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 currently has zero traditional Priority Pass lounges, some PDX Priority Pass restaurant options are member favorites.

Priority Pass options at PDX

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.

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:

Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Citi Prestige® Card.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Enrollment required.

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (10 visits per cardmember year). Enrollment required.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (10 visits per cardmember year*). Enrollment required.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. Enrollment required.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Enrollment required.

The Platinum Card® from American Express. Enrollment required.

U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

*Existing cardholders who enrolled in Priority Pass on or before Jan. 31, 2023 will no longer have a membership as of Feb. 1, 2024. Cardholders who enroll between Feb. 1, 2023 and Jan. 31, 2024, will continue to have membership through Oct. 31, 2024. Terms apply.

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 or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, restaurants are excluded. American Express cardholders with Priority Pass Select membership don’t receive any allowance toward their bill at participating restaurants. Terms apply.

The bottom line

Priority Pass members looking for a lounge at PDX are out of luck, unfortunately. There are only three Priority Pass options at Portland’s PDX Airport and they're all restaurants, not traditional lounges. If you hold Priority Pass membership through a travel card, make sure your membership includes restaurants before relying on it at PDX.