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You are here: Home » Sea-Tac Airport » Frequently Asked Questions » Heightened Security

Heightened Security

Traveler Update: The liquids and gels may be carried on board aircraft in small quantities.

  1. How many pieces of carry-on luggage are allowed?
  2. Are there express lines at the security checkpoints?
  3. Is curbside check-in available?
  4. I am diabetic and travel with both insulin and syringes in my carry-on. Will this be a problem at the security checkpoint?
  5. Can I meet arriving passengers at the gate?
  6. Can I escort my child or elderly parent to the gate?
  7. Since we can no longer meet arriving passengers at the gate, what's a good meeting place?
  8. Can I pick up an arriving passenger on the lower drive outside of baggage claim?
  9. What's the safest place to carry film - in carry-on or checked luggage?
  10. I understand the Transportation Security Administration manages the security checkpoints. How do I contact them?
  11. Is it possible to take Smarte Cartes (the airport's luggage carts) through security?

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1. How many pieces of carry-on luggage are allowed?

Travelers are allowed one carry-on and one personal item, such as a purse, laptop or briefcase.

2. Are there express lines at the security checkpoints?

Yes, passengers with no carry-on luggage as well as passengers in wheelchairs can use the express lanes at the all the security checkpoints. Depending on the airline, some levels of frequent fliers, first and business class and shuttle passengers may also use the express lanes (check with your airline).

3. Is curbside check-in available?

Yes, for domestic passengers only. Several airlines charge a $2 per bag fee for this service. The fee does not include the tip.

4. I am diabetic and travel with both insulin and syringes in my carry-on. Will this be a problem at the security checkpoint?

You will need to carry a vial of insulin with a professional, pharmaceutical preprinted label which clearly identifies the medication. Because of the possibility of forgery, prescriptions and letters of medical necessity will not be accepted.

5. Can we meet arriving passengers at the gate?

No, only ticketed passengers are allowed past the security checkpoints.

6. Can I escort my child or elderly parent to the gate?

Only ticketed passengers are allowed past security checkpoints. However, many airlines issue companion passes to non-travelers assisting travelers with disabilities or children traveling alone. These passes allow you to go through security to the gate area.  Please contact your airline directly.

7. Since we can no longer meet arriving passengers at the gate, what's a good meeting place?

The best place is the baggage claim area for the appropriate airline.

8. Can I pick up an arriving passenger on the lower drive outside of baggage claim?

Yes, just be aware that there is no parking or waiting allowed on the airport drives.One alternative is to park in the airport garage, pay the hourly rate and meet your passenger in baggage claim. You can also park in the airport's Cell Phone Waiting Lot, just two minutes from Baggage Claim, until you get a call from your arriving passenger.

9. What's the safest place to carry film - in carry-on or checked luggage?

We recommend that travelers keep film in their carry-on rather than checked luggage. Checked luggage can be subject to very powerful x-ray screening. The x-rays used at security checkpoints aren't as strong and shouldn't be a problem for most film, except very high speed 800+. Travelers can ask to have their film hand inspected at security.

10. I understand the Transportation Security Administration manages the security checkpoints. How do I contact them?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has set up a hotline for comments, complaints, and inquiries about checkpoint operations. The number is 1-866-289-9673; you can also contact them by e-mail.

11. Is it possible to take Smarte Cartes (the airport's luggage carts) through security?

No. Smarte Cartes are not allowed through security checkpoints. There are however Smarte Cartes available for rental on Concourses A, B, C & D.

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