December Travel Holidays Mean Busy Times at Sea-Tac

Leave early, pack patience

(Seattle)--The December holiday season means nearly 100,000 travelers a day will walk the jetways at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport this week. With more than 30,000 meeters and greeters expected as well, the airport is likely to become an exceptionally busy place.

"People should plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before domestic flights, two hours before international departures," said Michael Ehl, manager of the airport terminal. "Arriving early gives travelers time to move more easily between ticket counter and gate, or to solve a problem should one arise."

Travelers are encouraged to use shuttles, buses, taxis or vans to come to the airport. If one must use a private vehicle, park in the garage rather than driving up to the front door.

"Our curbside drives are the most crowded part of the airport," said Rod Hilden, manager of Ground Access at Sea-Tac. "Parking in the garage will actually save you time, because you won't have to wind your way through all the cars stopped on the drives."

Last month the airport opened 1900 new parking spaces in the airport garage, assuring that drivers should have no trouble finding parking this holiday season.

Airport officials offered other tips for getting through Sea-Tac quickly and efficiently.

For departing passengers, say your goodbyes in the main terminal rather than at the gate. Large numbers of non-travelers going through security checkpoints slow the process for those who need to catch flights.
If you are meeting an arriving passenger, go to www.portseattle.org before leaving for the airport. Follow the links to Sea-Tac Airport and Real-Time Flight Info, and make sure that the flight you're interested in will be arriving when you expect it.
Keep a close eye on bags and gifts that you might be carrying. Unattended bags may be lost, stolen or removed by police.
Watch closely for temporary signage around the airport.
Construction means that some services are in temporary quarters. Signs will direct travelers to the new locations.

Airport Volunteers and Pathfinders are stationed throughout the terminal and concourses to help travelers find their way around Sea-Tac. Airport Volunteers can be recognized by their blue blazers and blue clipboards, while Pathfinders are in bright red blazers with red clipboards.

Sea-Tac's Airport Volunteer program has continued to grow, nearly doubling in size to more than 60 volunteers. They are expected to be an especially valuable resource not only during the holidays, but as Sea-Tac embarks on a 10-year construction program.

Finally, if you're taking gifts when you travel, it's a good idea to leave them unwrapped. Many objects, especially electronic devices, show up on security x-rays and will need to be visually inspected before being allowed on your aircraft.