Southwest Airlines inaugurates a new 'very Portland' concourse at PDX
Things are going to look a little different for travelers catching Southwest Airlines flights from Portland, Oregon, beginning Wednesday.
No longer will they join the majority of Portland International Airport (PDX) travelers cramming into security on the south side of the terminal and trekking to gates on Concourse C to catch their flights. Instead, they will be departing on the north side of the facility from a gleaming new extension to Concourse E.
Southwest is moving to six new gates added to Concourse E as part of an on-going modernization of Portland's airport. The shift aims to balance the number of travelers departing from the north and south sides of the terminal, alleviating crowding — inadvertently making it easier for travelers to socially distance during the coronavirus pandemic — and giving the Dallas-based carrier some enviable new digs.
Sign up for the free daily TPG newsletter for more airline news!
“When you get down to the end of the concourse, it’s the grand moment," said Michelle Vo, a principal at Hennebery Eddy Architects, who worked on the extension project. That moment shows off one of Portland's best known natural icons: Mount Hood.
Hennebery Eddy and Fentress Architects, who jointly designed the concourse, play up Portland and the Pacific Northwest's outdoors vibe in the space. In addition to the grand panroama of Mount Hood at its end, the linear facility captures as much natural light as the rainy climate will provide with windows on nearly all sides: north to the aircraft ramp and Columbia River, and south to the airport's entry drive and headquarters building.
Related: How architects work to make airports feel local
The aim is to create a space that encapsulates Portland's local identity while at the same time being functional and pleasing to travelers. For example, concessions — including an outlet of famous Oregon creamery Tillamook — are located about every 200 feet along its 800-foot length. In addition, every seat features outlets for waiting flyers to charge their devices.
The concourse also features an intricate mobile of kite-like discs by artist Jacob Hashimoto hung from the ceiling.
"It's very Portland," is how Port of Portland spokesperson Kama Simonds described it to TPG.
Related: State-by-state guide to coronavirus reopening
Opening amidst a pandemic was not what Portland had in mind when work kicked off six years ago. First proposed in 2014, the airport was five years into its recovery from the Great Recession and in the middle of a decade of sustained growth that saw passenger numbers climb at a nearly 4% compound annual rate to 19.5 million by 2019, according to U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) data via Cirium.
Initially, Portland planned to move Alaska Airlines — the airport's largest airline, carrying nearly 43% of flyers there in 2019 — to Concourse E with an extension designed for its regional affiliate Horizon Air.
By 2017, the project had morphed to moving Southwest to the concourse. This followed Alaska's acquisition of Virgin America in 2016 and a change in its regional strategy that called for more Embraer E175s regional jets and fewer De Havilland Canada Dash 8 turboprops.
Now, Southwest joins Delta Air Lines and United Airlines on the northern side of the passenger terminal -- both major carriers have operated from gates there since at least the 1990s -- plus a number of budget and international carriers in Concourse D. Alaska, American Airlines and JetBlue Airways will remain on the south side.
Related: Airlines may face a tough fall after that summer uptick
One thing travelers may notice about Southwest's new gates is the distance. With the entire length of Concourse E coming in at about 1,385 feet, the walk from security to that picture-perfect view of Mount Hood is about the length of five-and-a-half Portland city blocks.
“If you took the tallest building in Portland and laid it on its side, we would be by far the longest," said Vo.
The architects installed moving walkways through the extension to speed the walk to the end. However, due the relatively narrower width of the older section of Concourse E, they could only fit in walkways going one direction — or towards the Mount Hood window.
Related: Here are 5 airports designed by Black architects that you should know
In addition, owing to the pandemic, only three of the seven planned concessions will open Wednesday. Those include Tillamook, a curated gift shop called Calliope and the newsstand and sundries shop Northwest Travel Mart.
The airport is working with the other retailers, many of whom are local businesses, on opening in the future, said Simonds.
The opening comes as the outlook for air travel remains uncertain at best. Simonds describes the Portland airport's view as "hopeful but practical," without providing any specifics on when it expects traveler numbers to return to their 2019 peak.
Related: Air travel recovery may come slower than expected, with Southwest Airlines a likely leader
Portland saw just 78,000 flyers in May, or 9% of the number it handled a year ago, according to its latest data.
Simonds said traveler numbers are now up to about 27% of last year — down significantly year-over-year, but a marked improvement from May.
Airline schedules have improved with the return of some leisure travelers. Carriers plan to fly about 42% of what they flew last year in July, Cirium schedules show. Southwest will operate more than half of its 2019 schedule while Alaska will fly roughly 40% of last year.
Southwest has already made some longer-term changes to its Portland operation. It will drops nonstop flights to five airports in December: Burbank (BUR), Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario (ONT) and San Diego (SAN) in California, as well as Kansas City (MCI), according to Cirium. At the same time it will increase frequencies between Portland and its large bases in Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX) and St. Louis (STL).
Related: Southwest Airlines is cutting more than 100 routes from its ‘full’ schedule this winter
View this post on Instagram
The Dallas-based carrier could make additional changes to its future schedule depending on how the recovery continues, something its CEO Gary Kelly has said he is "concerned" about.
Portland is not the only airport where Southwest is moving into new digs this week. Nashville International Airport (BNA), where the carrier is the largest operator, opens a new six-gate concourse for the airline on Friday, July 17.
Southwest's first scheduled departure from Concourse E is flight WN2099 to Oakland (OAK) due to depart Portland at 6:25 a.m. local time. A second flight, WN1352, is scheduled to leave Portland for Denver (DEN) 10 minutes later at 6:35 a.m. local time.
While the broader recovery in air travel is far outside Portland's purview, the airport is making the best of the situation. It is using the slowdown to speed up work on its other concourse project, a new Concourse B for Alaska that is due to open in 2021. However, plans for a new "iconic" terminal building by 2025 are under review with changes possible as a result of the pandemic, said Simonds.
Related: Delta speeds up LAX, Salt Lake City renovation projects during pandemic
View this post on Instagram
???? Hood. Portland International concourse D airside (opened 1994). #airportarchitecture
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.