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Your Perfect Vacation Starts Here: New Facilities and Services for Air and Cruise Passengers

Summer: The kids are out of school, the sun is shining, and it’s time to hit the road (or if you’re traveling through Port of Seattle facilities, the air or water)! To make your travel experience more pleasant, we’ve made improvements and added services at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal (Pier 66), and Terminal 30 Cruise Facility.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

If you haven’t been to the airport recently, many nice surprises await you. The new Central Terminal – opened in May – offers a comfortable, wide-open space with Art Deco architecture linking the airport’s past with modern conveniences of today. Take in the view of arriving and departing airplanes against the backdrop of the Olympic Mountains and enjoy the 20 new shops and eateries in the Pacific Marketplace.

Also new are multi-user flight information displays in the central terminal and other locations throughout the airport. Instead of searching for monitors for individual airlines, travelers are now able to view flights for all airlines.

In the airport parking garage, a reduced weekly rate for general parking provides up to $55 in savings each week from the standard daily rate – a good deal for vacationers and other travelers on a budget. No coupon is necessary; the rate is automatically calculated upon exit.

For those picking up arriving passengers, a new cell phone waiting lot is quick and easy. Free, and only two minutes from airport baggage claim, the lot provides a place to wait until you make cell phone contact with your arriving party.

A few tips to keep in mind to get you on your way:

• Arrive at the airport early: Two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights gives you time to get through security and check out the new shops and artwork.
• Save time going through the security checkpoint by leaving prohibited items at home. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides a list of permitted and prohibited items for checked bags and carry-ons. Remember that as of April 14, lighters (and certain types of matches) are not allowed in carry-on bags or on your person.

Cruise Terminals – Bell Street Pier & Terminal 30

The 2005 season offers more Alaska cruise options, with a greater number of sailings and itineraries. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the fresh air and scenery of a cruise through the Inside Passage.

In addition, getting to and from Seattle’s cruise terminals is easier than ever. Hertz rental cars are now available on site at both the Bell Street Pier Cruise Terminal and Terminal 30 Cruise Facility. Parking is also available at both sites – a 1,700-stall garage serves the Bell Street Terminal and a 500-stall lot serves Terminal 30. Motor coaches, taxis, and transit also provide connections to the cruise terminals from the airport and other points throughout the city.

The complimentary concierge service available at both cruise terminals can help with reservations for hotels, restaurants, and area attractions, and also offers a secure baggage check for before and after your cruise.

Two additional points for enhancing your cruise experience:

• Remember that a government-issued photo identification (passport or driver’s license) is required for boarding the ship. In addition, all Alaska cruise passengers – including U.S. residents – need proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate) since ships stop in Canada.
• Arrive in Seattle a day or two early to enjoy local entertainment, arts, and restaurants and to explore the City. The Seattle Convention and Visitors Bureau can provide more information, including deals on hotels through the Seattle Super Saver program.