A record-setting summer is coming down to its final weekend as the Labor Day holiday approaches at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Since June, multiple records have been set for overall and international passenger levels while travelers who haven’t been through in a while should note the new Checkpoint 1, more check-in space in north end ticketing, some new treat vendors and be aware of the construction along the airport expressway. As always, plan ahead with travel tips to make your journey easier.
Record setting summer at SEA
The record for busiest day ever at SEA has already been set three times this summer. Overall, eight of the top 10 largest passenger volume days in history at SEA have been recorded this summer. In addition, each of the top 10 busiest days for arriving international passengers has occurred since June.
After record setting numbers in 2024, SEA broke its overall daily record for passengers in 2025 on June 22, July 27, and most recently on August 10. That new top day saw 78,763 passengers outbound through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, with a projected 207,000 overall travelers through the airport (departing, arriving, and connecting). Meanwhile, the International Arrivals Facility’s busiest day was July 26 with 11,281 passengers going through U.S. Customs.
New Checkpoint 1 proving a success
After opening in June, the new Checkpoint 1 on the south end of bag claim has now added TSA PreCheck and CLEAR + to go along with general screening. Be sure to check the latest layout of traveler services in this checkpoint map to find your easiest access to general screening, PreCheck, CLEAR +, Premium, SEA Spot Saver, or SEA Visitor Pass.
Year to date, 99% of passengers have made it through TSA Security Checkpoints in under 30 minutes, with 93% under 20 minutes. This compares to 94% under 30 minutes in 2024 and 80% in 2023. SEA’s efforts to increase checkpoint efficiencies have included two additional lanes in both Checkpoint 3 and 4 last year, plus the redesigned Checkpoint 6, on the north end of the terminal, will re-open with six new lanes before Thanksgiving.
Expressway construction
Roadway Improvement Construction continues and looks like a challenge, however, the same number of lanes are still available on both drives. New lanes have opened for the upper Departures drive, while construction is now focused on the center portion of the project, providing a distinctive split between upper and lower access. The next step will be to raise the lower Arrivals Drive elevation. Construction is expected to be complete by spring 2026.
Travelers can avoid the congestion on the airport drives by using alternatives to driving, including Link Light Rail, public transit, app-based rideshares, taxi/limos, scheduled airporters, door-to-door van service, and shuttle service. If you do drive, consider using Reserved Parking on Floor 4 of the garage where you’re guaranteed a spot. We recommend reserving early for best availability. Customers should allow extra time (30–45 minutes) to find drive-up spaces in General Parking.
More space at North Ticketing and Bridge Level check-in!
Another section of easy check-in and bag drop just opened on the north end of the Alaska Airlines Ticketing Level. The new technologies are part of the SEA Gateway Project, which also includes recently added Bridge Level check-in areas along the skybridges from the airport garage. You can use this check-in area even if you’re not coming from the garage. Be aware, Checkpoint 6 is closed for upgrades until later this year.
Looking for something new to try?
Stop by new recently opened dining and retail locations:
- Pre-security at south end bag claim in Arrivals Hall — Kawaii Treats
- Pre-security near Checkpoint 5 — Neighborhood Cafe
- Near Gate A1 — Lowrider Cookie, Wunderground Coffee, and Theo Chocolate
- Near Gate C10 — Skillet
- Near Gate A10 — Seattle Beer Union
Passenger numbers to know
From Thursday, August 28 to Tuesday, September 2, just over an estimated one million travelers will go through SEA, up about 7% from last year. The busiest days of the holiday period with the highest projections to be:
- Friday, August 29 — 197,000 estimated overall travelers (arriving, departing, and connecting)
- Monday, September 1 — 191,000 passengers
- Thursday, August 28 — 189,000 passengers
SEA is here to help
SEA’s Customer Care team is available to support passengers before, during, and after their trips. Real help is available by phone, email, social media, or chat support through Customer Care Connect, which offers closed captions and translations in more than 60 languages. Once you’re at the airport, you can find our team in green from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the two Information Desks, or use Customer Care Connect touchscreens at the Information Desks by Checkpoint 4 and Gate A6.
Real ID is in place
REAL ID is here — be ready! The REAL ID Act requires anyone traveling by airplane to use a REAL ID-compliant document. Check the full list of accepted ID documents or look up information through the Washington State Department of Licensing. If you don’t have a Real ID–compliant document, be aware that it may take you longer to get through security checkpoints.
Go-to tips and tricks
Arrive early. Avoid feeling rushed — get to the terminal at least two hours before your boarding time for a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. 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.
Take advantage of SEA Spot Saver. Secure a spot in line to make the security checkpoint process easier. Checkpoint wait times are currently not available online, on the flySEA App, or in the terminal, but staff in green will be there to guide you to the best queue for you. Use SEA’s interactive map for directions to the checkpoints, your gate, a favorite restaurant, or amenities.
Avoid traffic. Bypass the congested Arrivals and Departures 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 International Boulevard entrance to meet arriving travelers 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 all go to the same terminal.
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.
Try a Social Story for help traveling. The SEA Airport Social Story and Resource Guide is designed for travelers with autism or other invisible disabilities to repeatedly review with their family/caregivers prior to travel.
Contacts
Perry Cooper | SEA Airport
[email protected]
Chris Guizlo | SEA Airport
[email protected]
