FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

PORTLAND, ORE. (March 17, 2009) – Spring Break Air Travel Starts this Week at PDX

 

Tips for travelers help make the journey smooth

 

The pace is picking up at Portland International Airport with more than 700,000 travelers expected during the spring break period spanning tomorrow Wednesday, March 18-April 6. Considering the following tips will help make the journey a little smoother.

 

Expect Busy Conditions—Travelers should expect busy conditions, as PDX will serve some 39,000 daily travelers; up from the normal 35,000 per day for this time of year. Friday, March 20 and Monday, March 23 are forecast as particularly heavy travel days. Overall, about 12 percent fewer travelers are expected this year. 

 

Review Travel Tips at Home—Reviewing general travel tips and flight schedule information before leaving home is recommended. Tips and information are available at www.pdx.com. The Transportation Security Administration also offers security-related travel tips and a complete list of items prohibited on flights at www.tsa.gov.

 

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 flights to allow for longer check-in and security lines; 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.

 

•  Ship high value or fragile items to your destination.

 

•  Protect necessary valuables by keeping them with you when you travel, including essential medications, and remember to not leave anything behind at the checkpoint.

 

•  Use only TSA-approved locks on checked bags, so they can be opened for security screening.

 

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 of checked bags allowed, and any associated fees.

 

Check Ahead on Parking—Parking lots may reach capacity at times during spring break. Travelers should 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. Electronic signs on roadways near PDX will advise motorists of any airport parking or traffic challenges.

 

Remove Valuables from Vehicle—While parking lot security patrols increase during spring break, travelers are encouraged to remove all valuables from vehicles, as well as their parking ticket. Travelers should also remove all forms of identification, including the vehicle registration, and leave the garage door opener at home or disable the automatic garage door.

 

Try Gold Key Valet—The convenient Gold Key Valet 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.

 

Try 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 “departures” roadway in front of the terminal when picking up arriving travelers late at night to avoid roadway congestion on the “arrivals” roadway. As a reminder, stopping or parking along Airport Way is prohibited, except for emergencies, and parking in front of the terminal building is only allowed while actively picking up or dropping off a traveler. The short-term parking garage is a good option for those who want to park at the terminal building while waiting for a traveler to arrive.

 

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, every day from about 5 a.m. until midnight and costs just $2.30. The Red Line is an easy transfer for Blue 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.

 

Enjoy Entertainment and Specials—Dozens of talented musicians and vocalists will return to PDX, providing special Spring Fling entertainment for travelers. Check www.pdx.com for more details. Many stores and restaurants are participating with promotions on food and merchandise. In a drawing tied to the event, Air Canada is celebrating its new nonstop service to Calgary by giving away a pair of roundtrip tickets to a lucky traveler. Contest rules and entry forms are available in the airport and at www.pdx.com.