News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Ashley Boren doing a Superman pose in the PDX stadium seating area.
PDX People Spotlight: Respect Guides Ashley Boren’s Customer Service
Ashley doesn’t fly. She doesn’t teleport. But she will get you from curb to gate faster than you can say "final boarding call." Whether she’s locating snacks or memorizing flight numbers, check out our Instagram reel to see how Ashley does it all with warmth, humor, and actual superpowers (we assume). One traveler was so impressed they said they’ll be requesting her by name next time, earning her a customer service award!
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
Phase 2 construction in the terminal.
What's New with PDX Next: Airport Way Roadwork, Wheelchair Access Pilot, and Information Booths Reopen
Airport Way Roadwork: Last week, we told you about road work on NE Airport Way westbound. After significant traffic last Wednesday morning, we shifted the nightly roadwork schedule to 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. To accommodate for the shorter nightly schedule, we anticipate the roadwork will continue through Wednesday, July 30. In case you missed it, crews will be milling and paving the roadway as part of a rehabilitation project with lane closures, reduced speeds, and traffic diversions in effect. Flaggers and overhead signs will help manage traffic, and access to parking garages and rental car return will remain open throughout the work.
Wheelchair Access Pilot Program: We're testing new ways to improve curbside wheelchair access for departing passengers, and this pilot program aims to boost visibility of the assistance line, reduce unattended vehicles, and connect guests with wheelchair providers faster. Look for signage on the upper roadway and signage and seating just inside the entrance to the Departures level of the terminal on both the north and south ends. If you see someone in need, direct them inside to the seating area and call 503.460.4300 or use a white paging phone (press 6, then their airline).
Information Booths Reopen: The installation of new air handling units in baggage claim is nearly complete! Starting Friday, Aug. 1, both information booths will reopen, staffed by our helpful VIPs. 
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. 
Travelers walking down Concourse E.
Be Knowledgeable: Escorting at PDX
Part of being a knowledgeable airport pro is understanding the ins and outs of safety and security, including when it’s okay to escort someone into secure areas  and when it’s not.
Remember: Escorting is for legitimate business purposes only. That means no workarounds and no stretching the rules. You can escort someone doing work for your company – like a vendor – as long as they haven’t already hit their limit (5 times within a rolling 12-month period). 
Here’s what’s not allowed:
  • Escorting a new hire before they receive a badge
  • Escorting someone who’s in the process of getting badged
  • Escorting someone who already has a valid badge – if they left it at home, lost it, or broke it, they can't be escorted
  • Escorting someone with an expired badge
  • Escorting someone who was denied a badge 
Escorting violations are considered class II security violations, which means consequences for both you and your authorized signatory (your employer).
Audience at
PDX People Join Relay Resources to Celebrate Disability Pride Month
July marks Disability Pride Month and the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a groundbreaking law that’s opened doors for millions of people with disabilities. PDX People joined Relay Resources at their celebration, attended by more than 60 employees and community partners. As one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the Pacific Northwest, Relay’s janitorial team plays a vital role in keeping PDX clean and welcoming for all.
Person picking up grab and go containers.
Put Leftovers On the Right Track
What happens to all those perfectly good sandwiches, salads, and yogurt parfaits that don’t get sold at PDX?
In partnership with Urban Gleaners, our waste minimization team helps collect unsold, ready-to-eat food from airport restaurants and shops. Since 2013, those donations have helped stock Urban Gleaners’ Free Food Markets, serving folks across the Portland area.
Now’s the time to grow the goodness because the need is growing, tooIf you’re part of a concession, lounge, or shop at PDX, we’d love to have you join the program! It’s an easy way to help our community and reduce waste.
What types of food can be donated?
  • Prepared or grab-and-go meals
  • Dry goods and pantry items
  • Unopened drinks and milks
  • Prepackaged snacks and baked goods
Let’s put that unsold food to good use! Email Lesswaste@portofportland.com and the team will help you get started.
Best of Portland '25 Readers Poll Winner graphic.
Willamette Week's Best of Portland List Includes PDX Favorites
There’s no need to trek all over the city to enjoy the best that Portland has to offer – you can find many reader favorites all in one place at PDX! This year's poll garnered over 350,000 votes from more than 30,000 voters, and top winners include Freeland Spirits (Best Distillery), Screen Door (Best Brunch), Tender Loving Empire (Best Local Gift Shop), Powell's Books (Best Bookstore), Smith’s Teamaker (Best Tea Shop), and Loyal Legion (Best Beer Selection on Tap). Plus, a winner that has a smaller-scale airport presence (Hollywood Theatre) and way more PDX runners-up. Seeing this list, it’s clear how hard PDX and our partners work to curate the local-est airport yet. Congratulations to everyone honored!
Red Cross team at the PDX blood drive.

Walt Marchbanks giving blood at the recent drive.
PDX in Pictures
Leave it to PDX People to exceed every goal, even when it comes to donating blood.
Last week, the Red Cross set a goal of 46 units for the Delta Air Lines blood drive at PDX. In the end, we blew past that number, collecting a "frankly amazing" 59 units – that's 128% of the original goal and includes 16 first-time donors. 
For those ready to roll up their sleeves again, mark your calendar: The next blood drive will be Wednesday, Oct. 1, and you can earn gift cards and swag...in addition to the warm, fuzzy feeling of supporting our community and saving lives.
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