Portland's Skies Are Buzzing: PDX Passenger Numbers Soar Back to Near Pre-Pandemic Levels Just in Time for Thanksgiving

Well, folks, it looks like Portland International Airport (PDX) is truly back in business! If you've felt the skies getting a bit busier lately, you're not wrong. The latest numbers are in, and it's genuinely exciting: passenger volumes at PDX have practically clawed their way back to pre-pandemic levels. It's a huge milestone, especially with the bustling Thanksgiving travel period just around the corner.

Think about it: October 2023 saw a whopping 1.96 million passengers pass through PDX. That's a phenomenal figure, just a mere 1.7% shy of the 1.99 million travelers we saw way back in October 2019, before the world turned upside down. It really speaks volumes about how eager people are to travel again, to reconnect, and simply, to explore. We're on track to welcome about 20 million passengers by the end of 2023, which is incredibly close to our 2019 peak of 20.9 million. What a comeback story!

Now, with Thanksgiving nearly here, all signs point to a truly packed airport. This is typically one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and with numbers already soaring, it's safe to say PDX will be buzzing. So, if you're planning to fly out, a little preparedness goes a long, long way. Seriously, it can make or break your travel day.

Here’s the golden rule, if you ask me: arrive early. For domestic flights, give yourself a comfortable two hours. If you're heading somewhere international, bump that up to three hours. It might seem like a lot, but trust me, navigating security, grabbing a coffee, and just breathing before your flight makes all the difference. Also, double-check your TSA PreCheck or CLEAR status; these programs can be absolute lifesavers, shaving precious time off your wait.

Let's talk parking, because, let's be real, it's often the first hurdle. The short-term garage at PDX tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak times. The long-term garage usually has more availability, which is great, but do remember that the economy lot can hit capacity pretty fast these days. Keep an eye on the official PDX website for real-time updates before you even leave your driveway. And hey, if you're in a pinch or just want to treat yourself, valet parking is always an option.

You might notice a bit of a construction dance still happening around the airport, and that's totally normal. While a significant portion of the exciting new main terminal is now open and already easing some of that travel congestion, there's still work underway to enhance our airport even further. It's all for the better, making PDX a truly world-class gateway. So, a little extra patience, a deep breath, and maybe a mental high-five to the construction crews wouldn't go amiss.

Ultimately, the message is clear: travel is back, and PDX is ready for it. With a bit of planning and a generous dose of patience, your Thanksgiving journey through Portland's airport should be a smooth and happy one. Happy travels!