AAA recently projected a record 119 million Americans will be traveling during the 2024 holidays.
As travelers prepare for their Christmas and New Years trips, here are some things for those flying in or out of Portland International Airport to keep in mind so they can plan ahead.
How busy will the PDX be for the holidays?
PDX said it expects more than 900,000 travelers between Dec. 19 and Jan. 5.
With detours in place for renovations at the airport, it may seem a little more hectic and confusing.
When should people flying out of PDX get to the airport?
Plan to arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 2.5 hours before international ones. This is especially important for those checking bags or headed out on flights with gates farthest from security checkpoints.
PDX said the busiest time at the airport is from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., so travelers with early morning flights should plan accordingly.
Check on parking availability before arriving at PDX
Parking spaces at PDX are known to fill up quickly. Check flypdx.com/parking for live updates.
Or, skip the stress of parking by using the MAX Red Line.
Much of the wood used in the wavy new roof at Portland International Airport made by Freres Engineered Wood of Lyons came from trees that were burned in the 2020 Labor Day wildfires.
How to navigate PDX’s recent renovations
The airport looks different due to recent and ongoing renovations.
There are temporary exit lanes and concourse bypasses in place that impact gates B and E, according to PDX.
Evening travelers arriving at B gates will find a detour through Dec. 23 from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Passengers can take a “magic door,” normally an emergency exit, straight to the arrivals curb where they will be directed toward their luggage, PDX said.
The layout and new main terminal are mapped out online at flypdx.com/map.
Accessibility resources are available at flypdx.com/accessibility. The wheelchair dispatch number is (503) 460-4300.
What can travelers with connecting flights at PDX expect?
Passengers with connecting flights arriving at B and E gates at Portland International Airport need to head back to the ticket lobby to be recleared by security before heading to their next flight. These travelers will be given “express passes” to skip to the front of the TSA lines. If there is any confusion, travelers should look for “friendly folks in blue vests” to guide them through the process and help get them on their way, according to PDX.
These extra security measures are in place because traditional secured routes are not available.
Where can people go to meet travelers at PDX?
People picking up travelers can either wait at the cell phone waiting lot and then pull up to the curb or meet their party in baggage claim.
Things to do at PDX for passengers with extra time
Travelers are encouraged to check out art installations at the airport or visit the new gallery in the airport museum featuring the artwork of Yoonhee Choi.
Travelers have an array of local restaurants, coffee and home-brand shops to choose from, and can take a look at PDX’s dining and shop options beforehand.
The also are a number of play areas and lactation rooms for passengers with children, and sensory rooms for “those who need a little extra calm.”
Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect Reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: What holiday travelers can expect at Portland International Airport