Pilots Prevent
October 5, 2021
Do you have travel plans for Fall Break? If you’re going by plane, be sure to plan ahead. Flying can be exciting (and sometimes stressful) even in the best of times. With COVID restrictions and Portland International Airport (PDX) under construction, navigating the airport can be tricky. We’ve compiled the most important tips to help make your travels as smooth as possible.
Give Yourself Time
Airports are busy again. With crowds and construction complicating matters, it’s best to arrive early. Plan to be at the airport two hours ahead of your domestic flight, or three hours ahead for international flights.
Double Check Your Gate Info
Don’t go through security twice! There used to be a pathway between the two concourses that have the B/C gates and the D/E gates, but this pathway is closed for construction. That means, if you end up in the wrong concourse you might have to go through security again. Make sure you check the gate on your boarding pass or on the screens before the security checkpoint before going through.
Here’s a helpful map of PDX if you want to plot your course in advance.
Follow the signs throughout the airport—even if you’re familiar with PDX, things have changed with construction.
Know the Safety Protocols
Wear a mask, even if you’re vaccinated. Masks are required in the airport unless you are eating or drinking.
Check with your airline about COVID testing. You may need proof of a negative COVID test depending on your destination. If you are traveling to an international destination, or you’re returning to Oregon from abroad, be sure to check the PDX website and your airline for the most up-to-date information.
If you do need a COVID test, PDX has partnered with Carbon Health for onsite testing. You will need an appointment, so be sure to schedule in advance.
If you need accommodation, please be sure to check the PDX website for accessibility resources.
Get Prepared for Your Flight
Be sure to bring hand sanitizer and use it after coming in contact with frequently touched surfaces. Passengers are allowed to bring liquid hand sanitizer in containers up to 12 ounces in carry-on bags, even though TSA still limits other liquids to than 3.4 ounces or less. A box of antibacterial wipes can be useful to wipe down the surfaces you’ll be touching on the plane, such as arm rests and tray tables.
Some airlines still aren’t offering food or beverages on flights. If you need coffee or a snack before your flight, check the PDX airport’s shopping and dining page to see what’s open—some shop and restaurant hours may be limited due to construction and staffing availability. Be sure to stay 6 feet away from others and wear your mask when not eating or drinking.
All major U.S. airlines have HEPA air filters, which remove airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. The CDC says “most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes.” Even so, you’re still required to wear your mask on flights when not eating or drinking.
To and From the Airport
The MAX Red Line will take you directly to the airport. Check Trimet for schedules.
The designated pick-up spot for Uber, Lyft, and Wingz is Island 2 outside of baggage claim, on the bottom level.
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