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SEA Security Wait Times Seattle Tacoma Airport

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Seattle Tacoma Airport Security Wait Times Guide

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SEA Security Wait Times Topics:

At SEA Airport, navigating security can be smoother if you're prepared. This guide helps you check TSA security wait times effectively. You'll find tips on how to plan your arrival, use TSA PreCheck, and enroll in CLEAR Plus for a quicker experience.

For more detailed information about Seattle Tacoma Airport, including maps, flight tracking, and amenities, visit the iFly page for SEA Airport.

Travel Smooth with CLEAR+ at Seattle Airport - 2 Months Free!

At SEATAC, CLEAR+ speeds up your security process and cuts down wait times. CLEAR+ lanes are available at 4 security checkpoints.

Also Use At Lumen Field!

CLEAR+Lane is available at Gate 3 for all Sounders home games.

Sign up for your 2 Months Free trial of CLEAR+ today.

REAL ID at Seattle Tacoma Airport (Effective May 7, 2025)

Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers 18 and older must present a REAL ID‑compliant license or another TSA‑accepted ID before clearing security at SEA Airport.

More info on REAL ID requirements »

iFly Tip: Explore the convenience of airline mobile app check-in to save time.

SEA Flight Delays

Before you head to the airport, be sure to check if there are departure delays at Seattle Airport, or use our flight tracker to track the status of a specific flight.

Security Checkpoints - Location & Hours

DCA has three security checkpoints serving different airlines with specific operating hours.

Terminal 1 Checkpoint

  • Location: Gates A1 - A9
  • Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck (Air Canada, Frontier, Southwest)
  • Hours: Opens daily 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Terminal 2 North Checkpoint

  • Location: Gates D35 - D45 and E46 - E59
  • Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck (American Airlines)
  • Hours: Opens daily 4:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Terminal 2 South Checkpoint

  • Location: Gates B10 - B22 and C23 - C34
  • Type: All passengers and TSA PreCheck (Alaska, Delta, JetBlue, United; also American Airlines)
  • Hours: Opens daily 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM

See information below for CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck (via CLEAR) enrollment hours and locations.

All data is subject to change by the Airport, TSA, CLEAR, or other authorities.

TSA PreCheck at SEA

The TSA PreCheck program offers travelers an expedited security screening at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) among other participating airports. Members of PreCheck can enjoy benefits such as not having to remove their shoes, light outerwear, and belts, and not having to take out laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids from their carry-on bags during security checks.

Where to Use TSA PreCheck at SEA:

  • TSA PreCheck is available at Checkpoints 1 and 4 within SEA.
  • This service is primarily for frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs.

Learn More About TSA PreCheck:

Participating Airlines at SEA:

  • AeroMexico
  • Air Canada
  • Alaska Airlines
  • All Nippon Airways
  • American Airlines
  • Asiana Airlines
  • British Airways
  • Condor Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • EVA Air
  • Emirates
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • Icelandair
  • Japan Airlines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Korean Air
  • Lufthansa
  • Norwegian Air
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines
  • Sun Country Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Volaris

iFly Tip: Avoid travel stress by checking the baggage cutoff times before you head to the airport.

CLEAR+ & TSA PreCheck Enrollment

Streamline your security process at SEA Airport with CLEAR+ and TSA PreCheck. This section provides enrollment information for these services via CLEAR, using biometric authentication and advanced technology. You can enroll in CLEAR+ and/or TSA PreCheck at designated CLEAR+ enrollment locations. Start your enrollment online and visit the enrollment location with your U.S. Passport or another acceptable ID to complete the final steps in person. Enroll in TSA PreCheck today. You can choose TSA PreCheck alone or bundle it with CLEAR+ at a discount.

CLEAR+ Lane Locations:
  • Checkpoint 1
    • TSA PreCheck® Enrollment: 4:00am - 5:30pm
  • Checkpoint 2
    • Standard: 4:00am - 10:00pm
    • Checkpoint 2 hours will vary based on security screening operations. If closed, please head to the Lane at Checkpoint 3.
  • Checkpoint 3
    • Standard: 4:00am - 10:00pm
  • Checkpoint 4
    • TSA PreCheck® Enrollment: 4:00am - 10:00pm
Enrollment Locations:
  • Checkpoint 2
    • CLEAR+ Enrollment: 4:00am - 10:00pm
    • TSA PreCheck® Enrollment: 6:00am - 8:00pm
  • Checkpoint 3
    • CLEAR+ Enrollment: 4:00am - 10:00pm
  • Checkpoint 4
    • CLEAR+ Enrollment: 4:00am - 10:00pm

For more detailed information about the CLEAR+program, including locations and available airports, visit the CLEAR+Airport Security Guide.

How to Check SEA Airport Security Wait Times

Follow these three simple steps to check security wait times on this page:

Step 1: Find the Checkpoint Times section. Scroll to the bottom of the page or click the “Check Wait Times” button in the SEA Average Checkpoint Times widget.

Step 2: Choose your arrival time. Use the dropdown menu to select when you plan to reach security.

Step 3: View estimated wait times. The site will display the average wait time for your selected period.

Tips for Using Wait Times

  • Wait times are estimates: Actual conditions may vary due to crowd levels and security delays.
  • Arrive early during peak hours: Security lines are often longer in the mornings and around holidays.
  • Check the official airport site: Some airports provide real-time security wait times for each checkpoint. Visit SEA Airport’s official website and search for "security wait times" to see if this feature is available.

Lost Items at TSA Checkpoints

If you've misplaced an item at a TSA checkpoint or in checked baggage at Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA), you should contact the airport's Lost and Found immediately. For more information and to report your lost item, you can reach the TSA Lost Items Contact at +1-206-787-5312. Remember to provide a detailed description of your item, including color and any distinctive features, to help with its identification and recovery.

About SEA Security Wait Times

The security wait times shown for Seattle Tacoma Airport are computed using a comprehensive examination of historical flight records and TSA staffing timetables. Utilizing sophisticated data evaluation techniques, various 3rd party services, and publicly available data sets to offer fairly precise estimates of wait times at SEA. However, it's important to realize that these estimates may vary due to unforeseen incidents. The TSA advises passengers to get to the airport well before their planned flight departure time.

We strive to assist you in your travel preparations by delivering reliable estimates of security checkpoint wait times. We also recommend contacting your airline for information on ticket counter wait times and any potential changes to your flight schedule. These factors should be taken into account when deciding when to arrive at SEA. Keep in mind, each airline has its own suggested and mandatory arrival times.

iFly Tip: For stress-free flights with toddlers, check out our comprehensive travel guide.

About this Page: Please note that while we strive to keep the content on this page current and accurate, we cannot guarantee it due to the ever-changing nature of airports and airlines; for more details about our data and practices, refer to our Trust & Transparency statement. To report any data issues, use our feedback form.

TSA Pre Check at SEA

AVAILABLE

Terminal MAIN

Checkpoint 1
CLOSED
Checkpoint 3
CLOSED
Checkpoint 4
OPEN
Offsite Checkpoint
CLOSED

Tips, Help & Resources

iFly.com can help you get to, through, and between airports around the world. Here are some things you may need to know that can assist you during your journey specific to SEA:

Seattle Tacoma Airport wait times Q&A

Scroll down to the Checkpoint Times section or use the “Check Wait Times” button.
Use the dropdown menu to select your planned arrival time and see the estimated wait.
Mornings and holiday periods usually show higher wait time estimates.
Yes, it lets you keep shoes, belts, and laptops in your bag at designated lanes.
TSA PreCheck is available at Checkpoints 1 and 4, according to the enrollment details.
CLEAR+ lanes run at different times. For instance, Checkpoints 2 and 3 are available from 4:00am to 10:00pm, while other lanes have specific enrollment hours listed.
Follow the signposted instructions to use an alternative lane, such as moving from Checkpoint 2 to Checkpoint 3.
Start your enrollment online, then visit the designated CLEAR+ enrollment location with an acceptable ID as listed.
Staffing levels, flight schedules, and passenger volumes can change the estimates.
Contact the TSA Lost Items team at +1-206-787-5312 with a detailed item description.