How are the TSA security lines at PDX these days? (drug)

[sayulita]

AndyAMG - Thanks so much for the tip about the corridor running behind the restaurants that can quickly get you from one concourse to the other. In all my years of flying in and out of PDX, I never knew that was there. I pulled up a map of the airport to get a visual. Good to know when one security line is longer than the other.

[redguard57]

United sucks. If you are flying United, get there 2.5 hours early. Delta sucks too but less than United - 2 hours. The others, 1.5 to 2 hours should be fine.

I've never had a problem with the pdx TSA line. Where I have had major issues is with getting bags checked.

[sayulita]

Originally Posted by redguard57

United sucks. If you are flying United, get there 2.5 hours early. Delta sucks too but less than United - 2 hours. The others, 1.5 to 2 hours should be fine.

I've never had a problem with the pdx TSA line. Where I have had major issues is with getting bags checked.

Why would the airline one is flying out of have anything to do with waiting times in the security lineup? As I mentioned before, I am not checking baggage, only taking a carry-on.

[sayulita]

Oh, and one other thing, bring a five dollar bill and do curbside check-in of your luggage. AND get your boarding pass. Piece of cake.

[cyberous]

I arrived at 5:45 for 6:20 boarding this morning. No precheck, pretty busy but all the lines went quickly. I used the curbside check for Delta, that was handy and fast. Compared to SJC terminal B it was a piece of cake!

[redguard57]

Originally Posted by sayulita

Why would the airline one is flying out of have anything to do with waiting times in the security lineup? As I mentioned before, I am not checking baggage, only taking a carry-on.

If you are not checking baggage than the standard 2 hour guideline will probably be more than enough time.

[sayulita]

Just an update for all of you who replied to my post. I arrived at the terminal at 4:50 am. The security line was pretty long (but not stretching out into the terminal). The TSA folks were very professional and efficient, moving us all through at a pace where we never stopped moving forward until we got to the actual screening.
Even then, I got through quickly, full body pat down and some kind of wand waved over my palms notwithstanding (drug screening?). Total time - maybe 10-12 minutes. Outstanding service, I would say, and only a minor inconvenience. The inconvenience was having to kill time until boarding.

All and all, I could have arrived 45 minutes later and still had plenty of time. But I'd rather kill time people watching than sitting at home.

Thanks for all your input.

Over and out.

Sayulita

[Hockeygirl063]

I haven't flown much lately last time was in Nov. It seems hit or miss with the lines. Best to arrive early and bring some patience. Two summers ago we flew to Hawaii. I think we waited in line longer to check our bags than we did in the security line.


Curbside check in is a great idea. Most people print their tickets and boarding passes at home which saves time and makes things so much easier. I try to not have any checked baggage if possible. But that depends on destination and how long I am staying.

[Yankeemama]

Originally Posted by sayulita

Just an update for all of you who replied to my post. I arrived at the terminal at 4:50 am. The security line was pretty long (but not stretching out into the terminal). The TSA folks were very professional and efficient, moving us all through at a pace where we never stopped moving forward until we got to the actual screening.
Even then, I got through quickly, full body pat down and some kind of wand waved over my palms notwithstanding (drug screening?). Total time - maybe 10-12 minutes. Outstanding service, I would say, and only a minor inconvenience. The inconvenience was having to kill time until boarding.

All and all, I could have arrived 45 minutes later and still had plenty of time. But I'd rather kill time people watching than sitting at home.

Thanks for all your input.

Over and out.

Sayulita

I would like to add that PDX has a service for people with disabilities through TSA. You just need to call in advance, I would say a few days ahead, and TSA will have an agent meet you at your airline. We do this every time we travel now and it makes a huge difference for our family. PDX is really a great airport.

[timfountain]

Originally Posted by sayulita

Just an update for all of you who replied to my post. I arrived at the terminal at 4:50 am. The security line was pretty long (but not stretching out into the terminal). The TSA folks were very professional and efficient, moving us all through at a pace where we never stopped moving forward until we got to the actual screening.
Even then, I got through quickly, full body pat down and some kind of wand waved over my palms notwithstanding (drug screening?). Total time - maybe 10-12 minutes. Outstanding service, I would say, and only a minor inconvenience. The inconvenience was having to kill time until boarding.

All and all, I could have arrived 45 minutes later and still had plenty of time. But I'd rather kill time people watching than sitting at home.

Thanks for all your input.

Over and out.

Sayulita

TSA does not have a remit for unwarranted drug searches. So no, not drug screening....