Portland International Airport (PDX) and Washington-based Alaska Airlines partnered for the grand opening of the airport’s refreshed terminal featuring new technology and check-in processes intended to enhance the traveler experience.
“As our second-largest hub, Portland is an essential part of Alaska’s future,” says Shane Jones, senior vice president of fleet, revenue products, and real estate at Alaska Airlines, in a prepared statement. “Our deep collaboration and joint investment with the Port of Portland on this new world-class terminal highlights our focus on improving how our guests travel.” Alaska has been PDX’s largest carrier for more than two decades, now offering 110 peak daily flights.
Terminal assets include Apple iPad-powered bag tag stations where visitors can print tags by scanning their mobile boarding pass, followed by automated drop-off stations for checked luggage in partnership with self-service technology company Embross—all taking away the need to wait in line for an agent.
“The PDX bag-drop experience leverages some of the latest innovations in computer vision to deliver the convenience and efficiency of automated bag processing while also ensuring user safety and security compliance to Transpiration Security Administration ID-check requirements,” says Myles Tzelepis, chief technology officer at Embross. In addition to the technology improvements, PDX will also be welcoming a new Alaska Airlines lounge in 2026, set to feature a barista station, cozy fireplace, and views of the revitalized terminal.
“The new PDX terminal was designed to double down on everything travelers love about our airport,” says Dan Pippenger, chief aviation officer at the Port of Portland. “Our partners at Alaska Airlines understood the vision from the beginning and helped us build a new main terminal that both improves the travel experience and celebrates our region.”
