As far as airports and ports of entry go, Portland International Airport (PDX) is one of my favorites for both departures and arrivals. The airport is easy to get to, easy to get around, has great amenities and entertainment that is regularly scheduled (live music in the concourse, a movie theatre).

Traveling to PDX from the Portland metro area is easy. There are covered parking lots and a curbside dropoff that is only seconds from the terminal. The short-term parking has a feature that I have never seen anywhere else: each floor tells you what parking spots are available since each row has red and green indicator lights over empty or taken spots.

If you are traveling, each air carrier has its self-check machines and counters for those who need added assistance. In additional, PDX supplies dozens of non-carrier specific self-check-in kiosks inside the terminals. 

Security flows quickly, even on the busiest of days. Here’s a big secret about security. It does not matter which terminal’s TSA checkpoint you go through. Pick the shortest line because, on the other side of security, there is a connecting hallway between all of the terminals. If the D/E terminal line is long, try the C terminal and take the connector in the after the TSA Checkpoint.

Once through security, the traveler waiting areas are open atriums, up to three stories tall with skylights—much better than crowded, claustrophobic hallways, right? Grab a local coffee, beer, or some local food and enjoy in the common dining area or carry it on your flight. PDX has a “street price” rule.  Meaning the prices at the airport must be the same price as in town.  A beer runs around $6.00, the same price as in Portland.

If you're picking up travelers, PDX can be a bit of a wait for the curbside pick-up during heavy travel times. However, with quick access and fast service to short-term parking and only $3.00/hr, why not walk in and meet your party in person.  And, if you're quick enough, 15 minutes or less of parking is free!

Are you looking for public transportation? PDX offers the MAX train, Portland’s local commuter rail has a station in the terminal and runs directly downtown the convention center. You can take MAX to Intel, Nike, Adidas and more popular destinations like the Oregon Zoo. Fares range from $1.25 for senior citizens to $2.50 for a two hour and thirty-minute fare. Daily fares are also available and start at $5 for the day (unlimited rides). 

PDX also offers contract transportation services like taxis, Uber, Lyft, limos, and more. Just walk out to the second curb on the baggage claim level.

If you are waiting at PDX, there are plenty of waiting areas, open-air lobbies, coffee shops, restaurants and plenty of seating. You can watch the world travel by, purchase some local Oregon gifts, or enjoy a coffee, meal or a beer. PDX offers great options on both sides of TSA, unlike many other airports. 

Finally, here are two amazing local resources for information. The Travel Oregon Welcome Center can direct you in any directional point in Oregon, and the Airport Info Kiosk can get you going to the airport or the Portland Metro area. Both of these resources are near the exits in the baggage claim.

I hope you learned a little bit more about PDX and I look forward to seeing you on the road. 

Additional Resources:

Travel Oregon Welcome Centers

Heart in Oregon Shirts, Hats, Stickers and More

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