FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PORTLAND, ORE. (March 21, 2012) – PDX Forecasts Spring Break Travel Increase; Offers Tips

With more spring break travelers expected this year at Portland International Airport, Port of Portland offers some background and tips for smooth travel.

Expect busy conditions

More than 600,000 passengers are expected to use the airport from March 22-April 6. Overall, the airport expects to serve about 2.5 percent more travelers than last year. During the busiest forecasted days — March 22, 23, 26, and April 1 — PDX will serve approximately 40,000 travelers each day, compared to the normal daily average of 36,000 this time of year.

Consider possible roadway delays

Travelers heading from the south may encounter traffic delays, as a construction project is expected to close Highway 213, beginning Thursday, March 22 at 8 p.m. through 4 a.m. Tuesday, March 27. The full closure will occur between Washington Street/Clackamas River Drive and the I-205 interchange. Traffic delays and increased congestion are expected on Highways 99E/McLoughlin Boulevard, I-205 and local roads in Oregon City. This project is being constructed by the City of Oregon City and Oregon Department of Transportation. To learn more, visit www.jughandleproject.com/.

Try new air service options

Several new PDX air service improvements are available for spring break. SeaPort Airlines launched new service March 1 to Yakima and Wenatchee, Wash. On March 11, Alaska Airlines expanded from seven flights to 11 flights each week to Maui, Hawaii. Alaska resumed daily service on March 12 to Long Beach, Calif. Air Canada is resuming daily flights to Toronto from April 2-October.

Security screening simplified

To help make security screening smoother for passengers, the Transportation Security Administration is testing modified screening procedures at the PDX A, B, C checkpoint for passengers 75 and older, which includes no longer removing shoes and light outerwear, similar to modifications implemented last fall for children age 12 and under. The improvements are part of the agency's risk-based security initiatives designed to provide all travelers with the most effective security in the most efficient way. To learn more, visit www.tsa.gov.

Planning ahead, picking up guests, parking

PDX encourages travelers to check flight schedules, parking availability and travel tips before leaving home at www.pdx.com. Those arriving at the airport to drop off or pick up guests should consider using short-term parking ($3/hour) to avoid congested roadways. It is always recommended that travelers remove valuables from vehicles when parking at the airport, including all forms of identification, vehicle registration and garage door openers. PDX offers traveler assistance with free jump starts, vehicle locates, and tire inflations.

More information is available at www.pdx.com and (877) PDX-INFO. Passengers can also follow PDX on Twitter at @flyPDX to learn about airport operations, special events and special offers. The TSA offers security-related travel tips and a complete list of items prohibited on flights at www.tsa.gov. Travelers with screening questions related to a disability or medical condition can call the TSA Cares helpline at (855) 787-2227.

Enjoy ‘Spring Fling’ and Alaska Airlines ticket drawing

As part of PDX’s ‘Spring Fling’ event, discounts are offered at participating shops and restaurants, and there’s a chance to win two round-trip tickets on Alaska Airlines to any of its PDX destinations. Live musical entertainment showcases a variety of local artists and performers. Beginning in April, a new exhibit will feature artwork from seven Northwest figurative sculptors along concourse A, on display through the end of October.