Portland International Airport is home base, for me, and has always provided a soft landing/launching pad.

Like the shag carpets of the 1970s, Portlanders collectively held our breath when rumors swirled about replacing PDX’s world-famous carpet (seriously—who hasn’t taken a photo of their feet in that terminal?). To our great relief, the update didn’t erase the nostalgia—it upgraded it. And as the remodel unfolded, we found ourselves happily cheering on the many thoughtful improvements, including a new carpet that tips its hat respectfully to the old.

With lush indoor greenery, a soaring timber roof inspired by Pacific Northwest forests, and intentional collaboration with local tribes and sustainable forestry experts, it’s clear this multibillion-dollar project left no mossy stone unturned. The terminal feels like a deep, cleansing inhale—thanks not just to its newness, but to a design that welcomes light, calm, and that familiar ahhh, the woods feeling. We love how natural light and woodland vibes are woven throughout the space. I’ll admit: it has brought a tear to my eye more than once (airports aren’t usually emotional for me, but here we are).

I’m especially excited to see what’s playing on the 120-foot digital art installation above the main terminal, where visuals shift to reflect real-world Pacific Northwest conditions—rain drifting over the Cascades, a starry night sky, and other reminders of why we love this place. You head into security feeling oddly calm… and maybe even a little excited. Nearly everything is regionally sourced, from the roof overhead to the shops and restaurants lining the terminal. We love PDX because it’s a perfectly concentrated glimpse of home—the food, the music, the art… even the film.