Kids

Airport Security Update: Restrictions on Breast Milk in Carry-Ons Lifted

Traveling with children? Sea-Tac Airport has some kid-friendly services to meet your needs and theirs and some tips to offer to make your travel go smoothly. Want to see where something is located? Check it out on our maps.

Checking In | Clearing Security | Travel Tips | Eating and Shopping | Family Restrooms

Airport Play Area

Sea-Tac Airport's Children's Play Area is just a hop, skip and a jump from the Central Terminal, behind security. The 1,400-square-foot play space is filled with aviation-themed soft foam play equipment, including an airplane, control tower and baggage cart. There's also a family restroom and a private room with rocking chairs for parents and babies, and of course comfortable seating for traveling parents to watch all the fun.

Checking In

No photo ID is needed. Children under 18 are not required to travel with identification.

Clearing Security

A little preparation is needed. Passing through airport security can be a confusing experience for a young child. Sharing information ahead of time can help. Let your child know that all carry-ons, including toys, must go through the X-ray machine but will come out the other side. You may also want to explain that someone in the family may be asked to take off their shoes or be "wanded" by security personnel.

Leave any toys that might be mistaken for weapons at home.
Babies and children must be removed from their strollers or infant carriers so they can be individually screened.
Children who are old enough should walk through security by themselves.
All child-related equipment that fits must go through the X-ray machine. This includes strollers, backpacks, baby slings, and car and booster seats. Security personnel will inspect oversized items.
When you arrive at the checkpoint, collapse or fold child-related equipment and secure items that are in the pockets, baskets, or attached to the equipment. You will place these items on the X-ray belt for inspection. Plastic bins are provided.

Tips for Traveling

Pack all essential items for your child in your carry-on luggage. Delays are always a possibility, so make sure you have enough supplies to last the trip, no matter how long.

Once on the plane, there are several things to do to ensure your child's safety:

Don't seat your child on the aisle. Service carts and fellow passengers are constantly passing through the aisle; small arms and legs could get bumped.
Pay close attention to the pre-flight instructions from flight attendants. You need to know where the nearest emergency exit is located and what special emergency equipment is available in the case of an aircraft emergency. If your child has some special condition that may become a factor during the flight, advise the flight attendant immediately.
Your child should remain belted in their seat or the approved child restraint at all times. Air turbulence often happens without notice.
Don't let children wander around the cabin; there are areas that could be dangerous.

Eating & Shopping

The airport offers familiar fast-food restaurants, such as Burger King and Wendy's, and many other places with kid-friendly menus. We've also got stores where you can buy souvenirs, magazines, books, toys and treats.

Family Restrooms

If you're traveling with children too young to use the restroom alone, take advantage of the large, private family restrooms located on on both the ticketing and baggage claim levels of the Main Terminal as well on Concourses A, B, C and D and in the North and South Satellites.