Starting this week, travelers at Pittsburgh International Airport can enjoy fresh air and a quiet moment outdoors before their flight.
The airport opened an airside terrace on Oct. 20, joining just a handful of airports around the country that offer outdoor airside spaces for travelers.
The new airside terrace, designed as part of the airport's modernization program, is just one of four outdoor spaces at PIT, though only two terraces are open to travelers now. The remaining two will launch in the future.
Here's what you'll find at the airport.
Pittsburgh airport opens airside outdoor terrace
The new airside terrace is one of four terraces spread across PIT, according to a release from airport officials. One previously opened landside, while the remaining two will open in 2027.
"These terraces are
the most beautiful outdoor spaces at a U.S. airport and have been carefully designed to allow for a Pittsburgh, western Pennsylvania, Allegheny County experience for travelers, as well as staff, to encounter the beauty of this area, and really, to just to feel better," said Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis.
The new terraces are part of the airport's recent modernization program, which kicked off in 2018 and wrapped up in 2025. Gensler, HDR and architect Luis Vidal's studio partnered for the project, and much of the designs included materials from the region, according to a press release from PIT, such as local wood, stone and steel.
What you'll find at Pittsburgh International Airport's new terrace
PIT's new airside terrace is located across from the Dick's Sporting Goods display near the beginning of Concourse D. The area spans more than 1,000 square feet and features built-in bench seating, tables and chairs, native plants and a pet relief area.
The landscaping in this new terrace, as well as the two terraces that have yet to open, was inspired by the Central Appalachians' rugged plateaus and exposed rock formations.
"We brought in some interesting sandstone from a local quarry and used it as cladding on the walls," said Samantha Partington, technical director of OJB Studios, the landscape architects for the terraces.
The terraces were designed as part of the updated terminal to create the feel of a "pavilion in the woods." Guests can enjoy them without any additional fee or club membership.
What airports have outdoor patios, terraces?
Pittsburgh International Airport isn't the only U.S. airport to offer travelers an outdoor space to relax before their flights, according to PIT. San Francisco International Airport has pre- and post-security open spaces, and Denver International Airport has three post-security patios with fire pits.
Outdoor spaces can also be found at San Diego International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at FWalker@usatodayco.com. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pittsburgh airport opens one of the only outdoor airport terraces in US
