First Portions of Sea-Tac's Concourse A To Open

- South security checkpoint moves to ticketing level, some ticket counters open -

Changes continue at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, as the Port of Seattle moves toward completion of the newly rebuilt Concourse A. On Thursday the ticketing lobby of the new concourse will open, and the airport's south security checkpoint will move up from the subway level to the ticketing level.

"This is an exciting milestone as we head toward full occupancy of Concourse A on June 15th," said Gina Marie Lindsey, managing director of aviation for the Port. "The ticket counters are bright and sparkling, with plenty of room for all those passengers who are starting to fly again."

Scandinavian Airlines will be the first airline to move to the new counters. SAS will run Thursday evening's flight from their new facilities well south of their old ticket counter. Asiana Airlines will transition in on April 3, with British and EVA moving on April 15.

Perhaps the most visible change for most passengers is the new south security checkpoint on the ticketing level of the airport. Passengers headed to the airport's south satellite will use the new checkpoint and then head downstairs to catch the subway. SAS, Asiana, British and EVA will continue to use gate facilities in the south satellite.

"The new checkpoint will be more effective for screeners, and more convenient for travelers," Lindsey said. "The area also has some terrific artwork of which we're very proud."

The official grand opening of Concourse A is slated for a ceremony on June 11. On June 12 the Port will hold a community open house so the public can view the facility. Airlines begin operation from the concourse's 14 gates on June 15, at which time the airport's new arrivals hall will open as well.