Cheap flights from
Portland (PDX)
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Over the last 2 years, we've sent Going members from Portland (PDX) to 200 destinations. These are the cheapest flights we've found to each of those destinations.
Flights from Portland (PDX) overview
Going searches for the best fares and sends members deals bookable 1-12 months in advance. Going members near Portland (PDX) save approximately 37% compared to normal flight prices.
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Best month to fly
Going found the most deals with travel dates in January and November.
Worst month to fly
Going found the least deals with travel dates in July.
Top tips for finding a cheap flight out of Portland (PDX)
Book flights during the Goldilocks Window
Although fabulous last-minute bargains on airfare aren’t as common as you might want them to be, there is enough predictability with the cost of flights that we have a recommended sweet spot before a trip when ticket prices tend to be at their cheapest. It’s 1-3 months before domestic flights and 2-8 months before international ones. We call this the Goldilocks Window.
Of course, if you’re planning a trip during peak season or a big holiday, we suggest adding a few months to the usual equation. The same goes for if your flight dates are set in stone. And, whatever you do, we highly recommend booking before airlines raise prices closer to the departure date—which they almost always do 21, 14, and 7 days before a flight.
Give the Greek Islands Trick a go
Booking a flight that departs from your home airport and lands in the destination you want to visit certainly sounds like the easiest option—and it frequently is. It’s not always the cheapest option, however, especially if the place you want to go doesn't itself doesn’t have a major airport. In these cases, you can save big by looking for the cheapest long-haul flight you can find that gets you relatively close to where you want to be. Then, you’d book a separate short flight, ferry trip, or train ride to make up the distance. We call this the Greek Islands Trick, but it works for places all over the world.
Let’s say you’re looking for a flight from Portland to London, but you’re taken aback by the $900+ price tag on roundtrip tickets. If you zoom out on the map just a bit, you may see that we’ve found a great deal on roundtrip flights from Portland to Reykjavik for less than $270. Pair that with a $100 roundtrip flight from Iceland to London, and you’ve just saved a bundle on your trip. Sure, these kinds of itineraries require more attention to detail on your part, but sometimes, the savings make the extra work more than worth it.
Consider alternate departure airports
While the Greek Islands Trick offers potential savings by landing at a different airport, this tip’s potential savings come from departing from a different airport than the one closest to home. Anyone who lives close to more than one big airport likely already does this, comparing the fares between the two, but if this isn’t a habit you already have, it’s a good one to start.
We find amazing deals from airports all over the country, big and small, and some of them are eye-poppingly cheap—like a $202 roundtrip fare from Los Angeles to Japan or a $63 roundtrip ticket from Atlanta to Chile (you read that right). If you’re keeping your options open and looking at more than just your home airport, you might find a deal so great that it’s worth adding a domestic flight to get there.
Keep your plans as flexible as possible
One of the easiest ways to save money on airfare is by being flexible with your travel plans. By steering clear of peak season travel, for instance, you can avoid paying what are usually the highest prices on airfare. But not everyone has the luxury of flexibility—summer is the high season in many places for a number of very good reasons, not least school schedules, and warm weather.
If you’re unable to avoid the peak summer season, you may find cheaper fares in the first two weeks of June and the last two weeks of August. And, regardless of when you’re going to be flying, try to plan your flights for the days of the week when it’s a bit cheaper (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays). Steer clear of the most expensive days to fly (Fridays and Sundays).
Set up automated fare alert emails
It’s a rare person who not only enjoys spending hours on end scouring the internet for cheap airfare but also has hours on end to spare. But just because you aren’t someone who loves internet sleuthing doesn’t mean you’re stuck paying a premium for airfare. Sign up for fare alerts on trips you want to take, and you’ll get an email notification when the fare drops into the range you want to pay. If you’re thinking about several trips, you’ll have to set up several alerts—or leave the detective work to us. Join Going, and we’ll send you all sorts of airfare deals.
Portland is a hub for Alaska Airlines, with an additional 18 airlines serving PDX. Alaska has by far the most flights in and out of the city (Southwest is a distant second). It’s not unusual to have a layover flying from Portland to many places around the world, but there are nonstop flights from PDX to 66 airports around the United States, as well as nonstop international service to airports in Canada, Mexico, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, and the UK.
Frequently asked questions about flying from Portland (PDX)
What is the airport code for Portland International Airport?
The airport code for Portland International Airport is PDX.
Does Portland International Airport (PDX) have its own on-site hotel?
There are no hotels inside or connected to PDX, but there are dozens of hotels nearby representing all the major hotel chains—including a number of hotels a little over a mile away from the terminal.
What lounges are available at Portland International Airport (PDX)?
There are three airline lounges at PDX, though open hours and access may be irregular during the airport’s ongoing construction project. The new terminal is set to open in 2025.
- The Alaska Airlines Lounge is across from gate C5 in Concourse C (open 4:30am-10:30pm). Amenities include complimentary fresh snacks, meals, and beverages as well as free WiFi. Access is free for Alaska Lounge members, Club 49 members flying Alaska first class to/from Alaska, and Alaska first class passengers on flights of at least 2,100 miles. Day passes are available for $60.
- There is a Delta Sky Club in the D Concourse near gate D7 (open 4:15am-11:30pm). Amenities include free food, beverages, and WiFi. Sky Club access is free for Sky Club members, Delta’s and Air France’s first-class or business-class ticketholders, SkyMiles Reserve cardholders, and AmEx Platinum cardholders with a Delta boarding pass.
- The United Airlines Club Lounge is located just past the security checkpoint in the E Concourse (open 4:30am-7:30pm). Amenities include free light snacks, beverages (including wine and beer), and WiFi. Access is free for United Club members, travelers flying first or business class on United or its Star Alliance partners, United Club Infinite cardholders, and some elite-status United or Star Alliance frequent flyers. Day Passes are also available for $59.
Does Portland International Airport (PDX) have facilities for those traveling with pets?
Service animals at PDX must be kept on a leash at all times. All other animals must be kept in a carrier when not using a pet relief area.
There are three pet relief areas at the airport, both pre- and post-security. The pre-security location is outside at the south end of the terminal’s lower level (baggage claim). Inside the airport, there are pet relief areas in Concourse C near gate C5 and in Concourse D across from gate D5.
How many terminals are there in Portland International Airport (PDX)?
PDX has only one terminal, but it’s divided into two wings (North and South) and four concourses (B, C, D, and E). The North side of the terminal includes Concourse D and E, and the South side includes B and C.
South Gates: Just past the security checkpoint to the B and C gates, you’ll find a Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Capers Cafe, and Corner Store by Lardo. A nursing room is also located in this area.
- Concourse B is the airport’s smallest. Flights in and out of the B gates are frequently short regional flights for which passengers need to walk across the tarmac to or from the planes. There’s a Screen Door outpost here (a favorite local restaurant) and a Good Coffee Roasters, plus Your Northwest Travel Mart. There’s a nursing room across from gate B6.
- Concourse C is the largest at PDX, and it has a variety of local shops and restaurant options. Restaurants include Mo’s Seafood & Chowder, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Henry’s Tavern, Bambuza, and Portland Coffee Roasters. Shops include Pendleton, Timberline, Westward Whiskey, Columbia, and Made in Oregon. There is a kids' play area near gate C22 and a mini movie theater by gate C13.
North Gates: Just past the security checkpoint to the D and E gates, you’ll find Portland Coffee Roasters, The Country Cat, and Capers Market.
- Concourse D is the international section of PDX. Dining options here include Deschutes Brewery, Hissho Sushi, Cha Cha Cha, and Burgerville. Shops include Tender Loving Empire and Your Northwest Travel Mart. There is a nursing room just at the entrance to the D concourse past security and a sensory room located near gate D10.
- Concourse E’s restaurant and bar options include Blue Star Donuts, Hopworks Urban Brewery, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Tillamook, and Juliett (a bar dedicated to women in aviation). Shops include Calliope, Tender Loving Empire, Westward Whiskey, and The Oregonian News. There’s a nursing room across from gate E8.
Does PDX have CLEAR?
Portland International Airport does not have CLEAR.
Does PDX have TSA PreCheck?
TSA PreCheck is available at both of PDX’s security checkpoints. PreCheck lanes are not available 24/7, but it’s typically at least 4am-4pm. You can apply Monday-Friday from 5am-1pm with any of the PreCheck Enrollment Ambassadors past the security checkpoint for the D and E gates near gate E2. You don’t need an appointment.
Does PDX have Global Entry?
Global Entry kiosks are available for international arrivals at PDX. Portland’s Global Entry Enrollment Center is located near the airport but outside the terminal.
How early should I arrive to Portland International Airport (PDX) before my flight?
A good rule of thumb for arriving at any airport is to give yourself two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international one. Airport officials at PDX recommend exactly that for departing passengers. Depending on your specific itinerary, though, you may not need as much time—and you may need even more. Here are some things to think about:
- How big is the airport, and where is your gate? PDX isn’t a huge airport, and walking the length of a concourse to get to your gate typically takes less than 10 minutes—but wait times at the security checkpoints can be 15-25 minutes all by themselves (depending on the day and time). If you’re concerned about time, it’s a good idea to find out where your gate is so you don’t have to sprint from security to get there in time.
- Do you need to check in at the airport or check any bags? Checking in online or with an app before you even get to the airport saves a lot of time, but sometimes you don’t have that option. If you have to check in at the airport, keep in mind that airlines generally require passengers to check in 30-60 minutes before departure. And, if you have to check luggage, the cutoff time for that is usually 45-60 minutes before a flight.
- How busy is the airport going to be? While wait times at the PDX security checkpoints are often 15 minutes or more, it’s important to take your travel dates and times into consideration. If you’re flying in peak season, over a big holiday, or on a busier day like Monday or Friday, the lines at security will be much longer—plan accordingly.
Some travelers flying out of PDX may be able to shave a bit off of the recommended arrival times (flying carry-on only and using a PreCheck express lane, for instance). But as long as the construction project is underway, even those factors may not save you much time. During construction, it’s still a good idea to give yourself two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international trip.
How far is Portland International Airport (PDX) from downtown Portland?
Portland’s airport is a little over 12 miles from downtown Portland via the most direct routes. It’s a drive of around 20 minutes in light traffic.
What are the different transportation options for going from the city center to Portland International Airport (PDX)?
There are several options for getting from Portland to the airport, depending on where in the Portland area you’re coming from. By taxi or ride share: For anyone who’s not close to a light rail line, the easiest way to get to the airport is by car. There isn’t a flat rate for taxi rides to the airport, but you can expect fares around $25-30 for the trip, depending on traffic. A trip through a rideshare app will cost about the same, depending on traffic and demand. By public transportation: Much of the Portland Metro area is connected to the light rail system, MAX. The MAX Red Line runs all the way to the airport from downtown, a trip of about 40 minutes, for $2.50.
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* Prices are per person and include all taxes & fees in USD. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing, however, prices are not guaranteed, as airline pricing can change by the minute. Average Going fares are based on average prices of deals found by Going.
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