News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Jenna Ethridge standing in the TLE store at PDX.
Safety and Customer Service Suit Jenna Ethridge to a "Tea"
After witnessing a fall, Jenna Ethridge (she/her) took action to help the traveler and ensure the area was safe for everyone:
"During an early opening shift, an older gentleman fell in front of the food court, spilling his tea everywhere. Jenna and a few customers witnessed the fall, and Jenna rushed out to assist.
After the gentleman was steady enough to move onto his gate, Jenna worked to clean the spill, as there were no janitorial workers around at the time. Between customers, Jenna went in and out of the store to clean up the spilled tea. The customers in the store were kind and patient and appreciated Jenna's assistance in the situation. Jenna showed a tremendous amount of humanity and compassion to our traveler that day."
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
Baggage claim at PDX.
What's New with PDX Next: Demo Outside Baggage Claim, Ticket Lobby AED Installation and February Forum
Demo Outside Baggage Claim: Starting today (Monday, Feb. 27) through Tuesday, March 7, expect to hear and see demolition activities outside of baggage claim on the north end. The outer wall on the north side will be removed while interior walls remain intact, and impacts include dust and loud noise. As always, safety is a priority, and we'll practice dust mitigation techniques and monitor noise levels in the area.
Ticket Lobby: On Wednesday, Feb. 28, and Thursday, March 1, from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., crews will install new AED monitor modules in the ticket lobby. During this time, AED will be accessible but the alarms and communication to the Communication Center will not be functional. The Communication Center and working crews will be in contact before and after each shift for awareness.
Now through Thursday, March 2, seismic welding and bracing is happening in the ticket lobby from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Work is performed from a scissor lift with stanchions and a spotter below. As they move around the lobby, their work area may impact the queuing space for the oversized bag check-in area and the Southwest ticket counter. 
February Forum: Mark your calendars for Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 10:30 a.m. to get the inside scoop on construction at PDX. Our own Jen Reynolds along with Pat Bifone and Bri Leiblie of Hoffman-Skanska share the latest construction updates and answer your questions about PDX Next in just 30 minutes.
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.
PDX employee receiving an On-the-Spot recognition gift card.
New On-the-Spot Recognition Program Takes Flight
There's a new rewards program for PDX People rolling out this month: On-the-Spot recognition! Managers receive sealed envelopes containing $10 gift cards to participating PDX shops and restaurants. Envelopes can then be used “on-the-spot” to thank employees who demonstrate exceptional customer service and represent the PDX People values of being friendly, respectful and knowledgeable. Learn more about our recognition programs for PDX employees.
Travelers boarding the economy lot shuttle bus.
Be Knowledgeable: Economy Lot Shuttle Bus Consolidation
As you likely know, there are two economy lots – red and blue. During low volume times, graveyard shifts and staff shortages, shuttle operator SP Plus Corporation may consolidate to one bus that serves both lots. In this case, there will be signage to direct passengers to take a blue lot bus, regardless of which economy lot they parked in. While this won't affect employee parking lot shuttles, you may need to answer questions from passengers, especially as this will impact late night (and likely sleepy) travelers. 
An Allegiant airline plane.
Allegiant Announces New Route Between Appleton and Portland 
Allegiant Air recently announced a new nonstop route between Wisconsin’s Appleton International Airport and PDX. The seasonal service starts in June and runs through Aug. 13, and some one-way fares will be available for as low as $69. If you haven’t visited Appleton before, don’t miss the Hearthstone House, a four-story mansion that was the first house in U.S. to be powered by hydroelectricity at its completion in 1881, and The History Museum at the Castle, which includes a Harry Houdini exhibit.
Two people wearing Sky's the Limit t-shirts at a Sky's the Limit event.
Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities
Did you know there's a calendar of events on the PDX People website? It's the best way to keep track of upcoming learning opportunities and fun events open to all airport employees.
Black History Month Celebration at PDX: (Rescheduled) Join your fellow PDX People to celebrate Black History Month at PDX, get custom typewriter poetry made by ZEN:MNM and win some PDX People swag. Look for the event festivities near Gate D5 on Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. 
Wear Purple for International Women's Day: On Wednesday, March 8, we're celebrating International Women’s Day. If you'd like to join your fellow PDX People, participation is simple – just wear something purple and post a photo on social media using the #EmbraceEquity hashtag or email your photo to PDX People Communications.
Sky's the Limit at PDX: Our partners at the Autism Society of Oregon are looking for volunteers to assist with Sky's the Limit, a mock travel experience for travelers with disabilities and their families or companions. If you'd like to volunteer on Saturday, March 11, contact Barbi Alexander – you'll even get a free t-shirt! If you have friends and family who might be interested in attending, share this link to sign up for the event.
Four images showing snowy condition at PDX.
PDX in Pictures
The recent winter storm set records with the most snow Portland has seen since 1943. Frosty conditions meant many PDX People worked around the clock to ensure the airport stayed open and operational. A giant thank you to everyone who stepped up, from pre-treating and maintaining the airfields and planes to making sure travelers were informed and cared for during their time at PDX. Even when travels were disrupted, your efforts were key to providing top notch customer service.
As Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold posted on Twitter, "Our airport employees are incredible. What a 24 hours. Thanks to all our crews – maintenance, operations, police, fire, parking, concessions, customer service – keeping it together for all of us!"

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