Terminal Overview
Important update: Portland International Airport (PDX) no longer operates a Concourse A. It was closed in 2019, and today PDX uses a single main terminal with four active concourses: B, C, D, and E. This means any flight you’re taking will depart from (or arrive into) one of those concourses, reached after clearing one of the terminal’s TSA checkpoints.
The overall passenger experience at PDX is straightforward: one central terminal area for ticketing and baggage claim, then a connected post-security concourse loop where you can walk between gates without needing a train or shuttle. You’ll find a mix of local dining and shopping, free Wi‑Fi, and a layout that’s generally easy to understand thanks to overhead wayfinding and a compact footprint compared with many major U.S. airports.
Airlines & Destinations
- No airlines operate from Concourse A because it is closed. Flights operate from Concourses B/C (South) and D/E (North).
- Airlines you may see across the active concourses include: Alaska Airlines (a key carrier at PDX), Air Canada, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Boutique Air, Condor, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Icelandair, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Volaris, and WestJet Encore.
- International operations: Concourse D is noted for handling international flights/gates, with international arrivals processed through the main terminal’s arrivals facilities.
- Alliances (general guidance): You’ll commonly find Oneworld carriers (e.g., Alaska, American), SkyTeam carriers (e.g., Delta), and Star Alliance carriers (e.g., United, Air Canada) operating at PDX. Because gate assignments can shift, confirm your concourse and gate in your boarding pass/app on travel day.
PDX serves a wide mix of West Coast, Mountain West, Midwest, and East Coast domestic routes, plus select international routes (seasonal and year-round) depending on airline schedules.
Layout & Navigation
Think of PDX as one terminal split into two sides once you’re inside: the South side (Concourses B and C) and the North side (Concourses D and E). All concourses connect post-security, so if you clear security on one side you can still walk to any other concourse without exiting and re-screening.
- Security checkpoints: PDX uses two TSA checkpoints in the main terminal feeding into the concourse area. If one checkpoint looks backed up, check signage/airport info because the other may be faster—and you can still walk to your gate after you’re through.
- Gate ranges: Concourse B: B3–B11
- Concourse C: roughly C4–C23 (largest concourse)
- Concourse D: D4–D15 (includes international gates)
- Concourse E: E2–E13
Amenities & Services
- Lounges: Alaska Lounge: near Concourse C, located across from Gate C5.
- United Club: in Concourse E near Gate E2.
- Additional lounges exist across the concourses, but locations and access rules vary—check your airline or lounge program for the most current details.
Practical Tips
- For a long layover: Head to Concourse C for the widest choice of food near C7–C9, or use a lounge if you have access (Alaska Lounge by C5 or United Club by E2).
- Quietest places to sit: If C is busy (it often is), walk a few minutes toward the ends of B (around B10–B11) or E (toward higher-numbered E gates) where foot traffic can be lighter between banked departures.
- Power outlets: Your best odds are in gate seating areas and along the connector corridors—when you find a good outlet, claim it early, especially in Concourse C during peak times.
- Wi‑Fi: PDX offers free Wi‑Fi terminal-wide. Connect as soon as you arrive; if it slows near crowded gates, try moving closer to a corridor or less busy seating zone.
- Don’t chase “Concourse A” signage: If a map, old blog post, or rideshare driver mentions Concourse A, treat it as outdated. Confirm your current concourse letter and gate number in your airline app.