Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is gearing up for a busy 2024 holiday travel season with the opening of new space along the east side of the Alaska Airlines Ticketing Lobby as part of the SEA Gateway Project.

Some of the barricades you may have seen over the past two years are coming down next week, just ahead of the holiday travel season. With construction still underway in other parts of the airport and some services still down due to the cyberattack this summer, passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early.

SEA is preparing for nearly 1.5 million passengers to pass through its gates between Nov. 21 and 30, 2024.

To help travelers navigate the busy period smoothly, SEA has unveiled new updates as part of its ongoing SEA Gateway Project, alongside a range of tips and resources.

New Spaces and Security Updates

As part of the transformative SEA Gateway Project, the Alaska Airlines Ticketing Lobby has expanded with the opening of new space along its east side. Construction barricades that have been in place for two years are coming down just in time for the holiday season. This milestone marks significant progress toward building a more spacious, brighter, and efficient terminal experience for travelers.

Checkpoint 5 remains temporarily closed due to ongoing construction. However, SEA and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have added two new lanes to Checkpoints 2 and 3, increasing capacity and efficiency. During peak periods, Checkpoint A on the terminal’s south end will also open to help manage the flow of passengers. These updates come after a successful summer when 90% of travelers passed through security in under 30 minutes during the busiest months.

Travelers are encouraged to use SEA Spot Saver, a free service that allows passengers to reserve a spot in the security line, reducing wait times and enhancing convenience.

Video

Below is a video from SEA focused on checking in:

Numbers to know

Forecasts are expecting traveler volume to be about even to 2023 levels during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. The highest days do not reach levels near the summer travel period which is the busiest at SEA. The busiest days of the holiday period are currently projected to be:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 27: 172,000 estimated overall travelers (arriving, departing, and connecting)
  • Saturday, Nov. 30: 166,000 travelers
  • Tuesday, Nov. 26: 161,000 travelers

Note: 2024 saw a record number of travelers on August 18 at 198,000.

Go-to tips and tricks

SEA Airport offers several tips to ensure a smooth travel experience:

  • Arrive Early: Travelers should arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Morning hours before 9:00 a.m. are particularly busy, with additional peak times from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.
  • Avoid Traffic: Use public transportation, rideshare options, or SEA’s parking garage to avoid congestion on the arrival and departure drives. Travelers picking up passengers can briefly park in the garage and meet their guests inside the terminal for a smoother experience.
  • Reserve Parking: Travelers can book a parking spot on Floor 4 of SEA’s garage for a minimum two-day stay, ensuring proximity to the terminal. Spaces fill quickly, so reservations are recommended well in advance.
  • Head Straight to Security: Check in online and download or print your boarding pass before arriving. Travelers not checking bags can head directly to the security checkpoint to save time.
  • Follow TSA Guidelines: Pack food and liquids appropriately to avoid delays. TSA’s guidelines provide helpful details on what can be packed in carry-on luggage.

SEA’s interactive map is available to help travelers find their gates, restaurants, and other amenities quickly once through security.

Customer Care Assistance

SEA’s Customer Care team is ready to assist travelers with any questions or concerns. The team is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (206) 787-5388 or via email at SEAcustomercare@portseattle.org. Additional resources and information on accessibility, parking rates, and airport updates are available on the Port of Seattle’s temporary website.

Looking Ahead

SEA encourages passengers to plan ahead for the December holiday season. With travel volumes expected to remain high, early preparation is key to avoiding stress and delays. Whether heading out for Thanksgiving or gearing up for winter celebrations, SEA is committed to making the travel experience as seamless as possible.