Travel Tips for SEA Airport

For information about flights, baggage policies, and flight check-in, contact your airline directly.

A little advance planning goes a long way to make your trip more predictable and lower stress. Use these tips to make your SEA experience more efficient.

Travel Tips and Updates 

• Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
• Use your airline app to get your mobile boarding pass and check baggage before you get to the airport. Contact your airline directly for flight reservations, baggage services, cargo, and post-security wheelchair services.
• Certain programs and services, like the flySEA app, live airport drive cameras, and TSA Checkpoint Wait Times are currently unavailable.
• Mobile ordering for dining throughout the terminal is available at OrderSEA.
• Get step-by-step directions around the airport by using the interactive map.

Construction impacts

For an easier journey, check out the current construction projects and how they will impact your trip.

Before you leave home

1. Reserve your spot in the TSA security line with SEA Spot Saver.
2. Get food on the fly with the Order SEA mobile ordering service and pick up meals on the way to your gate.
3. Enroll in a trusted traveler program like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR.
4. Check with the City of SeaTac to see if there are any road construction projects that might impact your trip to SEA Airport.
5. Reserve your parking spot on the fourth floor of the SEA Airport garage. 

The FlySEA App is currently unavailable for download for iOS and Android. To find flight information go to www.portseattle.org/status for step-by-step directions use our interactive map at www.portseattle.org/maps  

To and from SEA

Avoid the hassles of driving and parking. Consider alternative modes of transportation to/from the airport like a Link Light Rail, bus, taxi, ride share options, shuttles, airporters, or door-to-door options.

A busy parking garage makes airport parking a challenge. Be aware that during busy travel periods you may need extra time to find a parking stall.

Parking options:

• Floors 1–3 and 5–8 are for General Parking. Simply drive up and find an available stall.
• Floor 4 is for Reserved Parking. You may purchase in advance up to 120 days before arrival. Your reservation will guarantee an available space on Floor 4, dedicated to Reserved Parking.

The new automated parking guidance system marks available and occupied stalls with green and red lights.

It's dangerous to park on the shoulder of the airport drive. Use the newly reconfigured Cell Phone Lot.

At the airport

Get here early! Depending on your needs, you may need more time. Passengers should arrive two hours before domestic travel and three hours before international travel. 

Upgrade SEA highlights more than $5 billion in improvements underway over the next five years.

• Read the plan for the future of SEA Airport

Be ready for security checkpoints:

• Remove any electronics larger than a cell phone from carry-on luggage
• Remove foods and liquids from your carry-on luggage and prepare to hold up your boarding pass for review. Read the latest Identification and Documentation Requirements
• Use the interactive map to find your way around SEA
• The TSA Checkpoints at SEA are being renumbered. Effective on Thursday April 17, 2025 at 4 a.m. Find more information on Security Checkpoints 

Accessible travel at SEA

• Read about accessible travel
• Check out the SEA Social Story for travelers with sensory sensitivities like autism

Return trip

Switch it up to Speed it Up!

• Use the arrivals (lower) level to drop off in the morning and the departures (upper) level to pick up in the evening
• Check Airport Drive Cameras to check traffic on the drives

Coming from an international destination?

1. Download the Mobile Passport Control app.
2. Add your travel details as you land at SEA.
3. Collect your bags and go straight to a dedicated line in the arrival hall.
4. Your entire family can complete the customs process from one mobile device.
5. Learn about the Bags First arrival process at SEA Airport.

Stay safe at SEA

Check out travel tips on how to stay safe at the airport

Stay in the loop with SEA Airport

• Follow @flySEA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
• Sign up for SEA Airport Text Alerts
• Subscribe to our FlySEA email newsletter