December 12, 2025
First written in 2021; updated in 2025
Holiday travel doesn’t have to feel like a blizzard of stress. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is here to help make your trip as cozy and cheerful as possible. With a few smart moves, you can turn your airport journey into smooth sleighing. Warm up with these helpful tips to keep things bright from curb to gate.
Jolly journeys start early
Travelers should arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international trips. Giving yourself extra time for traffic, check-in, and security helps your holiday travels start on the right foot.
Make spirits bright, one checkpoint at a time
SEA may not have Rudolph to light the way, but a few simple tips can help you breeze through security this season. Checkpoint 6 is back with expanded lanes and more room to gather belongings after screening. Updated restrooms before security now include a companion care room, nursing area, and water refill station. Checkpoint 1 on the Baggage-Claim level also provides access to all gates. Use the checkpoint map to plan your quickest route and keep your journey merry and moving.
Unwrap extra time at SEA
Glide past security with SEA Spot Saver. Reserve online up to five days before your flight. Once inside, use SEA’s interactive map to find your gate, favorite bites, and amenities, giving you more time to enjoy your trip and less time waiting.
Consider a smoother sleigh ride to SEA
Avoid the holiday traffic hustle by choosing one of the many easy ways to get to the airport. Here’s how to make your trip as seamless as possible:
Skip delays and ride straight to the airport on the Link 1 Line, now serving Federal Way with new stations at Kent Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown. With regional buses, taxis and rideshare, hotel shuttles, charter services, and scheduled airporters, you’ve got plenty of reliable alternatives to driving. However you roll up to SEA, we’re ready for you.
Dash through traffic by thinking opposite
A quick switch can make a big difference if you’re driving to the airport. Morning drop-off? Try the lower Arrivals Drive. Evening pickup? Head to the upper Departures Drive. You can also take the Link light rail from Tukwila or Angle Lake, or use the Sound Transit drop-off/pickup area at 176th Street and International Boulevard to avoid congestion on the Airport Expressway.
Spread SEA cheer with 90 minutes of free parking
Enjoy 90 minutes of free General Parking from Dec. 22–28, 7 p.m. to midnight. Park in the airport parking garage to skip the curbside chaos! Give yourself about 30 minutes to find a parking stall and follow the festive red and green lights to an open spot. Off-site parking will be busy too, so planning ahead keeps your holiday travels smooth and stress-free.
Shoulder parking is naughty
Shoulder parking is dangerous and illegal. Keep everyone safe by using the Cell Phone Lot for short-term waits. It’s the best way to stay safe and on the nice list.
Festive fun beyond security
From Dec. 15 to 24, celebrate the SEAson with roaming holiday characters from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Find the jolly man himself in the Central Terminal on a rotating schedule each day. Enjoy live music and interactive snow globes throughout the terminal. With SEA Visitor Pass, you can go beyond security to greet loved ones, enjoy entertainment, grab a bite, or check something off your wish list. SEA is filled with holiday magic to make your trip festive and joyful from start to finish.
Subscribe to Fly SEA for more travel tips and airport updates.
