Last weekend, I traveled to Pittsburgh for a conference, and noticed that the Pittsburgh Airport (PGH) had several family-friendly features that would make travel a bit easier for families traveling with small children.
First, at the security entrance, there is a separate line marked "family friendly" specifically for families traveling with youngsters. For anyone traveling with an infant and toddler, getting all the gear through security can be a daunting task. If you have a stroller or car seat, getting everything up on the security belt to go through screening can take additional time and be met with anything from glares to outright tantrums from other passengers (not to mention your own kids). Having a family-friendly line allows those with little gear who want to get to the gate faster a chance to avoid avoid the Baby on Board set.
Inside security, I discovered a play area called "Kidsport" at the entrance to Terminal C. This was a large, open play area, equipped with a TV. The play area was surrounded by a low wall, so the kids are contained, but have some freedom to run around. It seemed to be geared for the 5 and under set, with a few small rocking airplanes facing out the windows so that kids could watch the real airplanes take off and land. One feature of this play area that I thought was terrific were two adjacent bathrooms marked "boys" and "girls", so you didn't have to traipse off in search of a bathroom in case of an emergency. Next to the play area was a family restroom that could be used for anyone needing assistance, regardless of age.
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