Sea-Tac Airport predicts ‘busiest ever’ summer amid World Cup. How to avoid crowds
It’s been more than 30 years since the United States hosted the FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Venues across the nation are hosting World Cup matches in June and July, including Lumen Field in Seattle. Games will also be played in cities in Canada and Mexico.
As fans flock to Seattle and other host cities, officials are predicting heavy traffic on local roads and in the air.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is among the places expecting record crowds.
“Several days in the coming weeks could be among (the 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 how to avoid travel delays:
Why is Sea-Tac Airport experiencing more traffic?
In 2026, the World Cup coincides with the busy summer travel season and a number of holidays, including Flag Day, Juneteenth and Independence Day.
A number of events are planned Sunday, June 14, to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump‘s 80th birthday, the Associated Press reported, including a UFC cage match on the South Lawn of the White House.
Juneteenth, a federal holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, falls on Friday, June 19.
“Sunday, June 14 and Thursday, June 18 — which kicks off a holiday weekend — are projected to see high travel volumes,” the TSA said.
World Cup host cities will be top U.S. travel destinations this summer, according to AAA.
”We’re thrilled to welcome the games to our region,” Sea-Tac Airport managing director Wendy Reiter said on a June 3 Port of Seattle news release. “(The airport) is ready to be the first impression to many of those following their favorite team during the tournament, and we’re prepared as always for our busiest season of the year.”
Reiter said the Seattle airport is “working closely with all of our partners to ensure travelers have a great experience when they arrive, connect and depart ...”
When are FIFA World Cup games in Seattle? Who’s playing?
The first FIFA Men’s World Cup game at Lumen Field will be on Monday, June 15, according to the Seattle stadium’s website.
Belgium will take on Egypt, starting at noon, according to the Lumen Field website.
The United States and Australia will go head-to-head starting at noon on Friday, June 19.
Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar will face off on the pitch on Wednesday, June 24 at noon.
Egypt will face the Islamic Republic of Iran on Friday, June 26 8 p.m.
Two knockout games will take place on Wednesday, July 1 and Monday, July 6 with the opponents and times to be determined as gameplay progresses.
How many people will visit Seattle for World Cup?
Up to 750,000 people are expected to visit the Seattle region during the World Cup, according to Public Health - Seattle & King County.
“Expect heavy traffic, full buses and trains and potentially longer waits for services on game days,” the public health agency said. “When possible, plan ahead to refill medications, schedule appointments and pick up medical supplies to avoid traveling on these days.”
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.
What are busiest times at Seattle-Tacoma Airport?
More than a third of passengers arrive at the Seattle airport before 9 a.m., “causing busy conditions at TSA security checkpoints and on the airport drives,” Seattle Tacoma International 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, the Seattle 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.