Sea-Tac Airport braces for one of top 10 ‘busiest days.’ How to avoid delays
As travelers head out for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, a local airport is bracing for a wave of passengers.
“Summer ... is the busiest time of the year” for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, according to Perry Cooper, airport senior manager of media relations.
In 2026, Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4.
The holiday weekend coincides with the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, with games scheduled in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Seattle’s Lumen Field will host a Round of 16 game on Monday, July 6.
The travel period that began with Flag Day on June 14 “could be (the Seattle airport’s) busiest ever,” the Transportation Security Administration said in a June 8 news release.
Sea-Tac Airport experienced its eight “highest-volume screening days of all time” in June, July, and August 2025, the TSA said. “Several days this summer could top them.”
Here’s what to know:
How many people are flying for Independence Day 2026?
An estimated 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home through Sunday, July 5, according to AAA.
“This year’s domestic travel forecast surpasses last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers, but the increase is smaller than recent year-over-year gains,” AAA said in a June 17 news release.
AAA predicted that about 5.9 million travelers will fly domestically over Independence Day weekend, making air travel about 8% of holiday trips.
On average, roundtrip tickets to domestic destinations are about 5% more expensive compared to Fourth of July 2025, with average fares around $830.
How busy will airports be for Fourth of July weekend?
Airports across the nation are gearing up for a “heavy volume” of travelers over the Independence Day holiday weekend, according to the TSA.
The TSA said it expects to screen nearly 18.7 million travelers at U.S. airport security checkpoints between Tuesday, June 30, and Monday, July 6.
Airport security screeners are anticipating the “highest passenger volume” — more than 3 million people — on Thursday, July 2, the TSA said.
“TSA security checkpoints are fully staffed and prepared to welcome these travelers and handle the large passenger volumes expected during the Fourth of July holiday period,” TSA Senior Official Ha Nguyen McNeill said in the releasing.
The TSA has implemented “significant technology enhancements at key airports” in response to the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 and America 250 celebrations across the country,” McNeill said.
What are busiest days to fly from Sea-Tac Airport?
Thursday, July 2, could be among the top 10 “busiest days” at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport “if the forecast holds,” according to Cooper.
Cooper said a total of 204,000 passengers are expected to pass through the Seattle airport on Thursday on arriving, departing and connecting flights.
About 175,000 passengers in total will travel through Sea-Tac Airport on Friday, July 3, Cooper wrote in an email.
On Independence Day — Saturday, July 4 — the total number of travelers using the airport will drop to 141,000, Cooper said.
The airport spokesperson said a total of 191,000 passengers will pass through Sea-Tac Airport on Sunday, July 5, and 188,000 will pass through the airport on Monday, July 6.
“Overall we’re seeing about a 1% increase from 2025, which is consistent with what we’ve been seeing so far this summer and for 2026,” Cooper said.
According to Cooper, Sea-Tac Airport averages 175,781 passengers per day in June, July and August, totalling more than 16 million for the three months.
In 2025, the Seattle airport averaged about 170,000 travelers a day in June, 178,000 in July and 175,000 in August, Cooper said, with each month averaging 5 million-plus passengers.
How can I avoid travel delays at the airport?
“Our dedicated transportation security workforce is ready to ensure a safe, efficient screening experience for everyone,” TSA Washington Federal Security Director Robert Spinden said in the June 8 news release.
“The most important thing that travelers can do is to get to the airport early and prepared for the checkpoint screening process,” Spinden said.
Here are a few things you can do to make your summer travel experience a little easier, according to the TSA:
- Arrive early: Allow plenty of time for parking, returning rental cars, checking in with airlines, dropping off bags and going through security.
- Bring the right ID: Ensure you have your REAL ID, passport or another acceptable form of identification ready.
- Enroll in TSA Pre-Check: Use TSA Precheck for an accelerated security screenig process.
- Pack your bags carefully: Follow TSA rules for checked bags and carry-ons and check the prohibited items list website.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport offers TSA Spot Saver, a free program that lets travelers make a reservation for the TSA general screening security line.
However, Spot Saver will be unavailable on select days this summer “due to a high volume of visitors,” the airport said.
“SEA Spot Saver will be unavailable from 6 to 10 a.m.” on July 5, 6, 9 and 10, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport wrote in in a June 18 Facebook post. “Additional reservation times from 4 to 6 a.m. have been added to help accommodate demand.”
Airport officials said the “SEA Visitor Pass Program will also be unavailable” on July 5, 6, 9 and 10.
What are ‘peak periods’ for passengers at Seattle-Tacoma Airport?
More than a third of passengers arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport before 9 a.m., “causing busy conditions at TSA security checkpoints and on the airport drives,” the airport said on its website.
The airport also experiences “peak periods” from 2 to 5 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m.
To avoid feeling rushed, Sea-Tac Airport recommends that domestic travelers arrive two hours before their departure times.
International travelers should arrive three hours before their flights are set to depart.
You can check security wait times online.