June 19, 2025
Before coming to the airport
Feeling overwhelmed by your packing list for that big summer trip? Fear not! Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is here with top insider tips to help you pack.
Come to the airport prepared. Before you leave the house, confirm that your bags meet the checked baggage and carry-on requirements of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), your airline, and your destination country’s immigration agency if traveling abroad. Most airlines allow one carry-on and one personal item onboard while larger luggage must be checked. Checked baggage and carry-on policies vary depending on air carrier, the size and weight of your bag, and the number of bags.
Carry-on or check a bag?
Going on a short trip?
Keep it carry-on only! Check in online to skip the ticketing counters for domestic flights, then breeze right past the baggage claim once you arrive at your destination. Some airlines will even request volunteers to gate check their carry-on and move you up a boarding group as extra incentive.
Carry-on packing tips:
- Pack light, but don’t skimp on medically necessary items; they do not count towards your carry-on total or maximum TSA liquid requirements. This includes mobility aids, strollers, car seats, and more
- Daily necessities like medication, keys, and identification should stay in your carry-on or on your person
- Remember to leave your electronics with lithium batteries in your carry-on
Need the extra capacity?
For longer trips or bulkier items, checking luggage is a great option! No need to lug maxed-out carry-ons through every airport on your journey. Reduce bulk while navigating the terminal, boarding your plane, and connecting. Pack heavy and bring those large liquids!
- Did you know? Cruise travelers can check their bags directly from the ship with Port Valet
Keep your schedule in mind when planning to check a bag. Arriving too close to takeoff can mean your bag misses the flight. On the other hand, showing up to the airport several hours early can mean waiting around until the airline is ready for bags. Reach out to your airline to find out the earliest you can check in. There are limited amenities and seating before going through security, so stick to the standard recommendation and arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
Checked baggage best practices
You’ve heard the horror stories about lost or delayed luggage, and maybe even experienced one yourself. Even though the automatic checked baggage sorting system at SEA has an average accuracy rate of at least 92%, how can you reduce the chances of losing your bag?
- Remove all previous stickers and bag tags
- Make sure your new tags are securely attached, properly placed, and show the correct destination. Struggling with self-service? See an airline representative for support
- Keep your personal bag tag updated with your name, email, address, and phone number
- Personalize your bag to make it easier to find! Just stay away from loose decorations that could get caught in the conveyor belt sorting system
- Tuck a tracking device like an Apple AirTag into your bag for extra peace of mind. If it’s lost, you can activate it and share the link with your airline’s baggage team
- Add an itinerary with personal details on top of your things before sealing your bag up. This makes it easier for the airline to return your bag during your travels
- Ensure you comply with all TSA and airline guidelines for checked items
- Save your copy of the bag tag until the end of your trip
- If connecting, confirm if your bags will be checked through to your destination or if you need to collect them and recheck during your connection
Lost baggage and other items
And if your bag does get lost, hopefully you are reunited soon! Airport teams do not have access to baggage records, so you will need to submit a missing luggage claim with your airline to move forward. Reach out to U.S. Department of Transportation to file a consumer complaint if you are having trouble getting your bag back.
If the airline is not successful, you may also want to submit a lost property report with the Airport Lost and Found. We recommend recording the serial numbers to all your electronic and medical devices so they can find their way back to you.
If you believe your items were damaged or stolen during the screening process, file a claim with TSA for recourse. Additionally, if a theft occurred within SEA Airport, please file a report with the Port of Seattle Police Department.
Need support with your bags?
Head over to the baggage services page to learn about luggage porting, bag wrapping, storage, carts, and more!
