Hugs at the Gate Return in Pittsburgh
Remember the ‘good old days’ of flying, when friends and family could go with you to the airport gate and send you off with a hug?

Although it was banned nationwide after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, non-ticketed passengers are now allowed past the security checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport, thanks to a special program PIT worked out with the Transportation Security Administration.

Through the myPITpass program, same-day airside passes are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to anyone who visits a special counter at the airport with a valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport).

Holders of a myPitpass must go through the security checkpoints along with ticketed airline passengers and must comply with the same security requirements. And while the TSA gave its approval for the program, it does not plan to allow expansion to other airports at this time.

Airport Oktoberfests
San Diego International Airport is hosting its second-annual, airport-wide Oktoberfest celebration through Oct. 3. Shops and eateries are offering Oktoberfest specials and there are Oktoberfest-themed brews on tap in many restaurants. The celebration includes Bavarian décor, beer gardens in terminal food courts, live entertainment and promotional giveaways.

Denver International Airport is also celebrating Oktoberfest with its fourth-annual Beer Flights beer garden, open Sept. 28–Oct. 9, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. on the plaza between the Jeppesen Terminal and the Westin Denver International Airport.

Tickets will be available for $10 to those ages 21 and older and include a souvenir glass to taste 10 2-ounce samples of beer. Ten Colorado breweries will be represented in the airport beer garden and each brewery will have a choice of two beers for visitors to sample.