News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Yvette Matthews, TSA headshot
Yvette Matthews Keeps PDX Safe with Respectful Screening
Though getting through a TSA security checkpoint is a necessary part of travel, it's not always a highlight of the day. But for one passenger, Yvette Matthews (she/her) made the security experience exceptional:
"I wanted to share my experience while going through screening for our flight. As we headed to screening, I was oddly excited as I had both of my knees replaced a little over three months ago and was anxious to see how I'd scan.
Upon going through the detectors, I was pulled aside by Yvette who noted that she'd need to do a manual check. She explained the process and was thorough, kind and professional! She also scanned my hands, which resulted in some additional procedures. Once again, she was thorough, kind and professional – not to mention that she had a great sense of humor! I passed this last process and was sent on my way.
My family enjoyed Yvette as well and shared that she was exceptionally respectful. This was in contrast to a challenging screening situation several years ago at a different airport. We now choose to fly out of PDX instead of other options because of the care we receive during screening. We don't even mind the extra mileage, as we save time and appreciate your level of service!"
Missed the last virtual awards ceremony? View the event recording or read about past winners on the PDX People website. You can also nominate an employee who embodies the PDX People values and serves as a shining example of great customer service for next quarter – submit a nomination now.
Nominate a PDX Employee
Portland Roasting Coffee at PDX.
What's New with PDX Next: Exterior Work, Baggage Claim and March Forum
Exterior Work: Work on the exterior of PDX near Portland Roasting starts today – Monday, April 3 – and will continue through the summer. Bike racks and the bike shelter will be removed this week, while access to the stairs and concourse remains open. Also on the exterior, there will be demolition and shear wall construction near the east end of the north bypass. This work may cause periodic noise and vibrations through mid-May.
Baggage Claim: Also starting today, restrooms on the north side of baggage claim will permanently close. The closest restrooms are at the south end of baggage claim or upstairs by the D/E checkpoint (pre-security).
March Forum: If you missed the March PDX Next forum, watch the recording and catch up on the latest news now.
Looking for more PDX Next information? We're keeping you in the know on what's new on the PDX People website. Have questions or suggestions about construction? Email hello@pdxnext.com or call the construction hotline at 503.460.4339.
Certified Sensory Inclusive: KultureCity
Get Sensory Inclusive Certified and Enter to Win $100!
April marks the start of Autism Acceptance Month and provides an opportunity to highlight accessibility efforts at PDX. This includes the sunflower lanyard program – intended to help travelers with hidden disabilities – and the sensory room on Concourse D, a space geared toward visitors with cognitive or sensory processing challenges. While both efforts are not exclusively aimed at people with autism, they serve that community along with many others.
We encourage you enhance your inclusivity work, whether it's a refresher or your first time. All you need to do is watch a 30-minute video from our partners at KultureCity and take a short quiz. Score 80% or higher and you’ll be rewarded with sensory inclusive certification! Bonus? Take the training by Sunday, April 30, and you'll be entered to win $100 gift card – just email your completed certificate to PDX People Communications
Get Certified Now!
PDX Play Area, featuring a yellow Tillamook flying bus.
Kids Can Play Away Their Pre-Flight Wiggles
There are only so many times parents can walk their toddlers up and down the concourse. Now, if they’re flying out of Concourse E, direct them to the new PDX Play Area to run off any extra energy. The Tillamook County Creamery Association donated the 600-square-foot play area, which opened last Monday. Its steps, slides and flying van are designed with children ages 3-8 – and people of all abilities – in mind. The space also includes bouncy flooring made from post-consumer recycled materials and a mural created by illustrator Josephine Rais.
Calendar with a date being circled.
Be Knowledgeable: Celebrations and Volunteer Opportunities on the PDX People Calendar 
Did you know there's a calendar of events on the PDX People website? It's the best way to keep track of upcoming learning opportunities and fun events open to all airport employees.
Cha! Cha! Cha! Grand Opening: Come celebrate on Thursday, April 6! Festivities include food and beverage samples, live music from Gerardo Calderon and PDX People PLINKO. In addition to swag, we’ll also have prizes including gift cards and bottles of their legendary hot sauce!
Delta Air Lines Blood DriveOur partners at Delta Air Lines have a blood drive scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Tuesday, April 11, at Atlantic Aviation – 8103 NE Airport Way – and you're invited to participate. Donors will receive a $5 gift card from Delta as well as other incentives!
PDX People Customer Service Awards: On Tuesday, April 25, we'll gather virtually and in person to honor employees from across all 10 PDX industries. Join us in recognizing outstanding employees as we livestream the event from Port of Portland headquarters.
Spring Cleanup: On Tuesday, April 25 (south), and Tuesday, May 2 (north), airport businesses can drop off unwanted, large or bulky items for the folks on the PDX waste minimization team to reuse or recycle. 
Kevin, Karolyn, and son Daniel Kaster of Kasters Kustom Cutting
Wood is Personal: Q&A with Kevin and Karolyn Kaster
It can be easy, when writing about the new main terminal, to focus on its size and beauty. But the entire PDX Next project owes its existence to the land and the people of the Pacific Northwest, as our recent conversation with Kasters Kustom Cutting reminded us. Kevin and Karolyn Kaster, whose firm milled Doug fir for the terminal’s ceiling, value the personal connections they’ve forged with the owners of the sustainably managed forests who supplied PDX with wood.
A large plume of smoke and flames, with fire trucks parked in front.
PDX in Pictures
This photo might look dangerous, but really, it’s a perfect illustration of safety in action. The best way to be prepared for any type of emergency is to practice your response in advance. That’s what’s happening here, as the Portland Airport Fire and Rescue team conducts live fire training out at the pit. Thanks to Port of Portland's Danny Gilliland for capturing the show!
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