The Guide to Priority Pass Lounges at PDX

Members have access to only one traditional lounge at Portland's airport, but several other options exist as well.

Ramsey QubeinApr 9, 2021
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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 or 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 other banks, like Chase and Citi, don't have this caveat.

While PDX is short on traditional Priority Pass lounges, some PDX Priority Pass restaurant options are member favorites.

Note: Due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, some lounge benefits and/or hours of operation may be temporarily altered or unavailable. Always check directly with the lounge or Priority Pass website for the most up-to-date details on availability.

Priority Pass options at PDX

Alaska Lounge

Location: Concourse C, across from Gate C5

Hours: 4:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Conditions: Maximum stay is limited to three hours before a flight. The lounge is closed on Christmas Day. Children under 2 are permitted free of charge.

More info: Priority Pass website

This is the only traditional option of the Priority Pass lounges at PDX, and the only one open to those whose card was issued by American Express. It features a selection of snacks, a complimentary bar with free drinks (limited to three alcoholic drinks per person), a premium paid menu of additional drinks and Wi-Fi. There’s a coffee bar with Starbucks drinks and Teavana tea, plus room to work and relax.

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

Capers Cafe Le Bar

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

Hours: 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

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). Priority Pass Select membership via American Express credit cards excludes restaurants.

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.

» Learn more: Credit cards that offer airport lounge access

Westward Whiskey

Location: Concourse C, near Gate C6

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Conditions: A visit is good for $28 off the bill; a guest would be eligible for an additional $28 off the bill. Priority Pass Select membership via American Express credit cards excludes restaurants.

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.

Capers Market

Location: Concourse D, immediately after security

Hours: 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Conditions: A visit is good for $28 off the bill; a guest would be eligible for an additional $28 off the bill. Priority Pass Select membership via American Express credit cards excludes restaurants.

More info: Priority Pass website

For those with an eligible card, this entitles Priority Pass users to $28 off the bill. If someone does not use the full amount, there is no refund for the difference. If you go over the amount, you must pay the difference. This is a restaurant, not a lounge, and guests can order one to-go meal kit from the menu. This is the only Priority Pass non-traditional lounge venue at PDX to permit takeaway orders when using the Priority Pass credit.

How can I access these locations?

Priority Pass sells memberships starting at $99 per year, but it’s always wise 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:

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. Additional guests start at $27 per person.

For travelers with access provided by an American Express card, restaurants are excluded. Since three of the four Priority Pass options are considered restaurants, the only option at PDX for AmEx-issued Priority Pass cards is the Alaska Lounge. American Express cardholders with Priority Pass Select membership don’t receive any allowance toward their bill at participating restaurants. Terms apply.

The bottom line

There are four Priority Pass options at Portland’s PDX Airport depending on the terminal you are flying from and which bank issued your Priority Pass card. Of the four options, only one is a traditional lounge, while the other three provide food and drink credits at an airport restaurant or distillery.

The lounge nearest your departure gate (or in your departing terminal) may have reduced hours, not be easily accessible or have limited access for Priority Pass members, so check the Priority Pass website before you head to the airport.

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