How long's the security line at PDX? New displays at checkpoints show wait times

How long's the security line at PDX? New displays at checkpoints show wait times

Travelers passing through Portland International Airport can now get a pretty good idea of how long they'll be waiting in line at security -- and they might even be able to save themselves a few minutes of standing around.

The Port of Portland over the weekend activated new display boards that show the wait time at each of the terminal's two Transportation Security Administration checkpoints, both for general passengers and those with TSA PreCheck.

The system uses laser sensors to track movement in the checkpoint area. It calculates how long it will take to get through security based on the length of the line and how fast it's moving.

The time indicates the expected time from entering the line through completing the screening process and gathering bags and other belongings on the other side, said airport spokesperson Allison Ferré.

Travelers who would rather walk a little farther than wait in line can pick the shorter of the two. The airport's concourse connecter, closed during terminal renovations, has reopened, allowing travelers to access all gates once they've passed through either checkpoint.

The TSA also will use the system to adjust staffing between the two checkpoints or direct passengers to the one with the shorter line.

-- Elliot Njus edits business and economy news for The Oregonian/OregonLive. He can be reached at [email protected].