FOCUS Airport Pickup FAQ

    • What if I make other arrangements and I no longer need a FOCUS pickup?
      • If you no longer need a FOCUS driver to meet you, inform us immediately of your change of plans.
    • How do I know that my application has been received?
      • After you press the submit button, the following should happen:
        • You should be taken to this page (the one you are reading now).
        • If you entered your email address correctly, you should immediately receive an email with the data you entered.
          • The subject line will begin with “Airport Pickup Request” followed by your name and date of arrival.
      • If you think your request has not been received, please contact the FOCUS Airport Pickup Team. Include your name and the date you submitted your request.
    • What should I do if I need to correct information that was submitted on the form?
      • If you need to correct information after you submit the form:
        • Do not submit a second request (unless we ask you to).
        • Look in your inbox for the email sent to you after your submission. The subject line begins with “Airport Pickup Request.
        • Reply to that email and include the information that needs to be updated or corrected.
    • What happens now that I have submitted my request for pickup?
      • We check for received pickup requests weekdays (Monday – Friday).
      • If a request is received during a holiday period or weekend, we will check on the next weekday (Monday-Friday) following the receipt of the request.
      • We review your request, verify your delivery address and flight information, and send an acknowledgement to you via email.
      • We will contact you if we have any questions about your request.
      • FOCUS volunteers do not work 24/7. During busy times or holidays, there may be a delay in responding to your request.
    • How much does this service cost?
      • There is no fee for this service.
      • Please do not offer to pay the volunteer.
      • This is our way to welcome you to the United States & Portland State University.
      • No agent or service should charge you a fee for requesting a FOCUS airport pickup.
    • What days and hours do you do pickups?
      • We do not have set days hours for pickups.
      • Our volunteer drivers are able to see the list of students and scholars who have submitted requests. This list shows arrival date, arrival time, and destination address.
      • Drivers let the FOCUS airport pickup coordinator know which arrivals they are able to meet.
    • What are times and days might I be less likely to get a driver assignment?
      • Even if you are arriving during the days and times shown below, you should still submit a request. If a driver is able to do the pickup, they will volunteer.
      • The following are days and times there might be fewer drivers available for pickups:
        • Arriving later than 9:00 PM or early than 8:00 AM
        • Sundays between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM
        • Holiday periods
          • Easter weekend: In 2025, April 18-20
          • Independence Day: July 4
          • Labor Day Weekend: August 31-September 2, 2024
          • Thanksgiving Day: November 28, 2024
          • Christmas Eve Day: December 24
          • Christmas Day: December 25
          • New Year’s Eve Day, December 31
          • New Year’s Day: January 1
    • What if I need to be delivered to a place that is not near the PSU campus?
      • If you need to go to other locations in the Portland area, enter the address in your pickup request and we will see if there are drivers available who can take you to that location.
    • How do I know who will meet me?
      • When we assign a driver to meet you, you will receive an email with the following:
        • Your name, your flight information, and your destination address.
        • The driver’s name and contact information.
        • Instructions for how to meet the driver at Portland airport.
          • You will meet the driver at your baggage claim area.
        • Please have that information available during your travel.
    • When will I receive information about my driver?
      • Our goal is to have a driver assigned four to seven days prior to your arrival date. 
      • If a driver is available on the date and time of your arrival, we will notify you with the driver contact information and directions for how to meet your driver at PDX. 
      • If there is not driver available, we will let you know at least 72 hours prior to your arrival
    • What if I miss a connection or my flight is delayed?
      • It’s not uncommon for a flight to be delayed or to miss a connection.
      • This can result in a change of your arrival time in Portland.
      • We will ask your assigned driver if they are able to meet you at your new arrival time.
      • If your assigned driver is unable, we will see if there are any other FOCUS drivers who can meet you.
      • If no FOCUS drivers are able to meet you at your time of arrival, you will need to use Trimet public transportation or a service like Uber or Lyft.
    • What if FOCUS is not able to make arrangements to pick me up?
      • The least expensive option is to take Trimet’s MAX Line, although it may be difficult if you have more than two pieces of luggage.
      • See our page at https://goo.gl/YHTMzb for information about boarding the MAX line at Portland Airport.
      • A full range of options is available at the PDX web site. See the Ground Transportation page. On that page, see “RideShare App” programs and Taxi/Cabs.
      • Taxi/Cab rates to PSU range from $35 – $80 [Sept 15, 2023]
      • See the information booth opposite baggage claim #8. They can look up current rates.
      • Uber / Lyft are usually cheaper than a taxi or cab, but you must use their app.
      • There is no shuttle bus service from PDX to PSU.
    • Who are the FOCUS staff and volunteers?
      • Most FOCUS people are community people, either working or retired, some married, some single, men and women. A few have full-time assignments working with FOCUS.
      • Some have lived, worked or traveled overseas.  They have experience of what it’s like to be a stranger in a new country.
    • What about COVID?
      • COVID-19 update: FOCUS drivers and passenger will follow the current COVID protocol regarding the wearing of masks in the airport and in the vehicle.