Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is gearing up for holiday travel with the opening of new space along the east side of the Alaska Airlines Ticketing Lobby as part of the SEA Gateway Project. Some of the barricades you may have seen over the past two years are coming down next week, just ahead of the holiday travel season. With construction still underway in other parts of the airport and some services still down due to the cyberattack this summer, passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early.
SEA is prepared for the nearly 1.5 million passengers expected to travel this holiday period (November 21–30). For all your airport questions, the Customer Care team is available Monday – Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at (206) 787-5388 or by email at [email protected].
Navigating TSA security checkpoints
As part of the transformative SEA Gateway Project, which is building a bigger, brighter, and lighter ticketing space at the north end of the terminal, Checkpoint 5 is closed temporarily. SEA and TSA staff are ready to help you navigate safely and efficiently through the remaining security checkpoints. Two new lanes were added to Checkpoints 2 and 3 prior to the summer, with 90% of all passengers getting through in less than 30 minutes during the busiest time of the year (June through August). In addition, during peak periods, Checkpoint A will be used on the south end of the terminal, for additional efficiency.
Take advantage of SEA Spot Saver and secure a spot in line to make that process even easier. Checkpoint wait times are currently not available online or in the terminal, but staff in green will be there to guide you. Once you’re through the checkpoint, use SEA’s interactive map for directions to your gate, favorite restaurant, or amenities.
Numbers to know
Here’s what to expect in the coming weeks:
- Wednesday, November 27 — 172,000 estimated overall travelers (arriving, departing, and connecting)
- Saturday, November 30 — 166,000 travelers
- Tuesday, November 26 — 161,000 travelers
Note: 2024 saw a record number of travelers on August 18 at 198,000.
Go-to tips and tricks
Arrive early. Avoid feeling rushed by getting to the terminal at least two hours before your boarding time for a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. When planning, factor in the time you need to travel from off-site parking or drop-offs to the terminal. More than one-third of SEA’s daily passenger volume arrives at the airport before 9:00 a.m., causing busy conditions at TSA security checkpoints and on the airport drives. Two more peak periods occur from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Avoid traffic. Bypass the congested Arrival and Departure drives by using public transportation, airport parking, rideshare, taxi/limo, scheduled airporter, door-to-door van service, or a shuttle option. When picking someone up, briefly park in the SEA Airport parking garage, entering from the south, to meet the arriving traveler in the terminal, then exit together through the garage without ever using the drives. You can even pick up a coffee while you’re waiting!
Think opposite. If you choose to use the drives, use the lower Arrivals drive instead of the upper Departures drive during peak morning hours, and vice versa if you’re picking someone up in the evening. Or use whichever lane is moving faster – they both go to the same building.
Try SEA Reserved Parking. Reserve a parking space on Floor 4 of the airport’s parking garage for a minimum two-day stay. From there, it’s a short walk across the skybridge to the terminal. Reservations fill up quickly. We recommend reserving at least two weeks in advance, so consider booking ahead for the December holidays.
Head straight to security. Check in for your flight ahead of time and download or print your boarding pass. Review your airline’s baggage policies, and if you don’t need to check a bag, head straight to the security checkpoints.
Pack appropriately. Trying to take your famous gravy recipe home for the holidays? Follow TSA guidelines. You may need to pack your favorite foods in your carry-on.
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Contact
Perry Cooper | SEA Airport
[email protected]
