The Guide to Priority Pass Lounges at PDX

Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon is home to many attractive airport lounges, including four Priority Pass locations.

On its club list are a Delta Sky Club and United Club, but these are restricted to passengers with eligible access. That’s why credit cards that come with Priority Pass Select access can be the golden ticket for certain travelers.

Some credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, don't offer access to restaurants that participate in Priority Pass even though they include Priority Pass membership. Direct memberships to Priority Pass and via some other credit cards don't have this caveat.

» Learn more: How to maximize your Priority Pass Select membership

Priority Pass options at PDX

Capers Cafe Le Bar

Location: Concourse C, immediately after security on the left side

Conditions: A visit is good for $28 off the bill; if you register a guest, they would be eligible for an additional $28 off the bill ($56 total).

More info: Priority Pass website

Since this is a restaurant, not a lounge, guests can order from the traditional menu while they enjoy views of the planes through large windows. To-go orders are not eligible for using the Priority Pass credit.

Further, if a guest doesn't use the full $28 amount, the difference cannot be used toward gratuity, which is something you should add separately. If you go over the amount, you must pay the difference.

And keep in mind that many credit cards that offer Priority Pass do not cover restaurants (like this one), so your membership may not cover Capers Cafe Le Bar.

» Learn more: Credit cards that offer airport lounge access

Westward Whiskey

Location: Concourse C, near Gate C6

Conditions: A visit is good for $28 off the bill; a guest would be eligible for an additional $28 off the bill.

More info: Priority Pass website

For those with an eligible card, Priority Pass users receive $28 off the bill to sample Westward Distillery American Single Malt whiskey, which is brewed and distilled in Portland. As above, your $28 doesn't count toward gratuity and can't be refunded if the full amount isn't spent. Any cost over the $28 credit must be paid separately.

Since this is a tasting bar, guests can order a drink from the menu, but bottles or gifts to take away are not eligible for the credit. There isn’t a food menu here — just whiskey tastings and cocktails — but it is located near plenty of other food options in Concourse C.

And keep in mind that many credit cards that offer Priority Pass do not cover restaurants (like this one), so your membership may not cover Westward Whiskey.

Escape Lounge PDX

Location: Concourse D, between Gates D8-D10

Conditions: Access is permitted 3 hours prior to scheduled flight departure.

More info: Priority Pass website

This lounge is part of the Escape Lounge network, which is actually pretty decent. It serves hot food (though quality is solidly meh). There's also an open bar, though premium alcoholic drinks are subject to payment.

How can I access these locations?

Priority Pass sells memberships starting at $99 per year, but it’s generally a better deal to get Priority Pass lounge access for free as a card perk. Among the many premium cards that come with a complimentary Priority Pass membership are:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Enrollment required. Restaurants excluded.

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Enrollment required. Restaurants excluded.

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Enrollment required. Restaurants excluded.

• The Platinum Card® from American Express. Enrollment required. Restaurants excluded.

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Enrollment required. Restaurants excluded.

Most of these cards offer Priority Pass Select membership. That means unlimited visits to any of the more than 1,300 lounges within the network. Depending on the card you are using, up to two guests can enter free of charge, but terms vary and you should be aware of entry conditions (not all cards offer free guests). Of those that do, additional guests typically start at $27 per person.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.