Sea-Tac Airport gives tips for spring break travel season

SEATTLE — Sea-Tac Airport has some recommendations for more efficient travel during the current spring break season.

March 24 to April 17 is expected to see over 1.2 million travelers going outbound through the security checkpoints and over 3 million passengers overall through the airport, according to the airport. Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays are the busiest days each week.

The airport gives tips that can save people waiting and stress:

• Use the free SEA Spot Saver service to make a security check appointment rather than waiting online. Sign up as early as five days before or when you arrive at the airport. Also, remove foods and liquids from carry-on luggage and prepare to hold up the boarding pass for review. Travelers can also see the latest Identification and Documentation Requirements.
• Check out the flySEA app for the latest updates.
• Monitor social media and SEA text messaging to stay on top of construction projects and avoid delays.
• Track construction projects with Upgrade SEA. Use the Upgrade SEA blog for more info. There will be construction for safety and accessibility, which means temporary closures along the garage, sky bridges, and airport drives. There is a ticketing area renovation project that impacts the baggage claim area.
• Watch the drive cams and avoid picking up/dropping off during the busiest traffic periods (6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.). Use Ride Share or Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail. Learn more about alternative modes of transportation.
• If parking is the only option, plan on an extra 45-60 minutes to find a spot. The automated parking guidance system indicates available stalls. Or ‘Switch it up to Speed it Up’ by avoiding the airport’s longest traffic lines by using the arrivals/lower level to drop off in the morning and departures/upper level to pick up in the evening.
• Those going out of the country should download the Mobile Passport Control app before they leave home. A family can complete the customs process from a single mobile device.
• Order SEA is a mobile ordering service that allows you to pick up meals on the way to your gate. Order through the SEA Airport app.
• Those with earlier flights should plan extra time, as SEA says that most travelers show up before 9 a.m. Other busy times are between 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Download the airline’s app beforehand. SEA also has the best baggage tips.
• CDC guidance for travelers changes depending on COVID-19 vaccination status. Check with the airline, as each state or country could be different.

There are also 15 new dining and retail spaces in the airport, including the fully re-opened Central Terminal. N Concourse had nine new locations open recently.

But the best advice for travelers?

Get to the airport early, at least two hours before your boarding time for a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

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