Portland International Airport is expecting an increase in the number of people traveling for the holidays and is advising people to plan accordingly.
Around 730,000 people will travel through PDX during the latter half of December, airport officials estimate, which would be a 20% increase over last year’s figures.
Last year, freezing rain in Portland led to hundreds of flight delays and cancellations.
Passengers arrive at Portland International Airport in this file photo from 2021.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
The busiest travel days this year will be Dec. 20-22, with more than 50,000 people moving through PDX each day, according to an airport press release.
Port of Portland spokesperson Allison Ferre said the key for travelers this year is to arrive as early as possible.
“We are recommending that people arrive two-and-a-half hours early, just to make sure, you know, that they have more than enough time to get through security and account for the extra crowds,” Ferre said.
She also noted that part of the airport is under construction and that extra employees will be on hand to ensure people arrive at the correct security checkpoint.
For those looking to park at the airport, officials recommend visiting FlyPDX.com/parking to see the availability in all airport garages.
AAA estimates that more than 115 million Americans will travel during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
