Header background image

TSA Security Wait Times Seattle Tacoma Airport SEA

Explore Today's Deals

Logo invertedSEASeattle Tacoma Airport

Seattle Tacoma Airport Security Wait Times Guide

If you are planning a trip through SeaTac Airport or are already at the airport, this helpful guide provides detailed information on the airport's security checkpoints, including their locations, types, and operating hours. You'll also learn about expedited screening programs including TSA Pre and CLEAR Plus. Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, this guide aims to enhance your airport experience and make your journey as smooth as possible.

Experience the Ease of Travel with CLEAR Plus and Enjoy 2 Months Free!

Enhance your travel experience at Seattle Airport with CLEAR Plus. Skip the stress and save time with expedited security screening. Additionally, enjoy the convenience of using your CLEAR credentials at T-Mobile Park, where CLEAR lanes are available at the Home Plate Entrance. Moreover, in partnership with iFly, CLEAR is offering a 2 Months Free promotion. You can even add up to 3 other family members to the 2 month trial. Sign up today and experience the difference!

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

Checkpoint 1

  • Location: Near ticket counter 1
  • Type: CLEAR and TSA PreCheck Only
  • Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM for TSA PreCheck
  • CLEAR: Daily, 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM
  • Notes: Closest checkpoint for accessing A & S gates

Checkpoint 2

  • Location: Near ticket counter 2
  • Type: CLEAR, General and Premium Screening, and SEA Spot Saver
  • Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • CLEAR: Daily, 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Notes: Closest checkpoint for accessing A & S gates

Checkpoint 3

  • Location: Between ticket counters 4 & 5
  • Type: CLEAR, General and Premium Screening, SEA Spot Saver, and SEA Visitor Pass
  • Hours: General: 24 hours, CLEAR: 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Notes: Central terminal, closest checkpoint for accessing B & C gates

Checkpoint 4

  • Location: Near ticket counter 2
  • Type: CLEAR, General, and TSA PreCheck Screening
  • Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • CLEAR (Precheck only): Daily, 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Notes: Closest checkpoint for accessing C & D gates

Checkpoint 5

  • Location: Near ticket counter 2
  • Type: General Screening
  • Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Notes: Closest checkpoint for accessing D & N gates

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

CLEAR Plus

The CLEAR Plus service is designed to make your airport experience as smooth as possible. As a CLEAR Plus member, you can move faster through dedicated CLEAR Lanes at any of the open airport locations. At this airport, the service is available at Checkpoint 1 for PreCheck security, Checkpoint 2 adjacent to Concourse A for standard security, Checkpoint 3 for standard security, Checkpoint 4 for Precheck-eligible travelers, and Checkpoint 5 for standard security. Please note that the availability of CLEAR Plus service at these locations may vary due to changes in airport operations.

If you're not a CLEAR Plus member yet, you can enroll today and start your membership right away. For more detailed information about the CLEAR Plus enrollment process and the benefits of membership, please visit iFly's CLEAR Airport Security page.

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 wait time predictions at SEA are based on flight volume data and TSA staffing patterns, analyzed through advanced data science techniques. This analysis helps project the wait times at SEA Airport, which, except for rare extreme cases, have been reasonably accurate. That being said, the TSA recommends all travelers to reach the airport well ahead of their flight's scheduled departure time.

While this information about security checkpoint wait times aims to aid in your travel planning, it's crucial to also check with your airline regarding the ticket counter wait times and any possible changes to your flight schedules. These elements should guide your decision on how early to arrive at SEA. Remember, each airline sets its own recommended and mandatory arrival times.

Last updated:

TSA Pre Check at SEA

AVAILABLE

Terminal MAIN

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

Seattle Tacoma Airport wait times Q&A

TSA PreCheck is available at Checkpoints 1 and 4. At Checkpoint 1, the hours are from 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM daily. At Checkpoint 4, the hours are from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
CLEAR Plus is available at Checkpoints 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. However, the availability of CLEAR Plus service at these locations may vary due to changes in airport operations.
Yes, the SEA Spot Saver program is available at Checkpoint 2 and offers an expedited security screening option. Additionally, Checkpoint 3 offers SEA Spot Saver as well as the SEA Visitor Pass for expedited screening.
If you've misplaced an item at a TSA checkpoint, you should contact the airport's Lost and Found immediately. You can reach the TSA Lost Items Contact at +1-206-787-5312.
The wait time predictions at SEA are based on flight volume data and TSA staffing patterns. While this guide provides a general overview, it's recommended to check with your airline for the most current wait times and any changes to your flight schedules.
For TSA PreCheck, you can visit the iFly TSA PreCheck Guide for detailed information on enrollment. For CLEAR Plus, you can visit iFly's CLEAR Airport Security page for more details on the enrollment process and membership benefits.
Yes, if you have TSA PreCheck, you should use Checkpoints 1 and 4. For CLEAR Plus members, Checkpoints 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are available, but it's best to choose the checkpoint that is most convenient for your gate and the type of screening (PreCheck or standard) you are eligible for.