If you’ve visited PDX recently, you might have noticed a few changes — like the fact we’ve removed the ceiling pre-security. Work is beginning on a series of projects to bring more of the uniquely PDX things you love about the airport. Before we say hello to a new main terminal, we have to make some room for a more open and spacious design.
Here is what you can expect the next time you come to PDX.
FAREWELL, CLOCKTOWER PLAZA / OREGON MArKET.
Here’s what we’re making while this pre-security area is closed.
The Clocktower Plaza, also known as the row of shops and restaurants located pre-security, closed for good in April 2021. You might have heard some people refer to this area as the Oregon Market as well. Don’t worry, you can still get coffee, food and gifts before you go through security. And you’ll find all those things – and more – near your boarding gate.
You should know that things might start to get a little louder. We’re keeping everything at safe levels, but if you have any fliers who are sensitive to noise, we recommend planning ahead and bringing along earplugs or headphones.
Why is this happening? We’re starting work to create brighter, more open spaces. When the new main terminal opens, this area – including the ticket counters and pre-security shops and restaurants – is going to look a little different. But our commitment to bringing travelers and employees local flavors and brands won’t change. In fact, we plan to double the number of local shops and restaurants.
What else can I expect? These changes might leave you with some questions, so we’ve put together a construction explainer to guide you through the milestones of the key PDX Next projects this year.
Got additional questions after reading all of this? Scroll down to explore our Frequently Asked Questions below or email hello@pdxnext.com.
Security checkpoints have changed a little at PDX.
Double-check your boarding pass and follow the signs to the correct line.
The walkway that joins the airport's South concourses (B, C) with its North concourses (D, E) closed on January 5, 2021, and will remain closed until the new main terminal at PDX opens in late 2023. Passengers should carefully check their boarding passes and make sure to use the security checkpoint at PDX that matches their gate location.
How will this closure impact your travel experience at PDX and what are we doing to help? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below or email hello@pdxnext.com.
Fun Fact: To make sure nothing goes to waste, PDX construction pros upcycled the Concourse Connector into a convenient detour so you can avoid disruption while we upgrade the main terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions: General Construction
Yes, be prepared to hear construction workers demolishing the old Clocktower Plaza to make room to bring the new airport designs to life. While noise levels will always remain within a safe range, we know it won’t be easy to deal with the noise. We recommend planning ahead and bringing along earplugs or headphones
We have two new indoor pet relief areas at PDX: one on Concourse C near gate C4 and one on Concourse D near gate D4. We also have two new outdoor pet relief areas located at the north and south ends of the lower roadway (arrivals level).
Visit FlyPDX.com/Accessibility for a comprehensive list of accessibility resources. Need a wheelchair the next time you travel with us? Contact your airline directly to make arrangements before you fly. Here’s a helpful list of contact information for all PDX airlines.
Frequently Asked Questions: Clocktower Plaza
We’ve started construction to bring the new airport designs to life, including building a bigger, brighter and even more neighborhood-y shopping scene at PDX.
Yes! When the new main terminal is unveiled in late 2023, there will still be places to eat and shop pre-security, including a new mezzanine restaurant and bar with great views of the airfield.
While we won’t know everything until late 2023, we will have some exciting news to share sooner, so visit PDXnext.com and follow our social channels to learn what’s new and next for PDX. [Hint: something sweet is reopening as a pop-up shop during construction].
P.S. Did you hear that Evergreens and Tender Loving Empire (PDX location #2) have opened in the new Concourse E extension?
Yes, Portland Coffee Roasters will be open throughout construction (yay!) near the D/E security checkpoint. Additionally, the new Elephants location in the ticket lobby will serve Stumptown coffee. Peet’s Coffee will also be reopening in baggage claim. We’ll let you know their opening date soon!
Frequently Asked Questions: Concourse Connector
To make room for the new main terminal footprint at PDX. Construction crews have started expanding the airport 150 feet to the west to bring the new main terminal design to life.
Yes. Both the B/C and D/E checkpoints are operating 24 hours a day and 7 days a week at PDX.
Yes. A new concourse connector will open at PDX in late 2023 when the new main terminal construction is complete.
The pathway that connects the B/C and D/E gates is closed until late 2023 due to construction. This means you will need to pass through security again to walk between the north and south sides of the airport for connecting flights.
Departing on a flight at PDX?
Check your boarding pass and use the security checkpoint that corresponds with your gate location. If you are flying out of the B and C gates, you need to use the B/C checkpoint. If you are flying out of the D and E gates, you need to use the D/E checkpoint.
Arriving on an international flight (Concourse D) and making a domestic connection on the B or C gates?
If you are connecting to a flight on the B or C gates, and the TSA screening checkpoint in the Federal Inspection Station is not open, you will need to ride the “International Arrivals” shuttle bus to baggage claim. From there, proceed upstairs to the B/C security checkpoint to be re-screened. Please note: you will not be able to take any liquids, including Duty Free items like alcohol and perfume, with you when you pass through the security checkpoint again.
Arriving on an international flight (Concourse D) and making a domestic connection on the D or E gates?
If you are a passenger arriving on an international flight and making a connection on the D or E gates, please check with an airline representative when you arrive at PDX for instructions. You may or may not have to ride the shuttle bus to the terminal to be re-screened (this is dependent on whether or not the checkpoint screening area is open on Concourse D near the Federal Inspection Station).
Arriving on a domestic flight (Concourse B or C) and making an international connection on Concourse D?
Follow the airport Exit signs and then re-enter the terminal through the D/E security checkpoint at PDX. Please note you will not be able to take any liquids with you when you pass through security again.
Yes. All connecting passengers at PDX may use the Express Lane. If you are approved for TSA PreCheck, you may use that lane at PDX as well.
Some of our shops and restaurants use AtYourGate, a delivery service at PDX. Learn more at https://atyourgate.com.
No. Your airline baggage handlers will transfer your luggage to your connecting flight as usual.
The brown chairs will be relocated to one or both of the new passenger pathways that we’re building this spring to get you around the construction at PDX. More information on these bypasses will be available soon.
No, sorry. Construction on the new main terminal at PDX will block this view from the pre-security food court. However, when the new passenger pathways are constructed this spring, good views of airplanes will be visible (and you can even sit in the comfy brown chairs)!