ride from PIT?

Every 28X bus is wheelchair accessible.

So are ACCESS paratransit (book two weeks ahead) and the airport's parking shuttles. Compare every way into the city.

Getting downtown

Photo: Pexels

Questions

How do I get wheelchair assistance at Pittsburgh airport?

Request it from your airline when you book, or at your airline's counter on the Departures (third) level. The information desk on the Ground level can also help dispatch a wheelchair.

Does Pittsburgh airport have a sensory room?

Yes. Presley's Place, unveiled in July 2019, is on Concourse A just past Gate A7. It has private soundproof spaces, adjustable lighting, calming activities, a sensory-friendly restroom and a realistic airplane cabin experience.

Is PIT certified for universal design?

Yes. In February 2026 the airport announced it was the first airport awarded Universal Design Certification by the University at Buffalo's IDEA Center, which scores spaces on principles such as equitable use, flexibility and perceptible information.

Does Pittsburgh airport take part in the Sunflower program?

Yes. Sunflower lanyards, bracelets and pins are free at both information desks, or can be mailed ahead on request. The lanyard does not give expedited screening.

Which security line do wheelchair users use at PIT?

The dedicated Assisted line at the checkpoint, for anyone who uses a wheelchair or needs special assistance.

Can someone go to the gate with a traveler who needs help?

Only ticketed passengers can pass security, but many airlines issue gate passes so a companion can escort a traveler with a disability or a child flying alone. Ask the airline.

Where is handicap parking at Pittsburgh airport?

Every lot has accessible and van-accessible spaces: near the shuttle shelters in the Shuttle Lot, next to the walkways in the Terminal Lot and by the elevators in the Terminal Garage. Posted rates apply to placard holders too.

More of the PIT guide

Sources