Trying to figure out where to meet someone once I arrive in Portland that is away from the airport. What is the first stop after leaving PDX taking MAX. I am arriving the day before Thanksgiving which is always a mess at the airport. If I could hop on their MAX and go to first stop after airport I am sure it would help a lot Thanks for any help

The end of the red line (light rail) is right outside baggage claim at PDX. Are you staying at a downtown hotel?
If you are staying at least 1 night near the airport, just choose one that has a shuttle service from the airport.
Visit the Trimet.com website if you need to know more about the transit system.

Sorry that is Trimet.org The first spot with parking on the red line is the Sumner Transit center. (third stop from boarding at PDX). There is another Transit Center with parking at 99th st. if that works better.

Is someone meeting you with their car? If so, are they going to use the cellphone lot? If so, text them when you land and again when you have your luggage and have them meet you at one of the terminal Departures doors.

Dukey1 is right. I picked my wife up from Arrivals at PDX last Sunday. I waited at the new cell phone waiting area which is just west of the 7-11 gas station. If you call as you get off the plane and head for baggage claim, they have about 5-7 minutes to get to the arrivals door.

This is a good idea for the day before Thanksgiving.

I suggest you take MAX to the Gateway Transit Center, which will be the 4th stop from the airport. Tom is right, this stop is also labeled "99th Street" on the Trimet website, but locals will not generally know it by that name.

If you get off closer to the airport, your friend is still apt to be battling traffic to reach you. Gateway has better access for local streets or I-84.

If either of you are delayed, the shopping center next to Gateway Transit Center has a Starbucks and a few casual chain eateries where you could hang out. We like Muchas Gracias, but you can see them on Google Maps.

problem solved. My sister is a volunteer at PDX and has use of the Employee Parking so we took the Employee Parking Lot bus to that lot and she picked us up there way away from airport Thanksgiving traffic.