Sea-Tac holiday travel tips: How to plan ahead and avoid the busiest times

Sea-Tac International Airport A closed TSA checkpoint at Sea-Tac International Airport. (KIRO 7) (KIRO 7/KIRO 7)

Sea-Tac International Airport expects 2.1 million passengers between December 19 and January 2, with more than 160,000 travelers per day during the busiest days. Here what are expected to be the busiest times:

  • Friday, Dec. 20: projected 163,750 passengers
  • Thursday, Dec. 19: projected 157,500 passengers
  • Sunday, Dec. 22, Monday, Dec. 23 and Thursday December 26: projected 152,500 passengers

The slowest days in the holiday travel season are expected to be:

  • Tuesday, Dec. 13: projected 115,000 passengers
  • Tuesday, Dec. 24: projected 125,000 passengers
  • Wednesday, Jan. 1: projected 125,000 passengers
  • Wednesday, Dec. 25: projected 127,500 passengers

Sea-Tac also expects to set a record with 50 million passengers for the overall year. Here are some tips from Sea-Tac staff to keep your travel as easy as possible:

  • Download the Sea-Tac app for real-time checkpoint wait times and maps.
  • Use Sound Transit Link light rail to avoid traffic jams, and use the Train to Plane shuttle cart service.
  • Check for road construction projects before leaving for the airport.
  • Baked goods and other solid foods are allowed in carry-on luggage. This includes breads, cookies, candies and meats. However, jams, jellies, sauces, or other liquids need to be in quantities of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less to travel in your carry-on. Any quantities greater than 3.4 ounces should be placed in checked baggage.
  • In the morning, drop off passengers on the Arrivals level. In the evenings, arrange to meet your passengers on the Departures level.
  • Peak traffic congestion occurs on Departure from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. During the middle of the day, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., both Arrivals and Departure experience backups. In the evenings, the Arrivals drive experiences heavy traffic from about 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
  • Check out additional travel tips from Sea-Tac staff here.

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