Nathan Crockett’s recent experience at Portland International Airport (PDX) highlighted a notable aspect of the ongoing renovations: the extended walking distances between gates and baggage claim.
Upon landing at PDX on a Sunday evening, Crockett found himself taking an unusually lengthy walk to baggage claim—one that he felt was much longer than in past visits. The trek took him 20 minutes, leading to an inconvenience for his friend waiting curbside, who had to circle back when waved off by a traffic officer.
“That hallway feels like a mile long just to get through,” commented the 33-year-old Portland resident.
Since its renovation unveiling last summer, PDX has garnered praise for its bright terminal, reasonably priced food and beverage options, and tributes to the Pacific Northwest’s timber heritage. These attributes have contributed to the airport being recognized as one of the best in the U.S. by The Washington Post and earning the coveted Prix Versailles international award.
However, with construction ongoing in parts of the main terminal, some travelers are irritated by the long walks required to move between certain concourses and baggage claim areas.
Signs throughout the airport acknowledge the situation, stating, “More steps seem scary. But longer walks are temporary.” In addition, the PDX website has posted tips for navigating the terminal during this construction phase, with a candid admission: “We know this one hurts.” The extended walks are expected to persist for at least another five months as the airport works on the final 30% of the new terminal, scheduled to be fully operational by early 2026.
Passengers flying into gates B and E are particularly affected, with distances to baggage claim twice as long as usual. Walking shoes may be a necessity, or travelers might need to request assistance. This detour for passengers is deemed essential to maintain safety from the active construction zones, as emphasized by Kara Hansen, a spokesperson for the Port of Portland.
Travelers also express confusion over the winding paths, frequently questioning their direction amidst the maze of terminal areas. “It feels like it takes you through a lot of different areas,” shared LeAnn Miner, a 67-year-old who recently moved to Austin from Portland. “You’re thinking, ‘Am I going to the right place?’”
The airport’s operational updates illustrate this confusing layout; passengers traveling from concourses B and E must navigate a convoluted route that takes them northwest toward the C and D terminals before looping back to baggage claim. Despite the current inconvenience, officials promise that the redesigned terminal will streamline traffic and pedestrian flow once completed.
Future upgrades are expected to dramatically reduce walk times. Hansen also mentioned that the walking distance to gate B3 would shrink from approximately 1,000 feet to less than 600 feet. Other improvements planned for the revamped terminal include new seating, a wider array of dining options, and more opportunities for visitors to take photographs with the iconic PDX carpet.
According to the airport’s online wayfinding map, a complete walk from gate E13 to baggage claim, totaling about two-thirds of a mile, takes about 12 minutes. When compared to other major airports, these figures are favorable. For instance, the walk from the entrance to the farthest gate in Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport measures a daunting 1.5 miles, and the distance is similarly challenging at Denver and Washington Dulles airports.
Addressing a growing concern regarding guests with mobility issues, Phil Stenstrom, the airport’s director of innovation and customer experience, highlighted the availability of free wheelchair assistance. Travelers can either call ahead at (503) 460-4300 or use white courtesy phones located throughout the airport to request support when they need it.
Stenstrom further noted that the necessary detours help facilitate the airport’s phased opening strategy. He admitted that while these longer walks pose challenges for passengers and staff with mobility limitations, they are paving the way for an enhanced travel experience at PDX.
A letter to The Oregonian/OregonLive underscored that PDX lacks motorized carts, which can ease the burden of long walks. However, airlines are legally obligated to provide assistance for their passengers under federal guidelines, allowing them discretion over the type of mobility aids employed.
“If an airline wanted to test motorized devices at PDX… we’d work with them to determine how that might work,” Hansen confirmed. Nonetheless, she didn’t have insight into whether any airlines had previously explored these options.
Despite the frustration stemming from extended walking distances, many travelers who shared their perspectives with The Oregonian/OregonLive believe the benefits of the airport renovations outweigh the temporary inconveniences. Katie Campisi, 32, returning from Boston, noted that online discussions about the detours have been prevalent, and acknowledged that navigating through the new entrance terminal felt disorienting based on her first visit post-renovation.
Still, she encapsulated the common sentiment: “It’s the airport. You’re gonna have to walk.”
As PDX continues its journey toward final completion, the long walks remain a testament to the evolving infrastructure aimed at improving future airport travel for all.
image source from：oregonlive
