Whenever I have Star Alliance Gold status, and I’m flying through PDX (Portland), I always go up to the lounge.  As much as I am critical of United’s service, specifically the food options and the fact you have to pay for drinks in the lounge (other than the great cappuccino machine that’s here), truth be known, I really do appreciate having a lounge that I can go to at an airport.

I actually really like this lounge.  It’s small, comfy, clean and the staff actually have character.  Today I got talking to the lounge attendant about her pin asking, “Have you been to Phuket, Thailand?” to which I said no but told her about our plans for Japan and Hong Kong where she had been many a time.

The lounge here has an amazing view of the landing strip, mountains, blue sky and green trees.

All week I was driving on NE Marine drive past the north side of the airport next to the Columbia River.  You get a great view of planes landing and anyone taking plane photos will definitely appreciate the places were you can get some great shots of planes, along with the beauty that Portland has to offer.

I am pretty fortunate to have this privilege.  It’s easy to lose track of that, to always be critical, rather than being thankful for what we have.