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Portland Airport PDX

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PDX Airport Insights & Guide


Key PDX Airport Topics:

Frequent Flier Tips

To help make your experience at Portland International Airport (PDX) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from PDX-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"PDX has a very intuitive layout, but if you're in a rush, the free shuttle service between terminals can be a lifesaver. It runs every 5-10 minutes and operates 24/7." — John S., Vancouver, WA, August 2023

"If you’re connecting flights, the pedestrian walkways are well-marked and easy to follow. It usually takes about 5-10 minutes to walk between concourses, which is quite convenient." — Maria L., Beaverton, OR, May 2023

Getting To/From the City

"The MAX light rail is the most efficient and cost-effective way to get to downtown Portland. It’s located on the lower level near baggage claim and runs frequently." — Alex K., Gresham, OR, July 2023

"If you’re using a rideshare service, make sure to head to the designated pick-up area outside baggage claim. It’s well-organized and usually quicker than waiting for a taxi." — Emily R., Tigard, OR, November 2023

Parking

"For long-term parking, I always use the economy lot. It’s cheaper and the shuttle service to the terminals is very reliable." — Michael T., Hillsboro, OR, September 2023

"If you're picking someone up, the cell phone waiting area is super convenient. You can wait there for free until your passenger is ready to be picked up, which helps avoid curbside congestion." — Lisa P., Lake Oswego, OR, October 2023

Inside the Airport

"Don’t miss Powell’s Books in the main terminal. It’s a great place to grab a last-minute read for your flight, and it’s a local treasure." — Samantha D., Portland, OR, June 2023

"If you have time before your flight, check out the local food options. The Country Cat and Mo’s Seafood & Chowder are my personal favorites." — Brian M., Troutdale, OR, March 2023

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Always check the TSA wait times before you head to the airport. During peak travel times, it can save you a lot of stress and ensure you arrive at your gate on time." — Olivia N., Tualatin, OR, December 2023

"If you’re traveling during the holidays or summer months, arrive at least three hours before your flight. Security lines can be longer than usual, and this will give you enough time to get through without rushing." — Kevin W., West Linn, OR, January 2023

Helpful Tips & Resources

Is Portland Airport (PDX) airport a bit unfamiliar to you? Look no further than iFly.com for insightful tips and advice. Read on!

Getting to Know PDX Airport

Welcome to the Portland Airport Online Guide. Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, this bustling airport is a gateway to the vibrant city of Portland and its surrounding areas. With a total of six terminals, including the largest and busiest Main Terminal, PDX is designed for efficiency and comfort. One of the unique features of this airport is its commitment to local culture, which is evident in its variety of local food options and the iconic Powell's Books store. For those keen on exploring more about other airports they might be journeying to or from, do check out our detailed airport guides.

Airport News

Portland Airport (PDX) has seen notable updates that are of interest to travelers. Alaska Airlines has launched its first nonstop flight from PDX to New Orleans, expanding travel options for passengers. Additionally, the completion of the new terminal at PDX has been delayed until August 2024, which may impact travel plans for those expecting the new facilities sooner. (sources: KGW, Axios)

Portland International Airport has a total of six terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, and the Main Terminal. Each terminal offers a variety of services, including restaurants, shops, and lounges. The Main Terminal is the largest and busiest terminal, with a total of 22 gates. Concourse A has 13 gates, Concourse B has 14 gates, Concourse C has 15 gates, Concourse D has 5 gates, and Concourse E has 3 gates.

Major airlines such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines operate from the Main Terminal. Concourse A is primarily used by Alaska Airlines, while Concourse B is used by Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines. American Airlines and Southwest Airlines operate from Concourse C, while United Airlines operates from Concourse D. Concourse E is used for international arrivals and departures.

To navigate the airport terminals, follow the signs and directions provided throughout the airport. The airport also offers a free shuttle service that runs between the Main Terminal and the other terminals. The shuttle service is available 24/7 and runs every 5-10 minutes.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

Portland Airport has a convenient layout that allows for easy access to all of its terminals. The airport consists of a main terminal and five concourses: Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, and Concourse E.

To get between the concourses and the main terminal, passengers can use the airport's free shuttle bus service, which runs 24/7. The shuttle buses depart from outside the baggage claim areas of each concourse and the main terminal, and they run every 5-10 minutes.

If you prefer to walk, there are pedestrian walkways that connect all of the concourses to the main terminal. Walking times vary depending on the distance between the concourse and the main terminal, but it generally takes around 5-10 minutes to walk between each concourse and the main terminal.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

When picking up or dropping off passengers at the airport, it's important to be aware of the curbside parking restrictions. The airport has designated areas for passenger pick-up and drop-off, and vehicles are not allowed to park or wait at the curbside for extended periods of time. Violators may be ticketed or towed.

If you need to wait for your arriving passengers, the airport provides a convenient cell-phone waiting area. This area is located near the airport entrance and allows drivers to park and wait for their passengers to call and let them know they are ready to be picked up. This helps to alleviate congestion at the curbside and ensures a smooth flow of traffic around the airport.

When dropping off passengers, it's important to be aware of the terminal they are departing from. Portland Airport has five concourses(A, B, C, D, and E) in addition to the main terminal. Make sure to drop off your passengers at the appropriate terminal to avoid any confusion or delays.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're traveling through Portland Airport, you'll find a variety of parking options to suit your needs. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking in several lots and garages located near the terminals. If you're picking up a passenger, there are also cell phone waiting areas available where you can wait for free until your party is ready to be picked up.

If you're looking for an economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near the airport. These lots often offer lower rates than the airport's own parking facilities, and many provide shuttle service to and from the terminals.

Handicapped parking is available in all of the airport's parking facilities, with designated spaces located near the entrances of each lot or garage. If you need assistance getting to or from your vehicle, wheelchair service is available upon request.

Get details about PDX parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

PDX Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. For those looking to rent a car, there are several major providers located at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz. Rental counters are located on the lower level of the terminal, near baggage claim.

Taxi services are available 24/7 at the airport, with designated pick-up areas located outside of baggage claim. Fares are metered and vary based on destination and time of day. It is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before beginning the trip.

For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available for pick-up in designated areas outside of baggage claim. However, these services may have restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed.

Airport shuttles are also available for transportation to and from the airport. These shuttles offer door-to-door service and can be booked in advance or upon arrival at the airport. Fares vary depending on the provider and destination.

Public transportation options include the MAX light rail, which provides service to downtown Portland and other destinations throughout the city. The MAX station is located on the lower level of the terminal, near baggage claim. Bus services are also available for transportation to other areas of the city.

Airport Hotels

Travel can be exhausting, but booking a comfortable and convenient hotel near the airport can alleviate the stress. Whether you're catching an early flight, arriving late, or exploring the vibrant city, our list of hotels offers the perfect solution. From luxury suites to affordable rooms, these hotels provide easy access to the airport, often with complimentary shuttle services. Many are also conveniently located near local attractions, making them an ideal base for both business and leisure travelers. Discover some of the best hotel options near the airport by visiting our PDX Airport Hotels page.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Portland Airport offers a wide variety of dining and shopping options to make your travel experience more enjoyable. From quick coffee stops to sit-down meals, PDX has got you covered. Some of the most popular restaurants include Beaches Restaurant & Bar, The Country Cat, and Mo's Seafood & Chowder. And when it comes to shopping, you can't miss Powell's Books, Made in Oregon, and NIKE. These are just a few examples of what you can expect at PDX.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at PDX can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, find your choice of amenities here.

Passenger Services

The airport, also known as PDX, is a hub for travelers visiting the Pacific Northwest. The airport offers a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey for all travelers.

For those in need of wifi access, PDX provides free wifi throughout the airport. Passengers can easily connect to the network and stay connected throughout their journey.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found department is located in the baggage claim area of the main terminal. You can also contact them via phone or email to report a lost item.

Traveling with children? PDX has a variety of children's areas located throughout the airport, including play areas and nursing rooms for mothers. These areas are designed to provide a safe and fun environment for children to play and relax before their flight.

PDX also offers special-needs services for travelers with disabilities. These services include wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces. Passengers can request these services in advance or upon arrival at the airport.

For those in need of banking services, there are ATMs and currency exchange offices located throughout the airport. Additionally, there are several banks and credit unions located near the airport for those in need of additional banking services.

If you require medical assistance during your travels, PDX has a medical clinic located in the main terminal. The clinic is staffed with medical professionals who can provide a range of services, including first aid and medical consultations.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight. Fortunately, there are several ways to check flight status at Portland Airport.

One of the easiest ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply find the display that corresponds to your flight and check the status.

Another convenient way to stay updated is by using airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own apps that allow passengers to check flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes, and even check in for their flight. Passengers can download these apps for free and receive push notifications or alerts via text or email.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Portland Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

Portland International Airport is located in the United States and serves as a major hub for air travel in the Pacific Northwest region. PDX has a total of six terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Concourse E, and the Main Terminal.

On average, PDX handles approximately 60,000 passengers per day and operates around 500 daily flights. The airport serves over 90 destinations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Japan.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at PDX include Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines. The top 5 destinations served by PDX are Seattle, San Francisco, Denver, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.

Several airlines use PDX as a hub, including Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and Ameriflight. These airlines offer connecting flights to various destinations across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Airport History

The Portland Airport, also known as PDX, has a rich history dating back to the early 1920s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1926 - The airport was established as the Swan Island Municipal Airport.
  • 1936 - The airport was renamed to Portland-Columbia Airport.
  • 1942 - The airport was taken over by the United States Army Air Forces for use during World War II.
  • 1948 - The airport was returned to the city of Portland and renamed to Portland International Airport.
  • 1958 - The airport's first terminal building was constructed.
  • 1979 - The airport's current terminal building was opened, replacing the original building.
  • 1986 - The airport's Concourse D was added, expanding the airport's capacity.
  • 2010 - The airport's runway was extended to accommodate larger aircraft.
  • 2013 - The airport's Concourse E was opened, adding additional gates for international flights.

Today, the Portland Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Pacific Northwest and serves as a major hub for Alaska Airlines.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Portland International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: PDX
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 503-460-4234
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Portland International Airport, 7000 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR 97218, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).