Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I…? Where do I…? When do I…?
As you might expect, we get a number of questions every day. Not only about security, but also about things like parking and taxis. And while we’d love to answer them all on this page, it would make for some very long reading. So we’ve tried our best to condense them into the ones we’ve received most often. If you don’t find the answer to your question, please email us. We’ll do our best to get back to you.

TRAVEL & SECURITY

  • How early should I arrive before my flight?
    We recommend that you arrive at least 1 ½ to 2 hours before your scheduled departure time, especially during the early morning (6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.), mid-morning/early afternoon (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.), or early evening (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.) rush periods. This should give you enough time to park, check-in and pass through screening. The last thing we want is for you to risk missing your flight.
  • With the new carry-on restrictions, what can I bring on the plane?
    Each passenger is permitted to bring one piece of carry-on luggage plus one personal item (such as a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, etc). For more information, contact your airline or visit www.tsa.gov.
  • I have more questions about security, whom do I contact?
    You should contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at their website, www.tsa.gov,or telephone them at 800-255-1111.
  • I have to carry medication with me, will it be a problem taking it on the plane?
    Generally, as long as your medication is in the original container with the pharmacist’s label, you’ll be permitted to bring it on the plane. If you’re carrying medication that requires a syringe (like insulin), you’ll need to keep the insulin and syringe together. Overall, it’s best to carry a note from your doctor (on his or her letterhead) explaining the medical need to carry the medication. For more information contact your airline or the TSA.
  • Is curbside check-in available?
    No. Curbside check-in is not available at this time.
  • I travel with my laptop computer, is it still okay to bring on the plane?
    Yes. You are permitted to bring your laptop computer on the plane. Please keep in mind that when you pass through screening, you’ll be asked to remove the laptop from its carrying case.
  • My parents are elderly; may I escort them to their gate?
    Guest passes are available for non-travelers to escort elderly travelers or minor children to the gate. You must obtain the pass from your airline (at their ticket counter) before making your way to security screening.
  • Are we permitted to pick up or drop off a passenger at the curb?
    It is still ok to pick up or drop off someone at the curb, but you may not leave your vehicle unattended. Also, you will not be permitted to park at the curb and wait. The Jetport has made a special area available for you to park and wait for travelers. It is located in the small lot across from baggage claim.
  • I’d like to store my luggage at the Jetport do you have lockers?
    There are currently no storage facilities available at the Jetport.
  • What airlines serve the Jetport?
    The Jetport is served by many major airlines, including: AirTran, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Northwest, United and US Airways. You may link directly to each airline’s website online by visiting our Passenger Airlines page.
  • How do I book a flight from the Jetport?
    Making flight reservations depends upon your needs. For those of you who may want expert advice about your destination or some assistance with planning your trip, we suggest you speak with your local travel agent.

    If you’re comfortable making your own reservations, our Passenger Airlines page provides a direct link to each airline’s website, including their toll free number.
  • I’m supposed to pick up my mom at the airport, how do I know if her flight is on time?
    Checking the status of a flight is easy. Simply visit our Arrivals and Departures page. Once there, you may sort the flights by airline, flight number or time of day. The information is posted in real-time and the page is refreshed every five minutes by the airlines.
  • My son recently returned from a trip and his luggage was lost, whom should I call?
    You or your son will need to contact the airline you traveled with. The web addresses and telephone numbers for the airline baggage offices are listed on our Passenger Airlines page. We have found that it is more convenient to use an airline’s website to report the missing luggage, if you have already left the airport.
  • I believe my luggage was damaged during my flight, whom do I call?
    As with lost luggage, you’ll need to contact your airline. The web addresses and telephone numbers for the airline baggage offices are listed on our Passenger Airlines page. Again, we have found that it is more convenient to use an airline’s website to report the damage.
  • What time does the airport open?
    Technically, the Jetport terminal never closes, while the hours of operation for each airline ticket counter vary. However, all of the counters are open by 5:00 a.m. (except on Sunday when a couple of them do not open until 6:00 a.m.). For a complete list of counter hours, please visit our Passenger Airlines page.

^back to top

PARKING & TRANSPORTATION

  • Where do I park?
    The Jetport has both surface and garage parking lots adjacent to the terminal and our new Discount Parking Lot is available depending upon your needs.
      Parking during the construction of the new garage will be extremely busy. We are recommending for passengers who have an option of receiving a ride or using other forms of transportation to consider that option during the construction period. For more information about parking (including rates and a map of the lots), please visit our Parking page.
  • Is there parking for people with disabilities?
    Yes. Special parking spaces are available.

^back to top

  • I’m driving a long way to get to the Jetport, will there be parking? Can I reserve a parking pace?
    Parking at the Jetport can be, at times, limited. All of our spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. So, it’s best to call ahead. While we can’t reserve a space for you, the staff at APCOA can give you the most up-to-date status. You may reach them at (207) 772-7028.
  • I plan to be gone for 10 days, which lot should I use?
    You’re free to choose any lot you’d like, provided space is available.
  • What rental car companies or ground transportation services are offered at the Jetport?
    Rental car services are available from Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and National. Each company’s website and telephone number may be found on our Ground Transportation page. If you’re looking for other options, please check our Ground Transportation page, or contact the Ground Transportation staff at (207) 879-1903.

    Enterprise Rent-A-Car is not located on the Jetport, please call for pickup .
  • Where do I go to get a taxi?
    Taxi service may be arranged at our Ground Transportation booth located just outside Baggage Claim. Taxis are available from the first flight in the morning to the last flight in the evening, so you won’t have a long wait.
  • Do any of the hotels offer shuttle service?
    Yes, many of the area hotels offer shuttle service. For a list of those that do, please visit the Hotel Shuttle page.
  • Is it possible to get downtown without a car?
    Absolutely! There are a number of ways to get downtown directly from the airport. Our Ground Transportation staff can assist you with taxi, limousine or van service. Local bus service is also available.

^back to top

GENERAL

  • Where is the Jetport located?
    Situated on approximately 700 acres southwest of the city of Portland, the Portland International Jetport is located five miles from downtown (about a 15 minute drive).
  • Who owns and operates the Jetport?
    The Jetport is owned and operated by the City of Portland, Maine. It is a division of Portland’s Transportation Department.
  • Do my local tax dollars pay for Jetport projects?
    No, there are no local property tax dollars used for Jetport projects. The people who travel pay for the costs for improvements, like the parking garage.
  • What are the key phone numbers at the Jetport?
    Key telephone contact numbers can be found on our Directory page.
  • How many passengers travel through the Jetport each year?
    The Jetport handles more than a million people each year. In 2007, there were 1,648,568 travelers who passed through our doors.
  • I need to reach someone I think is in the terminal, can I have them paged?
    Yes, please contact our Visitor Information Booth for paging services. They are available seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. To reach the staff, please call (207) 774-7301, select option 3, and then option 2.
  • I think I lost something at the Jetport, who do I contact?
    If you believe you left something on a flight, you should contact your airline. However, if you think you left an item in the terminal, call the Portland Police Airport Office at (207) 874-8878.
  • You used to give tours of the Jetport, are you still doing that?
    Yes, but because of the new security regulations the length of the program has been reduced and limited to the non-secure areas.
  • A plane woke me up last night, how do I register a complaint?
    The Jetport has a 24-hour a day, 7 day a week voice mailbox available by calling (207) 756-TELL. You may fill out the noise complaint form on our noise study page.

  • I’m curious, what does PWM stand for?
    PWM, the code given to the Jetport by the FAA, stands for Portland Westbrook Municipal. In the earliest days of aviation, pilots would navigate using a series of lights. The last set of lights before the runway in Portland was located in Westbrook.
  • How do I apply for a job at the Jetport?
    That depends. Since the Jetport is part of the city of Portland, applications (only when there are openings) for its staff positions are accepted through Portland’s Human Resources Department. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a job with an airline, rental car company, or as a screener, you need to go directly to that company. A list of openings may also be found on the Employment page of our website.
  • I’d like to advertise my business at the Jetport, how can I do this?
    Interspace Airport Advertising handles all advertising including the backlit signs and product cases. You may reach them at 800-628-6800.
  • What hotels are near the Jetport?
    There are several hotels within a short drive of the Jetport. Many of them offer shuttle service. For a list please visit the hotel shuttle section of our Ground Transportation page.
  • Do you have conference rooms for rent?
    No, unfortunately we do not have conference space available for rent.
  • Is there a business center at the Jetport?
    No. The Jetport business center was located in the gate area between gates 7 and 8, just beyond the Maine Gate lounge. The center was closed due to the expansion of the restaurant.
  • Is someone in terminal available to answer questions?
    Yes. Our Visitor Information Booth staff is available seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Representatives from the local Convention & Visitors Bureau staff the booth, so you’ll have access to an extensive amount of information on the area.

^back to top