Letter to the editor: Pittsburgh airport should be lean and mean

Since that “can of worms” called the Pittsburgh International Airport has been opened, let’s continue with a little reason.

First, get rid of the name Pittsburgh International and just call it the Pittsburgh Airport. Flights to Toronto hardly qualify it to have the name.

The Pirates have accepted our status as a “small market.” Pittsburgh was never meant to, and can’t, compete with New York, Philly, D.C. and Boston. We are a bit of a “backwater.” In reality, that is part of its charm. I grew up near Philly (Lancaster), and take it from me, Pittsburghers are a lot friendlier than “easterners.” (And seem a lot happier!)

If we believed in ourselves more, the Pittsburgh Airport would ring truer and sweeter.

A suggestion: a lean and mean airport that is good to the hubs. We could work with the hubs to ensure premium service (volume based) for Pittsburgh tickets, which could feature discounts to simulate a one-flight situation, a sort of cheaper uni-ticket. We would expect the best in handling of baggage as well.

If you have the money to go to Paree or London or Barcelona, then try this: Go to New York first. Do a day tour, see a show or two. Try one of the famous restaurants you’ve heard about and maybe do a little “clubbing.” After a day or two, fly direct to wherever. Don’t worry about spending money set aside for the brats. You earned it by your judicious efforts. Let’s face it, the brats are going to fritter it away anyhow.

Tom Kerek

Oakmont