Flying for the holidays? Here are some tips for navigating Seattle-Tacoma airport easily
If you’re planning on traveling this holiday season, then you’re probably dreading what could potentially be a hectic day.
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is expecting to have over 2 million passengers pass through by Jan. 2, according to the Port of Seattle.
But this isn’t actually the busiest time of the year for the airport, so there is a good chance it won’t be as hectic as you’d expect it to be, especially if you’re prepared.
According to the Port of Seattle, which runs SEA Airport, the busiest time of the year for the airport is actually during the summer. An average travel day in August 2024 was about 175,000 people. The only day leading up to Christmas that comes close to that will be Friday, Dec. 20.
SEA Airport is projecting the following number of travelers passing through the airport leading up to and just after Christmas:
Friday, Dec. 20: 172,000
Saturday, Dec. 21: 160,000
Sunday, Dec. 22: 151,000
Monday, Dec. 23: 146,000
Thursday, Dec. 26: 146,000
Here are some tips and things to know about navigating through the SEA Airport this holiday season, whether you’re a passenger or picking someone up.
Navigating Seattle-Tacoma International Airport during the holidays
SEA Airport has prepared to make traveling during the holiday season an easier and more enjoyable experience for everyone. Here are a few highlights.
Parking
The airport is offering a 90-minute grace period for people picking up or dropping off their friends or loved ones during the week of Christmas. People will be able to use the grace period to meet travelers in the terminal or to get around congestion.
The 90-minute grace period will be available daily for general parking from Dec. 20 to Dec. 27, from 8 p.m. to midnight.
Visitor pass for gate
Along with the parking grace period, SEA Airport is also reinstating its SEA Visitor Pass Program, which allows visitors who do not have a boarding pass will be able to go past the security checkpoints to meet or drop off someone at their gate. Visitors who wish to do this must register online.
After registering, the Transportation Security Administration will review the application to determine eligibility. Visitors who are approved will receive an email with a QR code either after midnight on the day of the visit or within 15 minutes of applying if you’re visit is that same day. Visitors will be required to scan the QR code at the security checkpoint and provide a valid form of identification.
SEA Spot Saver
SEA Airport also offers SEA Spot Saver, which is program that can be used by passengers to secure a spot in line for a security checkpoint in order to bypass long lines. SEA Spot Save is available daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Those who would like to reserve a spot can do so by signing up online. Appointments can currently be made as early as one to three days before a scheduled flight, but same-day appointments are also available.
Holiday entertainment at Seattle-Tacoma Airport
SEA Airport will also provide passengers with a variety of holiday festivities and entertainment.
Perry Cooper, the media relations manager for SEA Airport, stated in an email that there will be holiday themed characters, including Santa and the Grinch, wandering throughout the terminals. There will also be live music and interactive globes that highlight different winter holidays such as Kwanzaa and Christmas. The holiday entertainment will be available between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Aside from the programs and entertainment that SEA Airport is providing to ease the stress of traveling during the holiday, there are things travelers can do to have a better traveling experience.
Seattle-Tacoma Airport holiday travel tips
Here are tips to follow if you’re traveling from the SEA Airport this holiday season, according to the Port of Seattle website:
Arrive at least two hours before boarding time for a domestic flight, and at least three hours early for an international flight.
Use SEA Spot Save to secure a spot in line at the security checkpoint to make the process easier.
Avoid traffic jams at the arrival and departure lanes by using public transportation, airport parking, rideshare or a shuttle option.
If the departure lane is congested, try driving through the arrival lane and vice versa since they both lead to the same building.
If you don’t need to check a bag, head directly to the security checkpoint.
Make sure to review the TSA guidelines and pack appropriately.
Reserve a parking space at the airport’s parking garage, which is a short walk from the terminals. Make reservations in advance.
This story was originally published December 20, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
