News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Kelly Allison Finds Time for Great Service
One things most travelers and Portlanders agree on? Coffee is the key to a perfect trip. Stumptown's Kelly Allison knows that's true and she also knows that sometimes a little extra effort goes a long way.
While Kelly was closing down her store, a customer came up and really wanted to purchase some coffee. Even though Kelly had closed her drawer and was just about to leave she took care of the customer and made a note so that her co-workers could ring up the transaction on the next day. 
As Kelly's manager noted, "That was great service that's worth congratulating. Thank you, Kelly!"
The PDX People Customer Service awards recognize airport employees who truly stand out as extraordinary. Missed the last virtual awards ceremony? View the event recording or read about past winners on the PDX employee website.
You can also nominate an employee who embodies the PDX People values and serves as a shining example of great customer service – submit a nomination now.
Nominate a PDX Employee
 
FAQ: Employee 90BA68 Parking Returns to NE Alderwood Lot on June 19
As you may have already noted, on June 19 you'll start parking in the NE Alderwood employee parking lot. We've highlighted some of the frequently asked questions below and you can read the full article on the employee website. 
When does parking on Alderwood start?
At 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, you can begin parking in the NE Alderwood lot using your PDX hangtag. Shuttles will run starting at midnight. 
At 12:01 a.m. on Monday, June 21, your PDX hangtag will stop working in the long-term garage. If you parked at PDX prior to June 19, you’ll still be able to exit the garage without paying the daily fee.
What are the safety protocols while riding the bus?
Bus seating has been reduced to maintain three-foot physical distancing and closed seats will be marked. Remember, face coverings are required at all times.
Use good judgement – if the shuttle bus is full, wait for the next bus instead of boarding a bus that is at capacity. 
Shuttle drivers are also required to wipe down all high-touch surfaces upon arrival at PDX and use a disinfectant fogger at least once a day. 
How many buses will be running and how frequently?
Because of the reduced seat capacity, you will notice more shuttle buses than what we operated in 2019. Shuttles arrive every six to eight minutes.
Allow extra time to get to work and download the free PDX shuttle bus app for real-time information on the routes. 
Questions? You can call the employee parking office at 503.460.4499 or email PDXEmployeeparking@portofportland.com.
Help Travelers Choose the Right Checkpoint
PDX is starting to get busier and many travelers are visiting the airport for the first time in more than a year. In that year, much has changed – from new paths to security to the closure of the Concourse Connector.
As PDX People, one of our core values is that we’re knowledgeable. We hope you’ll use that knowledge to approach travelers who look confused to help them find their way. 
If you see someone in the ticket lobby holding a boarding pass and wondering which way to go, you’re encouraged to help them choose the right checkpoint and avoid the stress of going through security twice. This simple step will ensure we’re providing the best possible customer service in a time of change. 
What's New with PDX Next: Lost & Found Relocates, Baggage Carousel Closures
On Wednesday, June 28, the Lost & Found office opens in its new home in baggage claim. You’ll find the office on the north end, down the hallway across from carousel 10.
Baggage carousel 9 and oversized bag door 8 are closed through July while we upgrade our HVAC system as part of the new main terminal design.
Baggage carousel 4 will close periodically based on flight schedules as part of the same upgrade efforts. Those closures will continue through September.
Looking for more? We're also keeping you in the know on what's new with PDX Next on the PDX employee website – check out the most recent update for a look at what other changes are ahead. Have questions or suggestions about construction? Email hello@pdxnext.com or call the construction hotline at 503.460.4339. 
Alaska Airlines Adds Nonstop Routes from PDX to Tampa, New Orleans
Starting December 16, Alaska Airlines is launching two new flights from Portland to Tampa and New Orleans  the only nonstop flights from the Rose City to these two Southern destinations. These routes are also seasonal service with four flights weekly to Tampa and three to New Orleans. Read the full press release.
Making Comics About the Airport: A Conversation with Artist Aki Ruiz
Last week we shared a PDX comic from Oregon-based artist Aki Ruiz that told the story of a few travelers making their way through PDX in the not-so-distant future. This week we’re going behind the scenes with Aki, who took inspiration from architectural models and blueprints for his newest work. From his creative process to how he got into his craft, Aki decided to show us his studio in an unexpected way: by illustrating his workspace and sharing some sketches from the story’s development. 
A Guide to Gender Identity Terms
Issues of equality and acceptance of transgender and nonbinary people – along with challenges to their rights – have become a major topic in the headlines. These issues can involve words, ideas and identities that are new to some.
NPR put together this glossary of terms relating to gender identity to help people communicate accurately and respectfully with one another. Proper use of gender identity terms, including pronouns, is a crucial way to signal courtesy and acceptance. Similar to pronouncing someone's name correctly, pronouns are “a way of respecting them and referring to them in a way that's consistent and true to who they are.”
Juneteenth Commerates, Celebrates African American Freedom and Achievement
Juneteenth a blending of the words June and nineteenth – is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and the enslaved were now free – two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.  
See what’s happening in Oregon and learn more about the history and importance of Juneteenth.

Happy Birthday Southwest Airlines!


On June 18, Southwest Airlines will celebrate their 50th birthday, and they’ve got a number of activities planned at PDX this week. 

If you know anyone from Southwest, you know how much they bring their #SouthwestHeart to PDX each and every day. And they’re showing up for the community during their birthday celebration.

In addition to fun gate games planned for Southwest passengers on Wednesday, the PDX team will host a Toy Drive all week to make birthday dreams come true for children experiencing homelessness. Want to pitch in? Bring any of the items listed on the flier to the Southwest ticket counter this week, or scan the QR code to purchase items directly from their Amazon wish list.

Last but not least, be on the lookout for Southwest members at PDX for a #ThrowbackThursday celebration – they’ll be wearing vintage uniform tops and accessories. Happy Birthday, Team Southwest. We’re so glad you are part of the PDX family.    
    
PDX in Pictures
When we said goodbye to Clocktower Plaza in April things looked a little different. While you might be able to hear the sounds of the soft demolition, perhaps you've been curious what it looks like right now. Our friends from Hoffman Skanska offered a little peek at the sights behind the scenes.

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