Sea-Tac Airport expects up to 53,000 passengers on Friday

If you’re traveling through the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport this week, you better pack some patience.

The airport logged about 50,000 passengers on Thursday and expects up to 53,000 on Friday.

The airport suggests that travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their flight.

The times listed below are expected to be the busiest periods to pass through security:

4 AM to 7 AM - more than 11,000 passengers are expected to pass through security.

9 AM to 12 PM - more than 11,000 passengers are expected to pass through security.

4 PM to 6 PM – more than 6,000 passengers are expected to pass through security.

The airports cites President’s Day and a mid-winter break for many local schools as reasons for the surge in passengers.

In addition to arriving early, the airport advises travelers to follow these tips:

Arrive at the airport early enough to park or return your rental car, check a bag at the airline ticket counter, go through the security checkpoint and get to your gate.  Each step takes extra time when the airport is busy. 

Unpack you bag before you pack it. Passengers who bring prohibited items to the checkpoint slow the screening process for themselves and everyone behind them. 

Prepare your liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes to be sure they are packed in compliance with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. 

Remove all items from your pockets and secure the items into your carry-on bag to prevent them from being left behind in a bin. 

Avoid wearing large metal jewelry or clothing with large metal embellishments to reduce the possibility of alarming the screening machines.

Cox Media Group