FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PORTLAND, ORE. (January 23, 2013) – PDX Nears Record Travel in 2012

Travel at Portland International Airport continued growing in 2012, nearing all-time records.

PDX served nearly 14.4 million passengers in 2012, approaching the record of 14.6 million passengers in 2007. A total of 14.7 million passengers are projected this year. Air cargo volumes also continued growing with more than 219,000 tons of freight and mail shipped through PDX in 2012. Two percent growth is predicted for air cargo this year.

New airline, routes boost travel

The 5.2 percent increase in annual passengers was spurred by a new airline and many new route options for travelers. Newcomer to PDX, Virgin America launched service to both Los Angeles and San Francisco in June. Virgin is known for its inventive design and amenities such as cabin moodlighting, personal touch-screen entertainment at every seat and Wi-Fi on every flight.

Alaska Airlines’ Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport service began in August, highlighting new nonstop routes for travelers. The route was PDX’s highest domestic air service priority and came about through the combined efforts of Alaska, elected officials, business leaders, travelers and the Port of Portland.

Spirit Airlines added nonstop service to Dallas/Fort Worth in June, and to San Diego in November. Alaska inaugurated several other daily or seasonal nonstop routes including Long Beach, Santa Barbara, Pasco, Bellingham, Bozeman and Kauai. Along the way, Southwest Airlines began seasonal nonstop service to Austin, and Frontier Airlines inaugurated seasonal nonstop service to Colorado Springs. SeaPort Airlines moved to its new location in the main terminal building at PDX.

Asiana Cargo spurs growth

The 2.3 percent growth in cargo was influenced by Asiana Cargo’s nonstop service connecting PDX with Korea and beyond, filling a strategic need for regional businesses and shippers. Asiana increased summer flights to accommodate peak shipping season cargo, such as perishable agricultural products bound for Asia. The all-cargo service aboard a Boeing 747 freighter, offers connecting air cargo service throughout Asia, including destinations like Osaka, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Penang.

Arrive two hours early

With record passenger volumes expected this year, travelers on flights departing before 8 a.m., or flights departing between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., should arrive at the airport two hours before their flights to allow enough time to get to their flights on time. This is the estimated time it takes during busy travel periods to park, ride a shuttle bus to the terminal, check a bag at the ticket counter, and go through security to make the flight on time.

Travelers on international flights, or with children, or with disabilities or medical conditions that could impact travel, should arrive an additional 30 minutes before their flights. Travelers being dropped off at the terminal, or who aren’t checking bags, for example, will need a little less time. Those who are not traveling during peak travel times are advised to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before their flights.

Arriving early is important, because with record travel predicted, everything takes a little longer. Also, travelers who miss their flights may find rebooking difficult, because unlike a few years ago, many flights are full.

More information about PDX is available at www.pdx.com. Follow PDX on twitter @flypdx.