Plan Sea-Tac Reunions in Terminal, Not at Curbside

Meet Mike and Millie at the Maki, See Sam at the Cinnabon

(Seattle)-Travel planning is taking on an additional dimension at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport this week. Just as one carefully plans airline or hotel arrangements, travelers need to plan where in the airport terminal they will meet those who are picking them up.

"Decide before the flight leaves where in the terminal the traveler will meet family or friends," said Gina Marie Lindsey, the airport's Managing Director. "Our terminal drives are jammed, and trying to meet someone at curbside will simply be more trouble than it's worth."

To make that process easier, Sea-Tac is providing free parking to those who stay in the airport garage less than an hour. The free parking program runs through Nov. 27, and is intended to move cars off the drives, and into the garage.

"We expect to have 100,000 travelers a day through the airport, plus more than 25,000 meeters and greeters," said Lindsey. "We encourage those dropping off or picking up passengers to park in the garage, and rendezvous with their traveler somewhere in the main terminal."

There are several landmarks in the main terminal that make good meeting points:

The Maki Sculpture, located in the center of the main terminal directly behind the Continental Airlines ticket counter. The Maki is a large, abstract double mountain crafted from black steel.
The Cinnabon next to the C Concourse security checkpoint. There are many signs directing travelers to the C Concourse, and with the Cinnabon you only need to follow your nose.
The Visitor Information Booth next to Baggage Carousel 8 on the bag claim level. The booth is in the central part of the bag claim area, and there is ample seating nearby.

Lindsey does not recommend meeting incoming travelers at their arrival gates. Additional meeters and greeters making their way through security checkpoints add to delays for ticketed passengers.

Port of Seattle Police will be out in force patrolling the drives. Cars parked or unattended can be ticketed or towed.

"Unattended vehicles are obviously a security concern," said Lindsey. "But even a car with the driver at the wheel contributes to traffic congestion."

Those planning to come to the airport can call the Airport Hotline at (206) 431-4444 for recorded information about the status of the airport roads and garage. As travelers arrive at the airport, they should watch for lighted signs placed along the approach roadway. The signs will give last-minute hints on how to navigate crowded roadways and advise whether there is space in the garage.

Once in the terminal, passengers should be especially careful about their luggage and other belongings. Passengers are cautioned not to leave bags unattended and to be sure the owner is clearly identified with a tag on the outside of each bag.

Sea-Tac was designed to handle 25-million passengers per year. In 1999, 27.7 million passengers traveled through the airport. Growth has slowed slightly through the first 10 months of 2000, but nearly 30 million travelers are still expected before years end.