News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Jan and Tim Misley, holding a PDX People sign.
Jan and Tim Misley Use Knowledge to Point Travelers in the Right Direction
Jan Misley (she/her) and Tim Misley (he/him) volunteer at the information booth in baggage claim as part of their participation in the PDX Volunteer Information Program.
Recently, a family with a toddler in tow approached the duo. The travelers needed help locating the pick-up area and requested assistance in Spanish. Jan and Tim used the Language Line – a translation service accessed by phone – to communicate with the family.
During the conversation, Jan and Tim discovered that the family was not only confused about where they were being picked up – they were actually in the wrong state! A relative purchased their tickets and was unaware that there are two Portland airports: Oregon and Maine.
After straightening out the location mix-up, Jan and Tim tackled the task of helping the family reach their intended destination. Jan spent more than an hour on the phone with the family’s airline. Eventually, she connected with an agent who was sympathetic to the family’s plight and kindly rebooked the travelers at no cost for a flight later that evening.
Jan and Tim purchased snacks and diapers for the family and accompanied them to the security checkpoint. The two volunteers sought out resources, advocated, persevered and went the extra mile to make sure that the passengers were able to travel to the correct destination.
Jan and Tim were honored at the PDX People Customer Service Awards, where we recognize airport employees who truly stand out as extraordinary. Missed the virtual awards ceremony? View the event recording or read about past winners. 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
Concourse B roof, some construction elements are visible.
What's New with PDX Next: Noise Updates, Ticket Lobby and Concourse B Roof Work
Noise Update: Noise levels this week will be similar to last week, and most noticeable on the south side of the ticket lobby and by the D/E checkpoint. Work hours are the same: daytime work is Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and nighttime work is Monday through Friday from 8 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Ticket Lobby Scaffolding: The position of the rolling scaffolding in the ticket lobby shifts slightly this week. The structures continue to move gradually to the south end as work progresses. They will remain in the ticket lobby through the summer.
Concourse B: Roof work over Concourse B starts next Monday, May 23, and will continue through the end of August. The roof activities use tar, which may cause some odors during work hours: Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Crews installed air filters and adjusted air intake systems to help reduce any smells inside the concourse. There will also be some late-night crane pick activity on a few days, but operational impacts are expected to be minimal. Roof work is weather dependent, which might affect hours, active days and the anticipated finish date.
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. 
The Taqueria La Merced truck parked on the PDX roadway.
Taqueria La Merced Brings Burritos, Tortas, Tacos and More to PDX Roadway
With construction underway, pre-security food and beverage offerings are currently limited at PDX. To make life a little easier for the many airport employees who aren't able to go through security checkpoints – or who don’t have time to get through security and back to their workplaces – we’re bringing a new option straight to the PDX roadway: Taqueria La Merced. They'll visit PDX on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on the south end of the lower roadway. View their current menu to see what tasty options are available, though please note that food options, prices and hours of operation may change in the coming weeks to best meet customer needs.
Yellow caution tape with text
Columbia Splash Drill Takes Place This Week 
On Wednesday, May 18, PDX will participate in a full-scale disaster drill: Columbia Splash 2022. This is a wonderful opportunity to practice our collaboration with other agencies and organizations and ensure we’re ready to respond in case of emergency. Throughout the day, you might see the exercise in action – please don’t be alarmed and know that our team is working hard to ensure the safety and security of the airport, employees and travelers.
Two people practicing CPR on a CPR dummy.
PDX Lifesaver Classes Return
The pandemic put PDX Lifesaver classes on pause, but they're back! The Public Safety & Security team is pleased to offer PDX Lifesavers, a free program for all individuals who work at the airport. These opportunities include courses and trainings focused on health and first aid, safety and emergency preparedness. The return to in-person classes kicks off with an American Heart Association Heart Saver Adult and Child CPR and AED class on Friday, June 10, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Class sizes are limited, so sign up now if you're interested in taking the course. 
Sign Up for the PDX Lifesaver Class
Two Starbucks employees at the Concourse E location.
Take the Espresso Lane with Mobile Orders
Mobile ordering is available at the Starbucks locations on Concourses C and E. Use the app to place your order in advance and save time during your workday while still racking up rewards. Grabbing your latte from the new location on Concourse E? Don't miss the playful mural by local artist Ryan Bubnis as you skip the line and snag your beverage!
Real ID Goes into Effect in May 2023
After numerous delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers officially have just one year remaining to get a Real ID suitable for domestic air travel. The Department of Homeland Security most recently extended the date by which travelers must comply with getting a Real ID to May 3, 2023. Acceptable alternative identification documents include U.S. passports and passport cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, the DHS Trusted Traveler Card and an enhanced driver’s license.
Black t-shirt with
Order Now and Celebrate PRIDE in Style
The Portland Airport Fire and Rescue team is accepting orders for their 2022 PRIDE t-shirtNot only will you enjoy a colorful custom tee, you can also feel good knowing proceeds will be donated to the Northwest Fire Diversity Council, an Oregon nonprofit whose mission is to increase the number of women, people of color and other underrepresented groups working in the fire service in Oregon and Washington. Shirts have a rainbow Portland Airport Fire and Rescue logo on the front, "Airport Fire & Rescue" in rainbow text on the back and #PDXSTRONG on the arm.
T-shirt pick up is Wednesday, June 1, from noon to 3:30 p.m. at the bay − 5230 E. Marine Drive  the blue building north of Portland Airport Fire and Rescue. Contact Lani Hill with any questions.
Order Your #PDXStrong Pride Shirt Now
Collage of PAFR and construction teams practicing with fire extinguishers.
PDX in Pictures
The first week of May is Construction Safety Week, and the Portland Airport Fire and Rescue team was on hand to provide contractors working on the new main terminal with hands-on fire extinguisher training. While this training is always important, it’s especially key during construction when sprinkler systems may be impaired.
Even though it’s always exciting to practice with real fire safety equipment, you can still boost your knowledge right now. All you need to do is remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.
Pull the pin, which allows you to discharge the extinguisher.
Aim at the base of the fire. If you aim at the flames – which is often the temptation – the extinguishing agent will fly right through and do no good. You want to hit the fuel.
Squeeze the top handle or lever. This depresses a button that releases the pressurized extinguishing agent.
Sweep from side to side until the fire is completely out. Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance away, then move forward. Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in case it reignites.
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