Sea-Tac Creates "Language Line" To Help Arriving Visitors

-150 languages available for those clearing Immigrations & Customs-

Clearing immigration and customs for international visitors is now easier at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, with the installation of the airport's new Language Line. The Port of Seattle installed 35 direct-dial telephones in the airport's federal inspection area that can quickly connect passengers and inspectors with interpreters.

"We want our arriving international guests to have good experiences at Sea-Tac," said Sue Hansen-Smith, manager of customer relations for the airport. "This service will help speed their trip through the airport and get them on their way."

Studies have shown that international travelers spend more in the local community than domestic travelers. And their experience at various ports-of-entry is a key factor in determining where they travel.

"We hope that by making it easy to clear immigration and customs, experienced foreign travelers will choose to enter the US through Seattle," Hansen-Smith added.

The phones are located right in the inspection booths. If a traveler and inspector are having trouble communicating with each other, they pick up the phone and connect with an interpreter who speaks the traveler's language. Language Line interpreters are available for more than 150 different languages. A card at each phone lets arriving passengers point to the language they speak.

Airport officials hope to expand the language line outside the federal inspection area. It could become available to help foreign travelers get information about ground transportation options, hotels, or even sightseeing.