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Helpful Holiday tips for Portland Air departures
by Francine Marie on November 19, 2009 |
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With the holidays just around the corner, travel picks up soon at Portland International Airport. Passengers can expect busy travel conditions this year at PDX, and planning ahead will make the trip as smooth as possible. Travelers can also expect great entertainment, shopping and dining at PDX.
Expect Busy Conditions—In the week surrounding Thanksgiving, an estimated 290,000 passengers will travel through PDX. During the busiest forecasted holiday days—Nov. 25, 29 and 30, and Dec. 23, 27 and 28—PDX will serve approximately 42,000 travelers each day, compared to the normal daily average of 33,000 this time of year. The busiest holiday period, Dec. 18-Jan. 2, should see nearly 580,000 passengers traveling through PDX.
Plan Ahead for Smooth Travel—Reviewing general travel tips and flight schedule information before leaving home will help make travel a snap. Tips and information are available at www.pdx.com and 877-PDX-INFO. The Transportation Security Administration also offers security-related travel tips and a complete list of items prohibited on flights at www.tsa.gov.
Enjoy Holidays Take Flight and Alaska’s Ticket Drawing—Dozens of talented musicians and vocalists have returned to PDX, providing special Holidays Take Flight entertainment for travelers through Jan. 3. Many stores and restaurants are participating with promotions on food and merchandise and all are open Thanksgiving Day. In a drawing tied to the event, Alaska Airlines is celebrating its new nonstop service to Chicago and Maui. One lucky winner of the drawing will receive a pair of round trip tickets from PDX to either of these new destinations operated by Alaska. Contest rules and entry forms are available in the airport and soon at www.pdx.com.
Always Good Advice…
The following tips found at www.pdx.com are always good advice when traveling at PDX:
Arrive Two Hours Early—Travelers should check with their airlines for guidance on when to arrive at the airport, but during the busy early morning hours, a good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights; two hours, 30 minutes for international flights.
Prepare for Security Screening—As a reminder:
Security regulations limit liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags. A passenger can take containers of up to 3.4 ounces if all are included in a single, one-quart, clear, plastic zip-top bag that is presented to screeners at the security checkpoint.
To assist in the security screening process, the TSA suggests using TSA-recognized locks when locking checked luggage.
Travelers should protect valuables by keeping valuables with them when traveling, and remember not to leave belongings behind at the security checkpoint.
Please leave gifts unwrapped, as they may need to be inspected.
Try Family-Friendly Lanes—The TSA offers “family-friendly” lanes at security checkpoints to provide extra assistance for those traveling with children, strollers and multiple carry-on bags, or anyone who would just like a little extra assistance. Individuals traveling with medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols, baby formula, insulin, cough syrup, contact lens solution and prescription medications will undergo additional screening that usually takes less than two minutes to ensure these items do not pose a threat.
Know How Many Bags are Allowed—Travelers are allowed to bring through the security checkpoint only one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase or small backpack. Please check with airlines regarding the number and weight of checked bags allowed and any associated fees.
Check Ahead on Parking—The holidays are a busy time of year and travelers should check on parking availability in advance, and allow extra time to find a parking space. Travelers can get regularly updated information on parking availability at www.pdx.com and 877-PDX-INFO, and on electronic roadway signs approaching the airport.
Remove Valuables from Vehicles—Travelers are encouraged to remove all valuables from vehicles when parking at the airport. It’s also a good idea to remove all forms of identification, including the vehicle registration, and leave the garage door opener at home or disable the automatic garage door. Police and parking staff will heighten security in parking lots during the holiday season.
Try Gold Key Valet—The convenient, covered parking service allows travelers to drop off their vehicles in front of the airport terminal building and pick up their vehicles at the same location when they return from their trip. Signs guide travelers to the Gold Key Valet drop-off booth, located on the “departures” roadway. Gold Key Valet costs $30 per day, or $10 per hour, and reservations are not required.
Use the Cell Phone Waiting Area—Motorists can park in the special parking lot, wait for a call announcing an arrival, and then quickly pull up to the airport terminal to pick up travelers. Signs on Northeast Airport Way and Northeast 82nd Avenue approaching the airport will guide motorists to the lot located on Northeast Air Cargo Road, just west of 82nd Avenue. Motorists are also encouraged to use the short term parking garage ($3 per hour) to avoid roadway congestion on the terminal roadways. Parking along Airport Way is prohibited, except for emergencies.
Take TriMet’s MAX Red Line—TriMet’s MAX light rail Red Line is a great way to get to PDX. The Red Line runs between PDX and Beaverton Transit Center every 15 minutes most hours, every 30 minutes during early morning and late evening and costs just $2.30. The Red Line is an easy transfer for Blue, Green and Yellow line riders. To plan trips, go to www.trimet.org or call 503-238-RIDE weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m
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