Aerial View of Seattle Tacoma Airport

Seattle Tacoma Airport SEA

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Airport Overview

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (commonly known as Sea-Tac Airport or SEA Airport) is a major transportation hub located in SeaTac, Washington, about 14 miles (22km) south of downtown Seattle and 19 miles (29km) north of downtown Tacoma.

As the Pacific Northwest's largest airport, it serves the Seattle metropolitan region and is one of the busiest airports in the United States. Sea-Tac Airport offers a wide range of international flights to destinations around the world in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is also one of the fastest-growing airports in the U.S., with three long runways capable of handling more than 45 million passengers each year.

Top 5 Things To Know About SEA Airport

  1. Location: Sea-Tac Airport is located in SeaTac, Washington, which is about 14 miles (22km) south of downtown Seattle and 19 miles (29km) north of downtown Tacoma. It serves the Seattle metropolitan region and is the Pacific Northwest's largest airport.
  2. Airlines and Destinations: Sea-Tac Airport serves over 30 different airlines and offers flights to destinations around the world in North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a hub for Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Horizon Air, and it is a member of the SkyTeam alliance.
  3. Amenities: Sea-Tac Airport has a variety of food options, shops and stores, and an on-site hotel. It also has multiple parking options, including a garage and surface lot, and electric vehicle charging stations. In terms of ground transportation, the airport offers rental car services, the Link light rail, Sound Transit bus and shuttle services, taxis, ride-sharing services, and limousines.
  4. TSA Security Requirements: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has certain requirements for travel through Sea-Tac Airport. To expedite the security process, travelers can enroll in the TSA Precheck or CLEAR Plus programs. Sea-Tac Airport also has an International Arrivals Facility with US Customs and Border Protection and a Global Entry enrollment center. The airport participates in the Mobile Passport Control program, which allows travelers to use the Mobile Passport app to submit their passport and arrival information.
  5. Tips for Travelers: To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience at Sea-Tac Airport, it is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight to account for possible delays and TSA security wait times. Peak travel hours at the airport are between 5:30am and 11am, and 7pm to 9pm, and Thursday and Friday are typically the busiest days. It is also a good idea to review the airport map before your trip and to familiarize yourself with the terminal locations.

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Airport Restaurants, Stores & Amenities

Airport Stats & Facts

  • The Seattle Tacoma Airport served almost 50 million passengers in 2019, before Covid. A near-record number of travelers boarded flights during the 2021 holiday season.
  • SEA is the 8th busiest United States airport, and is the 29th busiest international airport. About 10 percent of travelers use the airport for international travel.
  • Seattle Airport’s parking facility is the 2nd biggest parking garage in the world.
  • Recent awards for Seattle Airport include Excellence in Performance at Departure, and Best Airport Staff Service in North America

SeaTac Traveling Tips

Peak hours at airports are between 5:30am and 11am, and 7pm to 9pm. Thursdays and Fridays are peak travel days. You should arrive at SEA Airport no less than two hours before the flight.

During peak hours or holidays, the Departure upper floor is used for pick-up and the Arrival lower for drop-off.

To account for TSA security wait times and possible delays, arrive at least 2 hours prior to domestic flights and 3 hours prior to international flights.

Before you head to Seattle Airport for your flight, take a moment to review the Seattle Airport map.

Passenger Pickup and Dropoff

  • Suggest that your arriving party meet you outside of the ticketing upper level using the less-crowded Departures drive.
  • Park either on the SEA Terminal Direct level of the parking garage, or use the Cell phone waiting lot (free for up to 30 mins) and wait until your party has collected bags & calls you for curbside pickup.

Passenger Help

  • Blue shirts are worn by Pathfinders & Volunteers with 3/4-length sleeves and left-hand insignia. Private contractors who prepare passengers for TSA checkpoint screening wear dark trousers with white shirts. TSA officers at the screening area wear dark blue shirts and black trousers with ties.

Flight Status

Seatac Airport Terminals

Sea Tac Airport SEA has one main terminal, called the Central Terminal, as well as two satellite terminals. The terminals host a total of 80 gates. To see the terminal locations and additional information, please refer to the Seattle Airport terminal map.


Central Terminal

The Central Terminal has four concourses: Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, Concourse D. The ticketing area, baggage claim, and ground transportation are also located in this terminal.


Satellite Terminals

  • North Satellite Terminal - 12 gates (N1-N3, N6-N11, N14-N16).
  • South Satellite Terminal - 13 gates (S1-S12, S15). This terminal also handles all of the airports arriving international flights.

Both satellite locations provide transportation to and from the concourses in the main terminal via an automated underground train system called the Satellite Transit System. 


Airlines Served

The SEA Airport serves over 30 different airlines. It also serves as a main hub for Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Horizon Air.

  • Alaska Airlines, which is headquartered near the airport, utilizes SeaTac as its primary hub and provides approximately 40% of the airport’s flights.
  • Delta Airlines uses the airport as a hub for all international flights to and from Asia.


Seattle Airport Parking

Short-term and Long-term Parking: Parking at SEA Airport is available onsite. The airport parking garage is open to the public and has more than 12,100 available parking spaces. Monthly parking programs and handicap accessible parking are also available through the airport.

Off-site Parking: Many parking lots offer affordable off-site parking near the Seattle Airport. Most of the off-site parking lots allow 24/7 access and also provide a shuttle service to and from the airport.


Ground Transport

Passengers have many options to get ground transportation to their next destination after they arrive at SEA airport. There are many transportation options available, including airport shuttles and car rentals, buses, trains, and buses. Many passengers also use ride services such as Uber, Lyft and taxis.

Seattle Airport Car Rental: Car Rentals are a breeze at Sea-Tac. There are multiple car rental agencies onsite at the airport. Hertz, Enterprise, National, and other well-known car rental providers offer airport travelers a large variety of vehicles to choose from.

Seattle Tacoma Airport Shuttle: Airport Shuttle Services are a great way to travel to and from the Seatac Airport. With over twelve different shuttle and van services, you can get a ride to almost any nearby location.

Buses & Trains: Public transportation is available from SEA airport to all major areas nearby. The Light Rail train runs from the Seattle Airport parking garage all the way to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington. The Sound Transit Express Bus is another popular mode of transportation, with tickets under $3 USD.


Amenities & Services at SeaTac

To help you enjoy your stay, the Seattle Airport provides visitors with many different amenities and services including:
  • Restaurants, cafes, and bars.
  • Stores, gift shops, and local souvenir shops.
  • Shoe shine stations and massage bars.
  • Multiple art installations and exhibits on display.
  • Free Wi-Fi internet throughout the entire airport.
  • Currency exchange.

Contact Information

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is owned and operated by the Port of Seattle.

Address: 17801 International Blvd./Pacific Hwy South, Seattle, WA 98168, USA
Website: http://www.portseattle.org/seatac/
Phone: (206) 787 5388 or 1-800-544-1965

Have you lost an item at the airport? Lost & found.


Seattle Airport: A Brief History Timeline

  • In 1944, the Port of Seattle built Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Construction was paid for by $100,000 and $1 million respectively from Civil Aeronautics Administration.
  • In 1947, the first scheduled flights were made by Trans-Canada and Northwest airlines.
  • The airport was serving seven airlines and had 216 flights per week by April 1957
  • In July 1959, Seatac Airport opened its first concourse.
  • A new terminal costing $28 million was built around the old one in 1973. A second runway was built, as well as a parking lot, satellite terminals and underground trains.
  • In November 2008, a third runway was constructed at $1.1 billion. The runway was more than three times longer than the older ones and allowed pilots to land at low visibility.
  • Delta Air Lines, an international airline, announced in 2014 that Seattle Airport would be its new hub.
  • The 8th busiest American airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, is currently growing at a faster rate than any other.
  • The expansion of the North Satellite Terminal by the Port of Seattle began in 2020. It will add 181,000 square feet to the terminal and eight additional gates..

Traveler Help

Questions about SEA? Find answers here.
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Newest Questions

Where is Delta ticket counter?

Asked by Liz Hueu - Sun, 23 October

The Delta check-in counter is located on Level 5 in the main terminal. 

Does airport test person before flying?

Asked by Trudy - Mon, 17 October

Currently, the State of Washington doesn't require a COVID-19 test for any inbound or outbound domestic flights. 

Where is the British Airlines check in?

Asked by Ellen Beauchamp - Tue, 27 September

British Airlines is located in the South Concourse. 

Is wheelchair assistance available from Alaska Air to bus terminal ?

Asked by Eileen - Fri, 23 September

Yes, wheelchair service is available. Please include this in your reservations when booking with Alaska Air. 

What gates does Delta use?

Asked by Margaret E Grochocki - Wed, 14 September

Delta uses Concourse N gates, with check-in located at the main terminal. 

Do they have a play area for children?

Asked by Wanda - Tue, 13 September

Yes, there is a play area for children located by the Delta Sky Lounge between the Central Terminal and A gates.

How busy is the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend?

Asked by Jann Hoppler - Fri, 2 September

This can be hard to predict but it is typically recommended to allow more time during holiday weekends at the airport. 

Where do departures on FinnAir leave from?

Asked by Woody Powell - Mon, 22 August

FinnAir uses the South Concourse. 

What security checkpoint (2, 3, or 5) is closest to Alaska Concourse C?

Asked by Donna - Fri, 19 August

Security Checkpoint 3 would be the closest. 

Where is the Taxi stand at the airport?

Asked by Anne Wargo - Thu, 11 August

The taxis are located on the 3rd floor of the parking garage. 

Where are Alaska Airlines gates located?

Asked by Jim - Sun, 3 July

Alaska Airlines is located at the Main Terminal, Level 5, Concourse D. 

What gate does Alaska Airlines use?

Asked by Deb Courville - Sat, 25 June

Alaska Airlines is located on Level 5 of the Main Terminal and uses Gates D1 and D2. 

Where is the pickup gate?

Asked by Linda J Veatch - Tue, 21 June

You will need to know which terminal you are needing to pick up from and then wait outside of the specific terminal. They do have a cellphone parking lot where you can park until your passenger lets you know they are ready to be picked up and then you can move to the pick-up at that time. 

What is the best way to help an elderly passenger to get around Sea-Tac? Are there the service golf carts available to take passengers to baggage claim?

Asked by Staci Matlock - Sat, 18 June

Sea-Tac doesn't offer service golf carts but they do have an Accessibility Division that you can contact called Prospect Airport Services at (206) 246-1550. If you have a wheelchair available and need to use it from the ticketing counter to your gate, it is best to contact your airline directly to set up those arrangements before you arrive. 

What is the Port of Seattle (SeaTac) Police number?

Asked by Jim Boynton - Fri, 17 June

You can contact the police at their communications center number (206) 787-5401.

Where is the Capital Hill Food Hall?

Asked by KP - Sun, 22 May

The Capital Hill Food Hall is located by Gate A6, in the A Gates area. 

I need transportation from the airport to the cruise ship docks.

Asked by Donald Charles Fischer - Fri, 13 May

To drive is about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. A rideshare would likely cost you between $35-$60, and a taxi would likely cost between $40-$60. Most cruise lines also provide transfer services, usually for between $20-$30 a person each way. You could take public transportation, but the Light Link Rail will only take you to downtown Seattle, where you would need to either catch a rideshare/cab or bus. 

How do I get from A terminal to S terminal?

Asked by Mark Flukinger - Sun, 8 May

You can take the Terminal Shuttle/Yellow Loop to get between these two Terminals. Here's more information on the shuttle. 

What's the address of this airport?

Asked by Claire - Sat, 7 May

The address for this airport is: 17801 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98158. 

Is there a luggage storage rental locker at the airport?

Asked by Rosemary Porembo - Wed, 13 April

Baggage Storage is located in the Baggage Claim area of the Main Terminal. This isn't lockers though, just a counter that will store your baggage. For more information, call Smarte Carte at (206) 433-5333.

Are there restaurants open for non travelers?

Asked by mlo - Thu, 7 April

There is a Sourced Market and a Starbucks located before security. You can find both by Ticketing near Checkpoint 3 & 4. 

TSA contact info

Asked by Sali - Sun, 3 April

To speak to the TSA, you can call (855) 787-2227 or submit an online form on their website. 

What is the best way to get from SeaTac to Pier 91?

Asked by Greg - Tue, 15 March

The easiest way to get to Pier 91 would be to get a cab or rent a car, but there are also public transportation options available

Is baggage claim for international flights in the main terminal?

Asked by Karen Ballard - Sat, 12 March

You will have to collect your bags while exiting customs. While this will be in the Main Terminal, it won't be in the "normal" baggage claim area. 

Is there a train I can catch to downtown Seattle?

Asked by Gillian A Hallmen - Mon, 7 March

Yes, you can take the Light Link Rail to downtown Seattle. Learn more about Light Link Rail and other public transportation

How far from the domestic terminal to the international terminal?

Asked by Michelle Comeau - Sat, 5 March

There is not one international Terminal at this airport. You can move freely between all Concourses since they are connected at post-security area. Both satellites, North and South gates, are linked to the main terminal by underground loop trains. So you should be able to get from a domestic to international flight easily, though you may have to go through security again. 

Are there Bank of America ATMs?

Asked by Leslie K Lee - Mon, 21 February

There are no Bank of America ATMs at this airport. There are only US Bank ATMs.

Seattle Tacoma Airport Q&A

The Seattle Tacoma International Airport, commonly known as Sea-Tac Airport or SEA Airport, is located in SeaTac, Washington, which is about 14 miles (22km) south of downtown Seattle and 19 miles (29km) north of downtown Tacoma. It is the Pacific Northwest's largest airport and serves the Seattle metropolitan region.
Yes. While the official name is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, it is also commonly referred to as Seattle Airport, Sea Tac Airport, and SEA.
Passengers are permitted to sleep in the Seattle Airport. It remains open 24 hours a day and visitors can stay airside overnight. There is also a designated rest area located at Gate B4, which provides comfortable seating and power outlets. We also recommend these awesome Seatac layover ideas.
Seattle-Tacoma Airport is the main hub for Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Horizon Air. Sea-Tac serves as the primary hub for Alaska Airlines and hosts the majority of the airline’s flights.
In terms of cost, January is typically the cheapest month to fly into the Seattle-Tacoma Airport.
There are two airports that serve the city of Seattle, Washington: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and King County International Airport (BFI). Seattle-Tacoma is a much larger and busier airport.
Being a major airport, you can fly to many cities around the world without a stopover. Check out our direct flights page to see where you can go!

Sea-Tac Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States. It served almost 50 million passengers in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, it had a near-record number of travelers during the holiday season. It is the 8th busiest airport in the U.S. and the 29th busiest international airport. Approximately 10% of travelers at Sea-Tac Airport use it for international travel.

The Sea-Tac Airport has a variety of food options, including restaurants with various cuisines and drink specials. It also has a variety of shops and stores for retail therapy. The airport has an on-site hotel for travelers needing a place to stay. There are multiple parking options available, including a garage and surface lot, and there is an online reservation system. The airport also has electric vehicle charging stations. In terms of ground transportation, the airport offers rental car services from multiple providers, as well as the Link light rail, Sound Transit bus and shuttle services, taxis, ride-sharing services, and limousines.