Alaska Airlines has celebrated the grand opening of Portland International Airport’s newly renovated terminal. This world-class facility, years in the making, showcases the airline’s partnership with PDX.
The carrier is also debuting innovative technology and processes here. This aims to streamline the airport experience and move guests through the lobby and security in under five minutes.
Shane Jones, SVP of fleet, revenue products and real estate at Alaska Airlines offered comment. “Portland, our second-largest hub, is crucial to Alaska’s future. Our collaboration with the Port of Portland on this terminal demonstrates our commitment to enhancing guest travel.”
Portland Terminal: New Technology
As part of the upgrade, Alaska Airlines is introducing technology that empowers guests to travel more flexibly. Custom iPad-powered stations print bag tags by scanning mobile boarding passes.
The airline has partnered with Embross for Automated Bag Drop stations. These installations can securely match travelers to their IDs without agent interaction.
Charu Jain, SVP of innovation and merchandising, highlights the benefits of the new features. “With nearly 90% of passengers now pre-checking, our new lobby experience in Portland simplifies bag drop-off, allowing guests to quickly enjoy the terminal’s amenities.”
Embross CTO Myles Tzelepis gives further explanation. “The PDX bag drop uses cutting-edge computer vision for convenient, efficient, and TSA-compliant automated bag processing.”
The renovated terminal reflects Alaska Airlines’ dedication to adapting to changing traveler behaviors. Central to this transformation is the introduction of technology that allows passengers to travel on their terms.
The process begins at bag drop, where the airline’s custom Apple iPad-powered bag tag stations print tags with just a scan of a mobile boarding pass.
While excited about these technological advancements, Alaska Airlines remains committed to providing personalized care.
The carrier’s customer service agents will continue to be available in the lobby to assist guests and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Dan Pippenger, chief aviation officer at the Port of Portland, says: “The new PDX enhances everything travelers love about our airport. Alaska Airlines helped create a main terminal that improves travel and celebrates our region.”
Alaska Airlines: Portland’s Largest Carrier
As Portland’s largest carrier for over 20 years, Alaska Airlines continues to grow. The airline’s flights, including those of its regional carrier Horizon Air, increased 17% from 2023 to 2024.
It currently offers 110 peak daily flights to 55 nonstop destinations. Alaska Airlines has added Miami and Nashville routes, with Atlanta and New Orleans coming soon.
Looking ahead, Alaska Airlines’ new 12,000-square-foot Lounge at PDX, opening in 2026, will feature Pacific Northwest-inspired design, a barista station, fireplace, and terminal views.
As the largest carrier in Portland for over two decades, Alaska Airlines continues to grow its presence. The airline’s commitment to expanding service from Portland is evident in recent additions to its route network. Alaska Airlines has recently launched new nonstop services to Miami and Nashville, with plans to add nonstop flights to Atlanta and New Orleans in the coming months.
Summary
Looking ahead, Alaska Airlines points to future developments at PDX that will further enhance its guests’ experience.
A highlight will be the airline’s all-new Lounge, scheduled to open in 2026. Spanning over 12,000 square feet, this space will bring favorite amenities to travelers, all wrapped in a modern Pacific Northwest ambiance.
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