Navigating Portland Airport: A Guide To Checking In

Portland International Airport (PDX) is located 6 miles from downtown Portland, Oregon, and is the state's primary airport. The airport has one terminal with four concourses: B, C, D, and E. There are two security checkpoints at PDX, one for the North gates and one for the South gates, both of which are open 24/7. The checkpoints can be found at either end of the terminal, providing access to Concourses B and C or D and E. Passengers must ensure they clear the correct security checkpoint for their concourse.

Security and customs

Portland International Airport (PDX) has two security checkpoints, one for the North gates and one for the South gates, which are open 24/7. The security checkpoint you need to go through depends on the gate of your flight.

The average wait time to pass through security varies depending on flight schedules, passenger traffic, and the time of day. During quieter periods, security lines typically average around 10 to 20 minutes. However, during peak travel times, such as early mornings and late afternoons, wait times may extend to 30 minutes or more. To avoid long queues, it is recommended to arrive at the airport two hours ahead of domestic flights and three hours ahead of international flights.

To speed up the screening process, you can enrol in TSA PreCheck, which allows eligible passengers to keep on their shoes, belts, and light jackets, and avoid removing laptops and compliant liquids from their bags. To enrol, you must undergo a brief in-person appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to add to your flight reservations. Pre-check lanes are open from 4 am to approximately 4 pm daily.

For international arrivals, PDX has Global Entry kiosks to expedite the customs process. Mobile Passport can also be used by international travellers through the CBP's official mobile passport app.

Documentation

Portland International Airport recommends arriving at least 1.5 hours before your scheduled departure, especially during peak hours. Peak hours include early morning (4:30 a.m. – 7 a.m.), mid-day (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.), and early evening (5 p.m. – 7 p.m.). This gives you enough time to park, check in, and complete TSA screening. Check-in for flights departing from Portland is open up to 4 hours before departure, and bags can only be checked within this 4-hour window.

Some travellers recommend arriving at the airport 1 hour before departure, while others suggest that arriving 30 minutes before boarding is sufficient, especially for those with pre-check and carry-on luggage only. However, it is important to note that some airlines have strict cut-offs for check-in on international flights, so it is recommended to look up the specific requirements of your airline.

For Alaska Airlines, you can check in anytime between 1 and 24 hours before your scheduled departure.

Parking

Portland International Airport offers a range of parking options to suit different needs and budgets. Here is an overview of the parking choices available:

Short-Term Parking:

The Short-Term Parking Garage is ideal for quick drop-offs and pick-ups, with a rate of $4 per hour and a daily maximum of $30. It offers a convenient, covered walkway to the terminal through skybridges on level 4 and tunnels on levels 3 and 4. This option provides the shortest walk to the terminal and includes free jump starts and flat tire assistance. There are also electric vehicle charging stations available at no additional cost.

Long-Term Parking:

For those needing to park for a longer duration, the Long-Term Parking Garage is a good choice. It is located a bit further from the terminal but still offers a convenient, covered walkway. The rate is $4 per hour, with a daily maximum of $24. This option also includes free jump starts and flat tire assistance. There are 10 electric vehicle charging stations available on level 2.

Economy Parking:

The Economy Lot is the most budget-friendly option for long-term parking, with a rate of $4 per hour and a daily maximum of $15. It is located near I-205 off of Airport Way and offers a free shuttle service to the main terminal. The shuttle runs regularly, approximately every 7-9 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours. This lot also includes free jump starts and flat tire assistance. There are 36 electric vehicle charging stations available near the Red E and L shelters.

Valet Parking:

For the ultimate convenience, valet parking is available at a rate of $10 per hour or $45 per day. This option offers a quick and easy drop-off next to the ticket counter, and your car will be waiting for you upon your return. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available for valet parking.

Bicycle and Motorcycle Parking:

Bicycle and motorcycle parking is available for free. Motorcycle parking is located inside the short-term parking garage on Level 1, and bicycle parking is available at the north and south ends of the roadway closest to the terminal building.

Cell Phone Waiting Area:

For those picking up arriving passengers, there is a free Cell Phone Waiting Area located off of N.E. Airport Way and N.E. 82nd Avenue. This lot offers up to 30 minutes of free parking while waiting for a call from arriving passengers. Drivers must stay with their vehicles at all times and can then proceed to the terminal's curbside pick-up area.

Transport to and from the airport

Portland International Airport (PDX) offers a range of transportation options to and from the airport. The airport is located at 700 NE Airport Way, Portland, OR, 97218.

For those seeking a convenient and direct option, taxi services and transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft are readily available. These services offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, with taxis departing from the Baggage Claim (lower) level outer roadway. Passengers with limited mobility can request drop-off at the upper level (Departures/Ticketing) inner roadway.

Additionally, PDX provides a dedicated Wheelchair Taxi (WAV) service, which can be requested by contacting PDX WAV or using a TNC app on your wireless device. The airport's Ground Transportation Providers also offer drop-off and pick-up services at locations most convenient for passengers.

If you prefer a more affordable option, shuttle services like Groome Transportation and Prime Time Shuttle offer shared rides to and from the airport. These shuttles operate all day and night, providing flexibility and convenience. To locate the shuttle at PDX, follow the signage to the Ground Transportation Plaza and make your way to Island 2 for the "Scheduled Airporter" pickup location next to the Information Booth.

For those driving their own vehicles, PDX offers parking options, including Valet Parking. It is recommended to plan your arrival a little earlier to navigate the new space and calculate parking costs accordingly.

Food and drink

Portland International Airport has a variety of food and drink options for travellers to enjoy. The airport's dining scene has been described as a cut above the typical fare found in most airports, with local food and drink brands offering fresh-made pasta, gourmet doughnuts, and good coffee. Notably, the airport operates a "street pricing" program, meaning that prices are the same as those found in the city, rather than inflated as is often the case in airports.

Pre-Security Dining

For those who want to eat before passing through security, there are several options to choose from. The Country Cat is an over-achieving airport cafe, offering a full bar, coffee, yogurt parfaits, and grab-and-go sandwiches. Loyal Legion, located up an escalator overlooking the airfield, serves Bavarian pretzels, Olympia Provisions sausages, and a wide range of Oregon beer, wine, and cider on tap. Portland Coffee Roasters offers house espresso drinks and Steven Smith tea.

Post-Security Dining

Once through security, travellers have access to a wide range of dining options, including local chains and national favourites.

Concourse B:

• Good Coffee: A local cafe chain offering a full coffee menu, unique drinks, and baked goods.
• Screen Door: Serving Southern comfort food like fried chicken and waffles.

Concourse C:

• Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen: A bustling spot for Vietnamese noodle dishes, banh mi sandwiches, vermicelli bowls, and pho.
• Mo's Seafood & Chowder: Seafood baskets, sandwiches, burgers, and soups.
• Henry's Tavern: A popular spot for cocktails and local beers, along with starters, soups, salads, burgers, and entrées like fish and chips.
• Starbucks: Coffee chain offering a range of beverages and light snacks.

Concourse D:

• Portland Coffee Roasters: Local coffee chain.
• Burgerville: Local chain serving burgers and more.
• Deschutes Brewery: Craft beers, breakfast, starters, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and large plates like stout mac and cheese.
• Hissho Sushi: Grab-and-go sushi from this massive chain with hundreds of locations across the US.

Concourse E:

• Hopworks Urban Brewery: Extensive list of draft beers brewed in Portland, along with cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, burgers, salads, bowls, and pizzas.
• Juliett: Craft cocktails, custom beers, and sustainably-sourced wines.
• Tillamook Market: The first brick-and-mortar Tillamook eatery outside of the famous Tillamook Creamery. Serves fried cheese curds, grilled cheese sandwiches, and ice cream.
• Jamba Juice: Smoothies and other healthy beverage options.
• Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen: A second location of this popular Vietnamese spot.
• Evergreens: Salad counter from a Seattle-based chain.

Frequently asked questions