June 3, 2025
by Aly Lande, Capital Project Marketing Specialist
Gearing up for a big summer trip? If you’re traveling through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) this summer, the brand-new security checkpoint is opening Friday, June 6, 2025, to make your journey a little smoother. Here’s what you need to know about Checkpoint 1 — and how it can help you fly through the airport faster and with less stress.
1. Location. Location. Location!
Checkpoint 1 is SEA’s first and only Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint located on the Baggage Claim level, and it’s located at the far south end of the terminal in Gina Marie Lindsey (GML) International Arrivals Hall. Why the Baggage Claim level? Because space is tight upstairs! SEA is a busy, space-constrained airport, so project teams got creative and transformed available space into a checkpoint that makes your security screening quicker and more efficient.
The new Checkpoint 1 will feature five general screening lanes. By adding five more lanes, you’ll get through screening more efficiently so you can check in, and then quickly check out as you head to your destination.
2. Switch it up to speed it up!
SEA has two levels for incoming vehicle traffic: the upper Departures drive and the lower Arrivals drive. Both drives connect to the main terminal. For those times when the upper Departures drive might be backed up and you’re trying to drop someone off for a departing flight … use the lower drive!
Now, with checkpoints available on each level, you have more options. During peak departure times if you don’t have a bag to check, head straight towards the south end of the lower Arrivals drive by Door 6 and Door 4 to access the new Checkpoint 1 located on the Baggage Claim level.
3. No bags? Traveling international? Use this cheater checkpoint!
Flying internationally and packing light? Get in on the best kept secret of SEA ─ quick access for lightweight international travelers.
This new security checkpoint is ideal if you don’t have any bags to check and you want quick access to the S or A gates, which are predominantly international gates. After going through security screening, Checkpoint 1 will let you out on a landing (pictured below) between escalators that lead straight up to the A gates, or down to catch the SEA Underground that takes you straight out to the S gates. If you’re already a train pro and know the SEA Underground routes, the train provides quick access to any gate you need.
Reminder: If you ARE checking a bag with your airline, you still have to do that up on the Ticketing level. But if you’re flying with an international airline, Checkpoint 1 is conveniently located near their check in counters! From the Ticketing level just go down the stairs, escalator, or elevator to get to the entrance of Checkpoint 1.
4. Checkpoint 1 comes with extra upgrades
While redesigning this space to suit an entirely new checkpoint, SEA project teams gave the nearby GML International Arrivals Hall a big refresh. Here’s what you’ll find in the space’s mini glow up:
- Glass display case that showcases over 20 pieces from SEA’s expanding public art collection. Learn more about SEA’s public art program
- Waiting to reunite with your loved ones flying in internationally? Take a load off with new ADA-accessible seating designed to match the tranquil outdoor rock garden
- Coming soon: A coffee station to keep you caffeinated while you wait
5. All checkpoints lead to all gates!
All security checkpoints lead to all gates at SEA, so feel free to use the checkpoint that suits your needs. Checkpoint 1 is the first checkpoint on the Baggage Claim level and doesn’t let out straight onto the Concourse level, but you can still get to any gate for your destination! So, if you want a shortcut to the A or S gates and don’t have a bag to check, this is your new go-to checkpoint!
The opening of Checkpoint 1 gives you more options to choose the journey through the airport that best suits you. Adding security screening to the lower level just adds another way to get to your gate to speed up the journey. Leaving you calm, cool, and collected.
For all things security-related, including services and hours of operation, visit the Security Screening and Checkpoints page.
