News and resources for airport employees.
News and resources for airport employees.
Linda Cooper, in TSA uniform
Linda Cooper Steps in to Help Out
While working at the security checkpoint, TSA officer Linda Cooper (she/her) noticed a passenger in need of assistance. Her kind, proactive approach earned this compliment:
“I was traveling alone and in an unfamiliar airport – I was not sure where to find my gate. Linda flagged me down as I entered the security line. She treated me with respect and was very patient with my questions.
I was struck by how friendly and knowledgeable she was and, most important, Linda took the time to help me when she could have easily let me walk on. Linda is definitely one of the most pleasant TSA officers I have ever encountered.”
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
What's New with PDX Next: Roof Update, Bag Carousel Closures and Ticket Lobby Scaffolding
Roof Update: As Phase 1 of roof installation wraps up, impacts to the main terminal and baggage systems are mostly done for the year. Most of the work will now take place within the construction zone. When Phase 2 begins, there will be more terminal impacts – we'll keep you in the know.
Bag CarouselsBag carousel 8 will be closed on Monday, Nov. 7, through Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bag carousel 9 will be closed on Nov. 9 and 10 and Nov. 14 through 17, also from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ticket LobbyStarting Thursday, Nov. 10, until mid-December, you’ll see scaffolding in the central ticket lobby.
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.
New Food Trucks Spice Up the Roadway
With construction underway, pre-security food and beverage offerings are currently limited at PDX. For the last few months, Taqueria Merced has been a regular visitor to the PDX roadway. In an effort to offer a variety of pre-security options to airport employees, we’re bringing in two new trucks: Pidgin Hole and Alchemy Sandwich Co.
Pidgin Hole features an island-inspired Asian fusion menu and Alchemy offers a variety of hot sandwiches. Both offer vegetarian options – Pidgin Hole has vegan and gluten free choices too – and prices range from $8 to $14.
The new trucks will be located on the north end of the upper-outer roadway. Pidgin Hole will be at PDX on Mondays starting Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Alchemy will be at PDX on Fridays starting Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both trucks offer online ordering on their websites: Pidgin Hole and Alchemy Sandwich Co
Upcoming Events:
Health and Wellness, Fall Cleanup and More!
Looking for employee events happening at the airport? Find them on the PDX People website calendar! It's the best way to keep track of opportunities open to all airport employees. Here are a few to add to your agenda: 
Mobile Mammograms at PDX: OHSU, in partnership with the Port of Portland and Alaska Airlines, is bringing a mobile mammography unit to PDX to help make screening easy! The unit will be located on the upper roadway near GoldKey valet on Thursday, Nov. 10. Read the details regarding health insurance, then make an appointment now.
Fall Cleanup: The cleanup is here! North side collection is on Tuesday, Nov. 8, and south side is Tuesday, Nov. 15 – both days are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your dry, non-hazardous items including electronics and appliances. Red security badge or escort required. 
FOD Walk: After your drop your items up at the fall cleanup, you can help keep PDX FOD free! Sign up for either Tuesday, Nov. 8, or Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 2 p.m. Enjoy gift cards and giveaways while learning how eliminating FOD (foreign object debris) creates a safer airport for all of us.
New Musicians Bring a Change of Tune to PDX
After a short, pandemic-caused hiatus, we pressed “play” on the PDX Volunteer Music Program – a vital part of what makes our airport so special.
After holding open auditions for the first time in three years, five new musicians have joined the program to play to the traveling audiences. We spoke with Sister Mary Margaret Delaski, Shaymus Hanlin, Jimmy Free, Brenna Larsen and Mary Sutton about their art and inspiration for playing at PDX.
November is Native American Heritage Month
What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States is now a full month designated for that purpose.
In 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations with variations of that name –including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month” – have been issued each year since 1994. This month, we encourage you to learn more about the caretakers of the forests who provided wood for our new roof and the Land of the Ports display in the South Tunnel.
Sky's the Limit Helps Keep Travel Accessible
The Port of Portland recently teamed up with the Autism Society of Oregon, Southwest Airlines and TSA with a very special event: Sky’s the Limit! This event is held three times a year, typically before a busy travel season begins.
While the travel experience can be stressful for everyone, it can be magnified for those with sensory needs or who are on the autism spectrum – making sure these passengers feel comfortable and excited for their trip is critical. Sky’s the Limit is designed to provide a safe and nurturing “no pressure” environment where families of autistic and neurodivergent travelers can experience the many sights and sounds of the flight experience. Thanks to everyone who helped make the event successful and memorable for participating families.
Want to learn more about related topics? Get sensory certified with Kulture City, readabout the Sunflower lanyard program and learn about accessibility at PDX.

PDX in Pictures
Boo! Just when you thought the scares were over, we're bringing you a spirited wrap-up of Halloween at PDX. Thanks to everyone who sent in pictures of their costumes and everyone who brought a little extra flair to the workday! 
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