Destination . . . Airport? Considering this space is for “fun things to do” in the area, you might think AN AIRPORT does not apply as a fun place to hang out, but I’m here to argue that point. And while I recently went to the airport just for the fun of it (did not go through security, did not take a flight), most of the time I am there to get out of town and I appreciate how easy it is to do from here. Winter blues and need some vitamin D sunshine? Alaska has a direct flight to Palm Springs and Southwest flies to San Diego, for two good ideas. So many great destinations! You can even take a direct flight to Amsterdam. Check out the info here: https://www.flypdx.com
My daughter travels a lot and when she first said to me “I love airports,” it was a new idea to me. I (like you, probably), just assumed airports were for complaining about – or tolerating. Nobody loves airports. But it didn’t take long for me to see her point-of-view and now I totally appreciate my time at an airport. Not all airports are amazing, but we are lucky to have arguably the BEST airport on the planet in our backyard. Here are some of the reasons why:
ONE – easy to get to
Literally – it is close! So easy to access from Vancouver, that those of us on this side of the river are closer than most Portland residents. Parking at the airport is easy, and if you are renting a car, you get it at the airport – not a pesky Rental Car Bus ride away.
TWO – the bar scene
My daughter and I recently visited the airport just to meet a friend for a drink. Sounds crazy, but did you know there is a SpeakEasy on this side of security? Aside from the pesky fact that we had to pay for parking, this was an excellent place to enjoy a Happy Hour!
Apparently someone decided that travelers might appreciate a little Prohibition-era charm before boarding their flight. And charming it is! Finding it feels a bit like a treasure hunt. And once inside, it’s a cozy escape from the bustle of the gates. It’s also proof that Portland can’t resist adding a bit of whimsy to just about anything. Even air travel.
THREE – the movie theater
It’s true, the airport even has a charming little movie theater that screens short films made by local filmmakers.
Travelers can sit down, take a breather between flights, and watch a rotating collection of Oregon-made shorts. The movies are made by locals and feature local information. I remember being fascinated by learning about the architecture of the Burnside Bridge; it was a very localized history lesson. Another short featured a teen girl in Oregon who is a bull rider. I saw this three years ago at the airport and it stayed with me vividly! I found the short on YouTube so I can share with you. Click here to see it.
FOUR – prices are not “airport inflated”
Here’s an amazing policy that deserves your attention. The airport requires that shops and restaurants charge the same prices they do outside the airport. No mysterious “traveler tax.” No $18 yogurt cups. No $28 sandwiches.
It means you can grab coffee, a book, or lunch without feeling like you just financed the runway expansion. I appreciate this even more after last week when I ordered a Chardonnay at the Oakland airport – it was late (closing time), so the bartender served it in a “to go” cup (classy) and charged me $42. Pictured below, the chardonnay I enjoy at the bar at Gate E12 for a fraction of that price.
FIVE – local flavor shopping
Another thing that makes PDX special is how local it feels. Instead of a sea of generic chains, the airport showcases beloved Portland businesses.
You’ll find favorites like Screen Door serving Southern comfort food; Blue Star Donuts for gourmet donuts; and even a Powell’s Bookstore. It’s like a tiny sampler platter of the city.
SIX – Beautifully renovated
The newly renovated main terminal features an enormous warm wood ceiling that feels less like an airport and more like a Scandinavian lodge designed by someone who really loves trees. Which makes sense — this is Oregon, after all. It’s been called “The Ceiling That Launched a Thousand Instagram Posts” so you have probably seen it on-line if not in real life.
The wood canopy stretches across the terminal in sweeping curves, bringing in natural light and giving the whole space an airy, calming feel. Instead of the usual fluorescent-lit, low-ceiling airport experience, PDX feels open, welcoming, and peaceful. It was under construction forEVER, but worth the wait!
SEVEN – the view!
I’ve been inspired more than once from my airplane seat to snap a picture of the view. As you take off, enjoy Mt Hood, Mt St Helen’s, the Columbia River – all good reasons to have a window seat!
