Extended SEA Spot Saver Hours, New Meals at the N Concourse, Mobile Passport, and stay in the know while you plan ahead
Travelers headed for the mid-winter Presidents Day break are reminded to plan ahead for an easier experience through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
The airport has extended hours for its free SEA Spot Saver service, which saves valuable time at TSA checkpoints and is perfect for families who want to take the stress out of a security check. A free service from US Customs and Border Protection, Mobile Passport Control, that can expedite international travelers through arrival. what’s new? Enjoy new retail and dining options now open in the N Concourse, and get ready for a SEA building upgrade on the bridges, pier, and in the baggage claim area.
These tips should help any traveler, but those with early flights should take the most care. Typically over a third of our daily volume arrives at the airport before 9:00 AM, travelers heading before 9:00 or 10:00 AM should be prepared for very busy conditions in TSA security and on drives. Use these tips to skip the line.
Check the flySEA app for the latest updates and get ready to fly!
cross the line
Get security fast! The free SEA Spot Saver program has extended morning and evening hours to speed you through a TSA check. Register 72 hours in advance online or at the station using the QR code next to the checkpoints.
- Are you going to Mexico or another international destination for your vacation? Download the Mobile Passport Control app before leaving home. Add your travel details when you return to SEA. Collect your bags and head straight to the designated line in the arrivals hall. Your entire family can complete the customs process from a single mobile device.
- Avoid the hassle of driving and parking With Sound Transit’s Link light rail. Airport parking will be a challenge. Consider alternative transportation to/from the airport such as taxi or ride-sharing option.
- If driving and parking is your best choiceThe new Automated Parking Guidance System upgrades your garage experience with easy-to-use lighting that indicates available stalls. Or switch it up to speed it up! Avoid longer airport traffic lines by using the arrival/lower level for morning pick-up and departure/upper level for evening pick-up.
- Try an SEA request, a mobile ordering service that allows you to pick up meals on the way to your gate. Order through the SEA Airport app.
Try something new
- New meals are available at the N Concourse – Nine new locations opened recently and are ready for you to discover. Newbies includes the first ever Costa Coffee retail location in a US airport – a UK staple!
- The central station has been completed! Salty’s at the SEA, BrewTop Social and a new Amex Lounge complete this extensive update. Come back for more seating, dining options, and the best airport views.
We are upgrading SEA
- The SEA upgrade highlights more than $4.6 billion in improvements underway over the next five years, here’s a blog for more.
- Unfortunately, construction for safety and accessibility improvements has meant temporary closures along flyovers at garages and airport drives.
- A major new ticket area renovation project has spillover effects in the baggage claim area.
By the numbers
This holiday will be almost back to normal. The forecast for Thursday-Tuesday is for passenger travel through security checkpoints to be 98% of 2019 levels (about 12% over last year) – about 308,000 passengers departing through checkpoints or more than 830,000 overall through the airport (departures access and communication).
The busiest days are expected to be the Friday before the holiday at 159,000 passengers overall, followed by Tuesday at 152,000, and Thursday at 146,000. TSA security checkpoints are busiest in SEA from 5:00 – 10:00 AM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM, 9:00 – 11:00 PM
For 2022, the SEA was just under 46 million passengers (45,964,321), down 27.1 percent over 2021 and down 11.3 percent compared to 2019. Forecasts for 2023 are for traffic levels to be 20 percent below 2019 levels. Just 6 percent over the year with pre-pandemic levels. Back in 2024. Find out more on our airport stats page.
What is the best advice for travelers?
- Get here early! Depending on your needs, you may need more time. Make sure you are at the airport at least two hours before you are due to board a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight
- Be prepared with your airline ahead of time! Be sure to check their baggage policies, check-in, and download all of their apps for efficient travel. Check out our top luggage tips!
- safety first; Avoid shoulder standing Vehicles are encouraged to use the new reconfigured mobile phone stand and avoid dangerous situations along the shoulder of airport flights. Offenders will be cited as the Port of Seattle Police are working with the Washington State Patrol for focus patrols over the holiday.
Give me the basics of a traveler
- The CDC’s guidance for travelers changes depending on their COVID-19 vaccination status. Check with your airline for the state or country you plan to travel to.
- Be prepared for security checkpoints. SEA and TSA want to help you move as quickly as possible. Passengers are required to remove electronic devices larger than the size of a cell phone from carry-on baggage. Also, remove foods and liquids from your carry-on baggage and prepare to carry your boarding pass for review. You can also see the latest identification and documentation requirements.
- Need more Travel scams? Our customer service team has the best tips for navigating SEA like a frequent pilot.
- SEA continues to add new services to make travel easier and improve the travel experience beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Check out our SEA social story developed for travelers with sensory sensitivities like autism, but also great general tips for kids. Learn more about accessibility in SEA. The interactive map on the flySEA app provides accessible route directions.
- Check with SeaTac City To see if there are any road construction projects that may hinder your access to the airport.
communication
Perry Cooper | Chief Public Information Officer for the Port of Seattle
(206) 787-4923 | Coop.p@portseattle.org
