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Pittsburgh International Airport is home to several major airlines, so you’ve got plenty of choices for your next trip. The best airlines flying from Pittsburgh include Southwest, United, Frontier, JetBlue, and Southern Airways.
These carriers offer nonstop flights to a bunch of key cities, which makes finding a convenient route way easier than you’d expect.
You can hop a flight to popular U.S. destinations with these airlines, whether you’re aiming for the Caribbean or business hubs like San Francisco and Atlanta. Whether you want to keep it cheap or spring for a little more comfort, Pittsburgh’s airlines have you covered.
Knowing which airlines head to your preferred cities saves you hassle and sometimes cash. The airport itself isn’t too shabby either—there are some solid amenities to make your trip smoother.
Key Takeways
- There are several major airlines at Pittsburgh International Airport.
- Flights connect Pittsburgh to loads of popular U.S. cities.
- The airport’s got services that help make travel easier and more comfortable.
Major Airlines Operating from Pittsburgh International Airport
You’ll find a handful of major airlines at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), each with their own vibe and routes. Options range from low-cost to more full-service, so you can pick what fits your mood and budget.
Southwest Airlines: Destinations and Services
Southwest Airlines is easily one of the busiest at PIT. They mostly stick to domestic flights, with frequent nonstops to places like Orlando, Denver, Chicago, and Baltimore.
People like the flexible booking and the fact that you don’t get dinged for checked bags. Multiple flights daily on the big routes, and the customer service is usually pretty friendly and no-nonsense.
If you’re after budget-friendly travel and want to keep your options open, Southwest is worth a look.
American Airlines: Route Network and Features
American Airlines gives you a lot of route options from Pittsburgh, especially through hubs like Charlotte and Philadelphia. You can get to a ton of U.S. cities and even some international spots with just one stop.
Frequent flyer rewards, premium seats, and airport lounges are some of the perks. American also teams up with other carriers, which expands your options beyond PIT.
Spirit Airlines: Low-Cost Travel Options
Spirit Airlines is all about budget fares out of Pittsburgh. If you don’t mind paying for extras like bags or picking your seat, Spirit’s base prices can be super low for places like Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
The no-frills approach means you pay for what you actually use. It’s a solid pick if you travel light and want to keep things cheap.
Other Leading Carriers from Pittsburgh
Besides those three, PIT has a few other players. JetBlue flies to places like New York and Boston, and throws in free Wi-Fi and a bit more comfort.
Delta Airlines connects you through Atlanta and beyond, with the usual upgrades and loyalty perks. Southern Airways Connect covers regional destinations, handy for short hops.
Popular Flight Routes and Destinations
Pittsburgh International Airport has a surprising number of nonstop flights to big U.S. cities and a few international ones. You can get to major hubs for connections, or just head straight to your vacation spot.
Direct Flights and Non-Stop Connections
There are about 135 nonstop flights leaving Pittsburgh every day. That covers direct flights to over 60 destinations, including cities in five countries.
Most routes are domestic—57 nonstop options within the U.S. Nonstop flights mean no layovers, which is a relief if you’re in a hurry.
Pittsburgh connects you to places like Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas, which is great if you want fast travel or need to catch another flight.
Travel to Major Hubs: EWR, PHL, and Denver
Flights from PIT to big hubs like Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), and Denver (DEN) are pretty common. These airports open up connections to just about anywhere.
- EWR (United Airlines) has a lot of international and domestic flights.
- PHL (American Airlines) is a main hub for the East Coast.
- DEN is the go-to for the West and mountain states.
Flying direct to these hubs from Pittsburgh makes the rest of your trip a lot easier.
International Destinations and Seasonal Services
You can fly nonstop to international cities like Toronto and Montreal. The longest nonstop route from Pittsburgh is to London Heathrow.
Seasonal flights add places like Cancun in the winter, which is a nice touch if you’re craving some sun. Direct flights to these spots mean less hassle, especially for beach or international trips.
Tips for Booking the Best Flights from Pittsburgh
Booking a flight from Pittsburgh isn’t rocket science, but a little strategy goes a long way. Timing, price-watching, and knowing the fees can really save you money and stress.
Finding Cheap Tickets and the Cheapest Month to Fly
To snag cheap tickets, look for flights in the off-season—usually January and February have lower fares since fewer people are traveling. Avoid holidays and peak summer if you can.
Check out online sites to compare prices from different airlines. Southwest is a favorite for direct flights to a bunch of cities. Booking a few weeks ahead usually helps you grab a deal.
Flying mid-week (like Tuesday or Wednesday) often costs less than weekends. It’s a small tweak, but it can make a difference.
Using Price Alerts and Flight Calendars
Set up price alerts—most travel sites or apps will ping you when fares drop for your route. Super handy if you’re flexible.
A flight calendar lets you see prices for different days side by side. You can spot the cheapest dates without having to guess.
If you check prices regularly and aren’t locked into one date, you’ve got a better shot at a bargain.
Avoiding Hidden Fees When Booking
Watch out for hidden fees that can sneak up on you. Some airlines charge for checked bags, picking your seat, or even carry-ons.
Southwest lets you bring two checked bags and a carry-on for free, which saves cash. Other airlines? Not so much—always double-check their baggage policies before you buy.
It’s smart to read the fine print for cancellation or change fees, too. No one likes a surprise charge.
Choosing Between Business Class and Economy
If you’ve got the budget, you might wonder if business class is worth it. You get bigger seats, more legroom, and perks like priority boarding.
Economy is cheaper, but you sacrifice comfort. For short flights, economy’s fine. For longer trips, business class can really make a difference.
Sometimes airlines offer upgrades at booking or even at the airport. Keep an eye out—occasionally you can snag a deal.
Traveler Resources and Amenities at Pittsburgh Airport
Pittsburgh International has a bunch of services to make your trip less stressful. Car rentals, shops, and restaurants are all there, plus some tips for dealing with weather delays.
Car Hire from Pittsburgh International
Need a car? Pittsburgh International has the usual suspects—Avis, Enterprise, Hertz—right at the airport. You can book ahead online or just rent when you arrive.
Rental cars are available 24/7, so you’re covered no matter when your flight lands. The rental center’s easy to find, and there are plenty of options.
Shopping and Dining Options
There’s a good mix of shops and places to eat, both before and after security. Grab a snack, sit down for a meal, or just wander the stores.
If you want a quiet drink, the American Airlines Admirals Club is open until 9:15 PM, with snacks and drinks in a chill spot away from the crowds.
Gift shops, newsstands, and specialty stores are scattered throughout the terminals. Whether it’s coffee on the go or a sit-down meal, you’ve got choices.
Weather Impacts on Flight Schedules
Pittsburgh weather can flip on you fast, especially in winter. Snow, fog, or storms can delay or cancel flights, so check your airline’s site or the airport status before heading out.
The airport and airlines work to clear delays quickly, but sometimes you’ll just have to wait it out. Signing up for text or email alerts from your airline helps you stay in the loop.
If things go sideways, having a backup plan or some flexibility never hurts.
Nearby Airports and Alternative Choices
If Pittsburgh International Airport doesn’t have the flights you’re after, or if your flight gets delayed, there are some other options not too far away.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) sits about two hours from Pittsburgh. Erie International Airport (ERI) is closer, maybe an hour and a half’s drive.
Sometimes these airports have flights from airlines Pittsburgh doesn’t, or they might offer a more direct route. Honestly, if you’re really in a bind, you could even check out airports near bigger cities like Columbus or Philadelphia—though that’s a bit of a trek.
Just remember, extra travel time to these other airports can add up, especially if you’re already stressed about delays.