Things are looking different at PDX this summer

(JULY 17, 2021) As the nation emerges from the pandemic, and travel at Portland International Airport picks up, travelers are advised to remember two key things for successful journeys. First, they should use the correct checkpoint so they don’t have to go through security twice. Second, they should keep their masks on.

Summer travel is typically the busiest time of year at PDX. (PDX is the airport code for Portland International Airport.) This year is no exception. July is expected to be the busiest month, with peak travel days expected to exceed 50,000 travelers.

While travel volumes haven’t returned to pre-pandemic numbers, things will look much different this summer than last summer. Yet, travel volumes are still below pre-pandemic numbers. Here are the statistics:

Year Summer Total

2019 5.7 million

2020 1.3 million

2021 4.2 million (estimate)

With PDX under construction and the airport getting busier, travelers should give themselves plenty of time to get to their gates.

Construction continues, too. Work continues at PDX to build a new, more spacious main terminal. A few key changes:

The Concourse Connector closed. The post-security hallway that had connected the north and south sides of the airport no longer exists. With this change, it’s more important than ever that all travelers confirm which gate their flight departs from and use the corresponding security checkpoint so they don’t have to go through security twice.

The Oregon Market/Clocktower Plaza closed. The pre-security hall containing shops and restaurants is no longer accessible. However, pre-security food and shopping is still available at Portland Coffee Roasters, Elephants Deli, and Your Northwest Travel Mart.

Everyone must continue to wear masks. To keep everyone protected, face coverings are required at PDX (and in all airports nationwide, as well as onboard all commercial flights). Face coverings must cover the nose and mouth.