Aerial View of Seattle Tacoma Airport

Seattle Tacoma Airport SEA

Explore Today's Deals

Google Landsat / Copernicue Data, ISO, NOAA, U.S. Navy, NGA, GEBCO
Logo invertedSEASeattle Tacoma Airport

Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) Guide

Discover Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA), the Pacific Northwest's largest, serving as a gateway with over 50 airlines to 91 domestic and 28 international destinations. Notably, SEA is renowned for its impressive Central Terminal's glass artwork, enhancing travelers' experiences. This concise guide equips you with essential information for a smooth journey through SEA, whether it's your first visit or you're a seasoned traveler.

Our guide is your essential companion for navigating SEA, offering insights into flight details, terminal information, parking, dining, and shopping. Let us streamline your travel process, allowing you to concentrate on enjoying your journey.

Explore more about major airports by visiting our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.

SEA has seven terminals including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Main Terminal, Satellite North, and Satellite South. Each terminal has a different number of gates ranging from 4 to 13. Major airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines operate from the Main Terminal while other airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines operate from Concourse A, B, C, and D.

Travelers can easily navigate the airport terminals by following the signs and directions posted throughout the airport. The Main Terminal is located in the center of the airport and is easily accessible from the parking garage and the light rail station. The Satellite Terminals are connected to the Main Terminal by an underground train called the "Satellite Transit System".

There are plenty of food and beverage options available in each terminal, including restaurants, cafes, and fast food chains. Travelers can also find a variety of shops and services such as duty-free stores, bookstores, newsstands, and gift shops. Restrooms, ATMs, and charging stations are located throughout the airport terminals for the convenience of travelers.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

SEA Airport has a total of seven terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Main Terminal, Satellite North, and Satellite South. To get between terminals, passengers can use the airport's shuttle bus service, which runs 24/7 and is free of charge. The shuttle buses depart every 5-10 minutes from designated stops outside of each terminal, and the travel time between terminals is approximately 5-10 minutes depending on traffic and distance.

If you prefer to walk between terminals, there are several pedestrian walkways that connect the Main Terminal to the satellite terminals. The walk time between the Main Terminal and Satellite North is approximately 10-15 minutes, while the walk time between the Main Terminal and Satellite South is approximately 15-20 minutes. However, it is important to note that walking between terminals is not recommended if you have limited time or heavy luggage.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

SeaTac offers several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. If you are dropping off a passenger, you can use the designated curbside drop-off areas located in front of each terminal. However, please note that there is a strict time limit for curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. If you need to park your car for an extended period, you can use one of the airport's parking garages or lots.

If you are picking up a passenger, you can use the cell-phone waiting areas located near each terminal. These areas are free to use and allow you to wait in your car until your passenger has arrived and is ready to be picked up. Once your passenger is ready, you can proceed to the designated curbside pick-up area to collect them.

It is important to note that SeaTac Airport has strict regulations regarding curbside parking and drop-off/pick-up procedures. Please follow all posted signs and instructions to ensure a safe and efficient experience for all passengers and visitors.

Parking Facilities & Options

Seattle Tacoma Airport offers several parking options for travelers. The Main Terminal Garage is conveniently located directly across from the terminal, providing covered parking on multiple levels. The Terminal Direct Lot is also located across from the terminal, offering uncovered parking for those who prefer to park and walk.

For those who want to save money, the airport offers off-site parking options. The General Parking Lot is located a short shuttle ride away from the terminal, providing both covered and uncovered parking options. The off-site parking lots offer a more economical option for travelers, with shuttle service provided to and from the terminal.

Cell phone waiting areas are available for those who are picking up passengers. The areas are located near the airport entrance and provide a convenient place to wait for arriving passengers without having to circle the airport.

Handicapped parking is available in all parking facilities, with designated spaces located near elevators and shuttle stops. The airport also provides accessible shuttle service to and from the terminal.

Get details about Seattle Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

SEA offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers.

For those who prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental facilities located at the airport, including major providers such as Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise. The rental car facilities are located on the airport grounds, and shuttles are available to transport travelers to and from the rental car facilities.

Taxi services are also available at the airport, with several taxi companies operating in the area. The taxi drop-off area is located on the third floor of the parking garage, and fares are determined by a meter.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are permitted to pick up passengers at the airport. However, there are some restrictions on where these services can pick up passengers. Travelers should check with their preferred ride-sharing service for more information on pickup areas and restrictions.

Airport shuttles are available for travelers who prefer a more cost-effective option. The shuttle service operates 24/7 and picks up passengers from the third floor of the parking garage. Fares vary depending on the destination, and reservations are recommended.

Public transportation options are also available at SEA Airport. The Link Light Rail provides service to downtown Seattle and other destinations in the area. The Link Light Rail station is located on the fourth floor of the parking garage, and fares are based on the distance traveled.

Airport Hotels

When it comes to airport hotels, convenience and comfort are paramount. Whether you're looking for high-end establishments like the Radisson Hotel or the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center, or budget-friendly options such as the Rodeway Inn, there's a hotel to suit every preference and budget. Many of these hotels are less than a mile away from the airport and provide complimentary shuttle services. They are also strategically located near the Link Light Rail or the I-5 highway, offering guests easy connectivity to downtown Seattle and other attractions. Ready to explore your options? Check out our comprehensive list of Seattle-Tacoma Airport Hotels today.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Traveling through Seattle Airport and looking for some delicious food or a unique shopping experience? Look no further than the airport's wide variety of restaurants and stores. From sushi to burgers, and from duty-free shops to local boutiques, SEA has something for everyone. Some of the most popular restaurants and stores are highlighted below, but be sure to check out the more detailed information for a full list of options, including proximity to gates and links to amenity maps.

If you're looking for a bite to eat, SEA has a variety of dining options to choose from. You can grab a burger at Lucky Louie, enjoy sushi at Koi Shi Sushi, or indulge in Mediterranean-inspired dishes at LouLou Market and Bar. If you're in the mood for some retail therapy, SEA has a range of shops that cater to a wide variety of interests and needs. From duty-free shops like Dufry Duty Free to unique boutiques like Planewear, you're sure to find something that catches your eye. The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, click here to navigate the options.

Passenger Services

The airport offers a variety of passenger services to make your travel experience as comfortable and convenient as possible.

For those who need to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport. Lost and found services are also available at the airport, located in the main terminal near baggage claim. If you are traveling with children, there are several children's play areas located throughout the airport to keep them entertained.

SeaTac also offers special-needs services, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms. If you need any assistance, simply ask one of the airport's friendly staff members.

Banking services are available at several locations throughout the airport, including ATMs and currency exchange. Additionally, medical help is available at the airport's medical clinic, located in the main terminal near baggage claim.

No matter what your needs may be, SeaTac Airport has a variety of passenger services to ensure a stress-free travel experience.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay informed about the status of your flight departure. At Seattle Tacoma Airport, there are several ways to check your flight status and stay updated on any changes or delays.

One way to check your flight status is by using the airport's Flight Information Display System (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, arrivals, and gate information. Simply locate your flight on the display and check the status.

Another way to stay informed is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Many airlines offer apps that allow you to check your flight status, receive alerts about delays or cancellations, and even check in for your flight. You can also sign up for text, email, or push notifications through the app to receive updates directly to your mobile device.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Seattle Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

When flying out of the airport, it is recommended to arrive at least two hours before your domestic flight and three hours before your international flight. The busiest times at SEA are typically early mornings, midday, and late afternoons, so it is best to avoid these times if possible. Additionally, be sure to check with your airline for any specific guidelines or recommendations regarding arrival time.

Getting to the Airport

There are several ways to get to SeaTac, including driving, taking public transportation, or using a rideshare service. If driving, be sure to check the airport's parking options and rates ahead of time. Public transportation options include the Link light rail and several bus routes that serve the airport. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft also operate at SEA.

Getting Oriented

Upon arrival at SeaTac Airport, it is helpful to use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps provide detailed information about each terminal, including gate locations, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. Additionally, SEA offers a free mobile app that provides real-time flight information and airport updates.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Seattle Tacoma Airport, be sure to check your flight status before leaving for the airport. This can be done through your airline's website or app, or through the airport's mobile app. If you do experience a delay, be sure to stay updated on any changes to your flight status and consider signing up for your airline's text or email alerts. Additionally, be prepared for security screening by following TSA guidelines and packing appropriately.

Security Wait Times

At Seattle Airport, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer than usual. However, the airport has implemented several measures to help reduce wait times, including the use of automated screening lanes and TSA PreCheck. It's recommended that travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow enough time for check-in and security screening. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.

Airport Facts & Stats

SEA is located in the United States and is the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest region. The airport has a total of seven terminals, including Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D, Main Terminal, Satellite North, and Satellite South.

On average, SEA Airport handles around 50,000 passengers daily, with an average of 1,200 daily flights. The airport serves over 90 destinations worldwide, making it a popular hub for both domestic and international travel.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at the airport include Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. These airlines operate a combined total of over 800 daily flights out of the airport.

The top 5 destinations served by SeaTac are Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Portland, and Las Vegas. These cities are all major hubs for connecting flights to other destinations around the world.

SeaTac Airport is also a hub for several air carriers, including Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Horizon Air. These airlines use the airport as a major connecting point for their domestic and international flights.

Airport History

Seattle Tacoma Airport, also known as Sea-Tac Airport, is located in SeaTac, Washington. It is the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and serves as a hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines. The airport has a rich history dating back to the 1940s.

Significant events in the airport's history include:

  • 1944 - The airport was first established as a military airfield called Seattle Tacoma International Airport.
  • 1947 - The airport was converted into a commercial airport and renamed Seattle-Tacoma Airport.
  • 1951 - The airport's first terminal building was constructed.
  • 1961 - The airport's second terminal building was constructed to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.
  • 1970 - The airport's third terminal building was constructed, which included a new control tower and baggage handling system.
  • 1990 - The airport's fourth terminal building was constructed, which included a new parking garage and additional gates.
  • 2001 - The airport's fifth terminal building, known as the South Terminal, was constructed to accommodate international flights.
  • 2011 - The airport's third runway was completed, allowing for increased capacity and efficiency.
  • 2020 - The airport experienced a significant decrease in passenger traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, Seattle Airport continues to serve millions of passengers each year and is a vital transportation hub for the Pacific Northwest region.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: SEA
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +1 206-787-5388
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, PO Box 68727, Seattle, WA 98168, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

Last updated:

Seattle Tacoma Airport Q&A

Passengers can use the airport's shuttle bus service, which is free of charge and operates 24/7, or walk via pedestrian walkways connecting the Main Terminal to the satellite terminals. For more details on terminal navigation, refer to the interactive airport map.
SEA Airport offers a wide variety of restaurants and shops across its terminals. For a complete list of dining and shopping options, including their locations, click here to navigate the options.
The airport provides multiple parking options including the Main Terminal Garage, Terminal Direct Lot, and off-site General Parking Lot with shuttle service. For more information on parking facilities and rates, visit the parking page.
You can check your flight status through the airport's Flight Information Display System, your airline's mobile app, or by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com for real-time updates.
SEA Airport offers car rentals, taxi services, shared ride services like Uber and Lyft, airport shuttles, and public transportation via Link Light Rail. For detailed information on each option, refer to the respective pages for car rental, taxi services, and airport shuttles.
Yes, SEA Airport provides a variety of services including free wifi, lost and found, children's play areas, special-needs services, banking services, and a medical clinic. For more information on these services, you can visit the wifi and lost and found pages.
It is recommended to arrive at least two hours before your domestic flight and three hours before your international flight. Be sure to check with your airline for any specific guidelines regarding arrival time.