FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

PORTLAND, ORE. (June 9, 2009) – Summer Air Travel Picks Up this Week at PDX

 

Tips for Travelers Help Make the Journey Smoother

 

With many schools beginning summer break later this week, the pace will pick up at Portland International Airport. Following a few travel tips will make the journey a little smoother:

 

Expect Busy Conditions — Travelers should anticipate busy conditions, as PDX is expected to serve more than 3.8 million travelers this summer. About 46,000 travelers will use the airport on the busiest days; about 42,000 on average days. Overall, the airport is expected to see 10 percent fewer travelers than last summer. 

 

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 Bag Rules and Fees — 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 — Travelers should allow a little extra time to find a parking space during the busy summer months. 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 Vehicles — While security patrols monitor airport parking lots, 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 vehicle in front of the terminal building and pick up their vehicle 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. To make the service even faster, an advance check-in form is available at www.pdx.com.

 

Avoid the Busy Terminal Roadway — To avoid busy traffic on the roadway in front of the terminal, motorists who are meeting an arriving passenger can park in the short-term parking garage, or use the cell phone waiting area. The special cell phone parking lot allows motorists to wait for a call announcing an arrival, and then quickly pull up to the airport terminal to pick up a traveler. Motorists are encouraged to remain parked in the cell phone lot until the traveler has collected all bags. 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.

 

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 are returning as part of the PDX summer entertainment program. Plus, Donn Rochlin, nationally renowned pianist and composer, kicks off a free concert series on the third Friday of each month from 5-7 p.m. June 19 in front of Stanford’s Restaurant and Bar. Beginning July 27, many stores and restaurants are offering promotions on merchandise and food during the Summer Splash celebration.