Reports are now stating that Portland air travel is rebounding. This holiday season is predicted to receive a rush similar to pre-pandemic levels. Even though inflation and unemployment remains low, consumer spending remains high. People are eager to return to their pre-pandemic lifestyles where they can travel freely.
Going in to Kwanzaa and even Christmas isn’t the airport’s busiest time of year – summer months are still more popular. But the holiday compresses much of this month’s travel into a 10-day period. So, Portlanders and those traveling through will be especially crowded during the coming months.
People pay for short and long term parking. The airport anticipates it will have adequate parking. Officials said that individual lots may fill up around the holiday. They advise checking the PDX website in advance to scout which lots have space.
Things are looking up for Portland travel. However, the gap between PDX’s recovery and growth in national air travel has closed considerably and the total number of Portland passengers is up more than 30% through the first nine months of 2022. PDX passenger volumes in September were more than 80% of their pre-pandemic levels, according to the latest data from the port. Nationally, flights are nearing 90% of their levels from before the pandemic.
And there is also the terminal construction that has been a reality at the airport. This means a smaller airport than normal to move around. For instance there is less room in the ticketing area. In addition, the routes to individual gates may be unfamiliar. But, the airport said there will be guides on hand to provide directions.
