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Hadush Girmay is Sole Searching for Outstanding Customer Service
Hadush Girmay with Huntleigh USA was nominated by a PDX traveler.
"I experienced truly exceptional service from the gentleman who assisted me to my Southwest gate by wheelchair. I’m currently wearing a boot for a foot injury, and to get through TSA, I had to remove both the boot and the shoe on my other foot. During screening, my carry-on was flagged for inspection, and in the process, we somehow missed retrieving my shoe. I didn’t realize it was missing until about 30 minutes before boarding.
My wife checked with the desk, but they said no one could bring it to me. The gate agent had just told me I wouldn’t be able to board without it when, to my surprise, the same man who had pushed my wheelchair appeared with my missing shoe! After dropping me off, he noticed the shoe, recognized it was mine, and went out of his way to return it just in time. He quite literally saved the day for us."
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What's New with PDX Next: Kiosk Closures and WOW in Progress Video
Kiosk Closures: The North Hall is currently missing a few favorites – Portland Coffee Roasters, Portland Gear, Smith Tea, and Freeland Spirits. Take a deep breath. They’re not gone forever. They’re just upgrading. Starting in March, you’ll see these kiosks return in their full shop spaces as part of 30% more PDX coming your way.
WOW in Progress: Local builders have been hard at work at PDX. Check out this behind-the-scenes video to see the final phase of the newly remodeled main terminal take shape – smoother flow, more local shops and dining, and more of the art and Pacific Northwest character people love about traveling through our airport.
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.
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Shorter Walks to Concourse E Return
It’s official. Next Thursday, March 5, the North Bypass closes and shorter walks to Concourse E return. We’re entering the finishing touches of the main terminal remodel. And it’s not just about shorter walks. March also brings a wave of new shops opening throughout the terminal. Travelers are about to start seeing and feeling 30% more PDX.
Here’s what’s ahead:
- March 5: North Bypass closes
- Mid-April: New exit lanes begin opening
- By June: New escalators to baggage claim open
Temporary signage and extra staff will help guide travelers every step of the way. As a reminder, take a look at this map for a quick visual of what’s changing.
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Be Knowledgeable: Going Through Employee Screening
Do you use the TSA checkpoint to access post-security areas? If you’re a gray badgeholder, the answer is "yes."
All badgeholders should be familiar with the screening rules. Even if you have a red badge and normally use bypass doors, it’s important to know and follow these guidelines to avoid accidentally creating a security violation for yourself or others.
- For gray badgeholders accessing the sterile area, you must go through the TSA checkpoint screening process. You cannot be escorted through a bypass door.
- You cannot give any of your possessions to a red badgeholder to carry through a bypass door. Doing so is a security violation for all badgeholders involved.
- All of your possessions are subject to screening. Everything you are carrying must be screened by TSA, including cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices.
- You are allowed to bring consumable liquids, such as water or coffee, through the checkpoint.
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Media Enjoy "Local Look" at PDX
Port of Portland representatives were on hand last Thursday to give reporters a sneak peek at the latest PDX progress. The behind-the-scenes tour took media through the south and north ends of the terminal, providing an opportunity to experience the new look, feel, and flow, including state-of-the-art amenities, regionally-inspired art, and local concessions. From Indigenous artist Dyani White Hawk's newly-installed mosaic inspired by Mt. Hood to the spaces planned for new concessions including Kure Superfoods, Lola’s Cafe, and Pilot House Distilling, see how the media is highlighting the final 30% of the new PDX.
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Local Businesses ECOVIBE and Mikiko Mochi Donuts Pop-Up at PDX
Two new local favorites are popping up at PDX and opening in late March! ECOVIBE is a family-owned Alberta Arts District shop filled with houseplants, handmade goods, textiles, candles, and thoughtfully curated pieces that feel like a little slice of home. And Mikiko Mochi Donuts is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free donuts made with mochiko rice flour for that signature chewy texture, bold flavors, inclusive options, and a sweet nod to Japanese heritage.
Through the PDX Pop-Up Program, we invest in small and growing local businesses, giving them space to test, learn, and grow in their hometown airport. That means when you shop and snack at the airport, you're helping local brands grow.
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PDX in Pictures
Last Wednesday, members of the Port of Portland Alliance of Black Employees (A.BL.E.) resource group joined Alaska Air Group's Black Employees, Allies, and Advocates (ABEA) to welcome Southern University's Human Jukebox Marching Band and members of the Prairie View A&M Marching Storm Band to Portland for several days of celebration and education about the HBCU experience.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities have served as cultural and intellectual hubs, fostering a sense of identity, pride, and leadership development. They have contributed significantly to Black culture, literature, arts, and sciences and these local events showcase the rich history, traditions, and culture that HBCUs embody.
If you missed the airport meet-up, check out Alaska Airlines' Kris Brugman's Instagram reel that offers just a taste of the dynamic energy these talented performers brought to the Pacific Northwest!
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