News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Jennifer DeAnda, United Airlines
Jennifer DeAnda Finds the Key to Outstanding Customer Service
Jennifer DeAnda with United Airlines was nominated by a PDX traveler.
"I flew home to PDX after a long, stressful trip involving the loss of my younger brother. When I landed, I realized I had no idea where my car keys were. I live far from the city, so getting home wasn’t going to be as simple as calling a friend. I was physically and emotionally exhausted and just wanted to be home.
After collecting my bags and searching them with no luck, I started wandering the terminal, unsure of what to do. That’s when I crossed paths with Jennifer. I asked if I could leave my bags with her while I went to check my car. As expected, she kindly declined, but what happened next surprised me.
Instead of sending me on my way, Jennifer immediately offered to help. She insisted on carrying my two large suitcases and walked with me to the garage. When we couldn’t find the keys at the car, she helped me contact AAA, who could tow the car to a dealership. However, that would mean waiting until the next day, which wasn’t an option I could handle at that point.
We went back into the airport and Jennifer offered to go through my bags one more time, just to be sure. As she searched, I was barely holding it together. She looked at me and said, "I’m not going to leave you without a solution."
In the end, Jennifer arranged for me to get a rental car, and I was able to go home. She did what I couldn’t do for myself in that moment. I was a stranger, asking for help with a problem that wasn’t her responsibility. But that didn’t matter to her.
She was calm, kind, resourceful, and determined to help. On one of my worst days, I had the good fortune of meeting someone extraordinary, someone who saw a person in distress and went above and beyond to make things right. For that, I am deeply grateful."
Want to learn more about PDX People recognition? Check out the recognition programs and 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
Bypass at PDX.
What's New with PDX Next: B/C Pedestrian Bypass, Vehicle Service Road
B/C Pedestrian Bypass: On Wednesday, Aug. 20, Thursday, Aug. 21, and Friday, Aug. 22, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., crews will perform crane work above Concourse B. The B/C bypass will be closed during this time and an alternate exit route will be in use. The exit route is open to all, but entry into Concourse B through this route is only open to Alaska/Horizon, Bags, Inc., and emergency responders.
Vehicle Service Road: When you see flaggers on the road, pay attention and follow their signals. Flaggers stop traffic so construction vehicles can safely cross taxiways; ignoring them risks collisions, delays, and aircraft disruptions. Flagging is active most days between Gates D5 and E8, but locations vary, so use extra caution along the D and E concourses.
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. 
Person holds up her fingers in the shape of a heart.
PDX Turns One: The "Local-est Airport in America" Lands International Awards and Regional Love 
On the one-year anniversary of PDX’s new main terminal – Oregon’s largest-ever public works project – locals and travelers from afar have embraced it as a celebration of the people, landscapes, and local flavors that make this region special. In its first year, the new PDX became home to 23 local new shops and restaurants, joyful reunions, solo adventures, smooth business trips…and yes, even the occasional runaway balloon. It took thousands of locals to bring this vision to life – including architects, builders, Tribal partners, mosaic makers, feminist distillers, therapy llamas, and artisanal pasta makers. PDX is proof that even the biggest projects don’t have to feel cookie-cutter or bland; done a new way, they can reflect the people and places we love.
Bhavani Krishnan's oil paintings of scenic spaces.
Plein Air Painter Bhavani Krishnan Pays Homage to the Mountains
Artist Bhavani Krishnan creates oil paintings that blend realism and expressive brushwork to capture both the grandeur and emotional impact of mountain landscapes. Born in Switzerland, raised in India, and now living in Oregon, she has a lifelong love for high places and has spent the past 15 years hiking and painting across the U.S. Her "Grandeur" triptych – now on display in the Rental Car Center – reflect her reverence for wilderness. Said the artist, "These works are expressive, with energetic brushstrokes and rich, vivid colors that aim to capture not just a scene, but a feeling – an impression of awe, reverence and belonging."
Graphic showing Green Plate Program benefits.
Washington Post: How Airports are Reducing Waste and Embracing Sustainability
When you think of the climate impact of air travel, you might think first about aircraft emissions and plastic waste from in-flight food and drink service. But the impact starts long before boarding – millions of people hurry through terminals buying food, leaving leftovers, and producing all types of trash. As highlighted in the Washington Post, at PDX, we're cleaning up their act by diverting food waste from landfills and distributing unsold food items to those in need. We'll also relaunch the Green Plate Program on Concourse C in September, encouraging travelers and employees to choose sustainable plates and cutlery.
Diego Chara handing out a Tillamook cheddar slice.
PDX in Pictures
Timbers players Diego Chara, Eric Miller, and James Pantemis recently stopped by Tillamook Market at PDX! The squad kicked off their visit by scooping ice cream, handing out "yellow cards" – also known as Tillamook cheddar – and signing autographs. Check out all the fun on Instagram.
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