The Port of Seattle is committed to ensuring that all travelers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) feel respected, comfortable and welcome. Learn more about what services and amenities are available for transgender, non-binary, gender nonconforming travelers coming through SEA Airport.
Passenger Screening
Screening for departing passengers is conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) below are their tips for transgender, non-binary, gender nonconforming travelers:
TSA has specially trained Passenger Support Specialists (PSS) to help coordinate and walk you through the checkpoints upon request. You can request this in advance on their website, or when you’re at the checkpoint ask someone from TSA for a PSS to assist you. You may also want to provide the TSA officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition to help support the screening process. If you have other questions or concerns about traveling please contact passenger support.
Identification
- All passengers 18 years of age or older are required to provide proof of identity at check-in and at the security checkpoint.
- The name, gender, and date of birth included in your reservation must match the government-issued photo ID you will provide at the airport. If you have different names or genders listed on different ID, bring photo ID that matches your reservation. Read additional information about identification.
Making Your Air Travel Reservations
When making a reservation, please use the same name and date of birth indicated on your government-issued ID. We also encourage you to provide the gender indicated on your government-issued ID. TSA recommends that travelers whose gender marker on their government-issued ID is not offered in the air carrier’s reservation system, to contact airlines.
Contact TSA
Prior to a flight, you may contact the TSA Cares helpline at (855) 787-2227 with questions about screening policies and procedures, as well as what to expect as you proceed through the security checkpoint. You may request the assistance of a Passenger Support Specialist, who will provide assistance through the security screening process. You may request to speak with a supervisor at the checkpoint. You may also submit your concern to the TSA Contact Center. If you have experienced discrimination, you may email or submit a civil rights complaint.
Private Screening
You may request a private screening or to speak to a supervisor at any time during the security screening process. Screening can be conducted in a private screening area with a witness or companion of the traveler’s choice.
Passenger screening at the airport is part of TSA’s layered approach to security to get you safely to your destination. Read about various screening measures in place to secure aviation.
Pat-Downs:
If there is a screening alarm by technology (i.e., AIT, WTMD), or if you opt-out of screening by technology, a pat-down procedure is performed, and is generally conducted by an officer that is the same gender as the TSA officer’s assessment of how you present. Alternatively, you may choose to inform the officer of your gender identity and make a request that the pat-down be conducted by an officer of that gender.
Screening can be conducted in the checkpoint area, or you may request to have a pat-down in private and be accompanied by a companion of your choice. You may be asked to adjust loose fitting clothing by the TSA officer doing the pat-down procedure. For additional information about the pat-down, see Security Screening. Please also see additional guidance for on body prostheses.
Discrimination at the Airport
If you feel you have experienced discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint. Here are two ways to do that.
1. File a Complaint Online
Both the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have separate civil rights offices that accept complaints of discriminatory treatment by TSA. You may file a complaint with one or both offices at the web sites below:
- File this form for complaints with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
- File this form for filing complaints with the TSA Office for Civil Rights and Liberty
We encourage you to file complaints immediately after the incident (or as soon as you can), and provide as many details as possible, including:
- the name of the airport
- the screening location within the airport
- the date and time of the incident
- a list of people involved.
2. File a Complaint via App
FlyRights is a free app available for iPhone and Android smartphones that enables you to to immediately file a report of discrimination with TSA and DHS. Learn more about FlyRights.
Restrooms
Travelers should feel free to use whichever restroom matches your gender presentation or feel free to use restrooms marked either “family restrooms” or “individual restrooms.” SEA Airport has individual gender-inclusive restrooms for your use available on our interactive map
