The present invention is directed to a bearing surface on a slider having a center split pressurization feature which minimizes the effects of altitude or change in ambient air pressure on the flying characteristics of the slider. After a cavity dam and a subambient pressurization cavity is the center split feature. The center split feature is located proximate the centroid of the slider body and the bearing surface. The center split feature has, at least, three levels including a first center split level a second center split level and a third center split level. The first center split level is at the same level as the bearing surface level and is located closest to the centroid. The second center split level is located forward of, in the direction of air flow, the first center split level. The second center split level is also recessed from the first center split level to the same level as the first recessed level. The third center split level is located forward of the second center split level and is recessed from the second center split level.