This year, PDX is expecting 820,000 travelers during our region’s roughly two-week spring break period: Friday, March 21 – Sunday, April 6.
While passenger traffic is expected to be up just a couple percentage points over last year, we’ll likely see some of the busiest days of early 2025 during this time. Specifically, Friday, April 4, closely followed by Monday, March 31, are forecasted to see the most travelers—with over 51,000 people passing through PDX per day.
It’s recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before your flight, especially if you’re parking or traveling with little ones and need more time to get to your gate. You don’t want to test “airport theory” during this busy time!
Here are few tips and resources for travelers to keep in mind:
- PDX is still under construction! To get travelers safely around the construction zones while we bring the final 30% of the main terminal to life, detours are currently in place to Concourse B and E. For anyone who needs help with the longer walks, wheelchair service can be requested through your airlines or by calling 503-460-4300 as soon as you arrive at PDX.
- Kids can get the wiggles out at Loyal Legion’s a new, pre-security play kitchen, or check out the fun zones in Concourse C and E—both marked on the flypdx.com map.
- TSA wait times are now available on the video screens in the ticket lobby, as well as on flyPDX.com homepage. The real-time estimates, available in English and Spanish for general boarding and pre-check lanes, can help travelers decided which of PDX’s two checkpoint will be quicker.
- We have resources to help ease the airport experience:
- PDX’s Sensory Room on Concourse D is quiet, all-ages area with a range of stimuli, including a plane replica to preview the look and feel of seats.
- Find free sensory bags at the Travel Oregon Welcome Center in baggage claim and TSA supervisor desks.
- The welcome center, as well as airline ticket counters, also offers Sunflower lanyards for travelers who want to communicate hidden disabilities such as autism, PTSD, or hearing loss.
- And don’t forget—REAL ID requirements go into effect on May 7, 2025, so this is likely the last busy travel period before the deadline.
Source: Portland International Airport