But as luck would have it, when the new main terminal opens later this year, it will feature patches of the old carpet pattern in a few places.
The PDX teams had a local company recreate the original pattern and will be installing 5,865 square feet of that carpeting in spots where passengers and visitors will most likely be sitting, resting, and listening to music in the new main terminal area.
We can barely wait!!!
Let’s hope they bring back all the PDX Carpet souvenirs too.
The Stuck at the Airport collection of airport and airplane-themed socks just keeps growing. The latest addition comes from Bradley International Airport (BDL), near Hartford, Connecticut. BDL was also kind enough to send along a notepad with the airport’s slogan: Love the Journey.
The BDL socks join the socks in our collection that sport the retired pattern of the carpet at Portland International Airport (PDX) which spawned the passenger trend of taking “footies” on airport carpets nationwide. We’re looking forward to the wearing our PDX socks when PDX airport opens its new main terminal area in May.
So we fixed that with a quick visit to see how construction is going on the new roof and other spaces, do some shopping, and get a shoe selfie with the terminal’s one remaining patch of old PDX carpet.
A full story will follow, but here are a few some snaps from a 9,000-step hike through the PDX Airport.
The New Roof
A new 9-acre mass timber roof has been built off-site and will be put in place over the existing terminal and a terminal extension in giant pieces. The first piece of the roof has just been put in place.
The Last Patch of Carpet
The old carpet pattern at PDX has gained iconic status. A new patch is promised for someplace in the new main terminal. But until then, the only place to see and snap a selfie with a remnant of the old rug is in the tiny ‘listening room’ at the back of Tender Loving Empire’s store on Concourse E, near Gate E5.
Shopping
We didn’t get to do all the shopping we’d planned. But were were delighted to see the great sticker selection at the Made in Oregon shop on Concourse C.
And at the Tillamook Market on Concourse E we spotted ice-cream from Oregon’s famed Tillamook Creamery as well as Tillamook Cheese Curds, which are only only sold here, at the creamery out in Tillamook (86 miles from the airport) and online.
Portland International Airport (PDX) warmed the hearts of airport carpet fans everywhere with its Valentine’s Day announcement promising the return of the iconic PDX carpet to a few spots in the new main terminal.
The teal, purple and pink design, which is said to represent the pattern of the airport’s north and south runways, had been in the airport since 1988. And many travelers had come to love it. Or at least to associate it with leaving and coming home.
And when social media became a thing, people started taking photos of their feet on the carpet and sharing the photos around.
After 30 years underfoot, though, the carpet needed replacement. And to the dismay of all the fans of the old PDX carpet, in 2015 PDX officials took out 13 acres of the old carpet and replaced it with this new carpet pattern.
People still miss and love the old carpet design, which can be found on socks, t-shirts, and other merchandise. And, for now, in one spot inside the Tender Loving Empire shop in Concourse E, near Gate E5.
So as a gift to the fans of the old PDX Carpet, when the new main terminal opens in 2024 several areas in the pre-security area will sport newly woven carpet with the old, iconic design.
You can read the story we wrote about the carpet comeback for The Points Guy site. But we want to also celebrate and remember cool carpets at other airports around the country. Most should still be underfoot. But keep in mind that many have been doing renovations and updates during the pandemic and may have new patterns now.
If we missed your airport, or if your airport has a new pattern, please let us know and we’ll add/update.
Ocean-inspired carpeting at Orlando International Airport – MCO
Guitar impressions at Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Airplanes in the carpeting at Phoenix Sky Harbor Int’l Airport (now blue)
Aerial view of the Sacramento Delta in the carpet at Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
Locals and visitors alike have lots of memories associated with riding the underground train out to the North Satellite – and all the trips taken to and from Seattle from those gates since 1973.
And Gate N7 is famous for being the gate where Annie (played by Meg Ryan) walks right past Sam (played by Tom Hanks) in the 1993 hit movie Sleepless in Seattle.
Before the next section of the North Satellite closes, SEA airport is asking travelers to send in stories and memories – and perhaps photos – of the North Satellite on the Sea-Tac Airport Facebook page and and on Instagram using #goodnightN7.
If you do, you may win a pair of SEA Airport carpet socks.
