News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Gail Schwendeman
Passengers Find Knowledgeable, Friendly and Respectful Service with Gail Schwendeman
A PDX volunteer sent in this nomination after working with Gail Schwendeman (she/her), with Bags Inc., to assist a passenger. Gail showed kindness and respect when the traveler lost her mobility device:
"Gail approached me at the PDX information booth. Her passenger had just arrived from Frankfurt and was catching a connecting flight. However, somewhere along the line, she lost her cane and was very concerned about her missing mobility device.
Gail inquired about how she might help the passenger locate her cane. While we attempted to track down the cane, Gail kindly and attentively worked with the passenger. She got her contact information in case the cane was found. Gail also explained the situation to the passenger’s daughter over the phone and assured her that her mom was in good hands transferring to her connecting flight.
Ultimately, we weren't able to find her cane in the short time frame, but we gave her a cane from our emergency supply room so that she'd have a mobility device for the remainder of her trip. Gail went above and beyond to assist this passenger and treated her with respect and compassion.
As we watched the interaction, we couldn't help but feel that Gail was treating the passenger as though she were a member of her family. Gail is an excellent example of the PDX People community, helping smooth out travel difficulties with friendly, respectful and knowledgeable assistance."
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
Construction crews working on the new main terminal at PDX.
What’s New with PDX Next: Ticket Lobby, PDX Employee Parking and Baggage Claim
South Ticket Lobby: You likely noticed the temporary wall around the former Starbucks location in the south ticket lobby, across from Elephants Deli. This work is to prepare the area for new common use ticket counters, which will be in use at the end of September. We’ll keep you posted on the move date and who you’ll see in the new location as the work wraps up.
PDX Employee Parking Office: The PDX Employee Parking Office recently moved to a new location. To find it, use the south tunnel and take the elk elevators to the transportation plaza on Level 1. When you exit the elevators, turn left and go through the doors; the office is down the hall near Lost and Found. Open hours and additional information can be found on the PDX employee parking website.
Baggage Claim: Through the end of October, elevated noise is expected in north baggage claim during active work hours, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Noise level monitoring will be in place.
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.
Group of PDX employees holding PDX People swag.
This Week: Celebrating YOU Across PDX!
Our annual PDX People employee appreciation celebration is Tuesday, Sept. 12, through Saturday, Sept. 16, and – no matter where you work at the airport – there’s sure to be an event happening near you. Plus, we’ll have free food and exclusive PDX People gear! Want more? Be on the lookout for our PDX Ambassadors of Fun, ready to surprise you with goodies and prizes. The full schedule is posted on the PDX People website and on digital signage. Want to make sure your team doesn't miss a day? Download and print this flyer for your breakroom or office.
Graphic that says Vote! USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice 2023.
Vote Early, Vote Often for PDX Shops and Dining
Do you love our PDX shops and restaurants? If so, here's your chance to show support! Right now, USA TODAY is soliciting votes for their 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, which highlight top-notch businesses and provide readers with trusted recommendations. PDX is in the mix for both shopping and dining, and you can vote once per day between now and Monday, Oct. 2. Winners will be announced on Friday, Oct. 13, so stay tuned!
Younger person looks at computer simulation while older person looks over their shoulder.
Hollywood Theatre Falls for New Shorts Lineup
New shorts are screening now at the PDX Hollywood Theatre location, including a documentary about Airway Science for Kids, a nonprofit that removes barriers for children who have been systematically excluded from STEAM education and careers. Other films highlight Portland's Robot Alley art installation, an unexpected encounter with a celestial guest, and a group of Oregon teenagers with developmental disabilities who helped launch a global self-advocacy movement. The micro-cinema's lineup of 13 films runs 24/7 throughout the fall.
Graphic that says We will never forget - September 11, 2001
Remembering September 11, 2001
On this day and always, we remember and honor all who lost their lives on 9/11. Governor Tina Kotek ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff until sunset in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 civilians and first responders that were killed in the 2001 terrorist attacks.
"We must remember and honor the families and those who lost their lives on 9/11, as well as the remarkable courage and selflessness shown by first responders,” Governor Kotek said. “On that day, the world grieved with us. As a country, we still carry the pain of that day that forever changed our world. As we honor those who we lost on that day, we must also honor the acts of courage and kindness so many across the country and world showed in response to tragedy.” 
Family getting ice cream for the Fifty Licks truck, Two Superstar winners holding their certificates

Crowd of PDX employees at the awards event.
PDX in Pictures
Over the weekend, we kicked off our PDX People employee appreciation week with the annual PDX Excellence in Service Awards, which honors customer service Superstars from each of our partners – airlines, concessions, transportation and more – all nominated by their teams. This year's theme, Homegrown Superstars, paid homage to the employees who grow with us and make our airport better by rooting their customer service in the PDX People values: Being friendly, knowledgeable and respectful. 
Don't miss the events coming to PDX this week as we thank everyone from roadway to runway and concourse to construction site for hard work and commitment to upholding our values. 
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