How to Fly through Security at SEA Airport

Everyone seems to be traveling now and has an opinion about the best travel program. You want to spend more time on vacation and less time in line at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). And you want to decide for yourself, but the information out there is overwhelming and hard to find. 

• What's the difference between Global Entry, PreCheck, and CLEAR?
• Are there other options if I don't want to pay for a program?
• Can my family travel together using these programs?
• What else is available at SEA?
• Which one is best for me and my travel needs, budget, and style?
• What do I need if I don't travel overseas frequently? Or if I do?

Help is on the way in this overview of benefits, uses, and eligibility requirements for all the programs that will help you speed through security at SEA.  There are several options, including federal Trusted Traveler programs, private programs that will take you to the front of the line, and even a free program just for SEA travelers. They're all great options to make your visit to SEA Airport easier and more predictable regardless of your destination.   

• Short version 
• More detailed version 

Just the facts 

How do all these programs stack up and what’s the difference? There’s more nuance in the longer version below, but here’s the gist of it. 

• Sign up for the program that's right for you at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security 

Timing note: The Federal Government advises that they are receiving many applications and processing may take longer than usual:

• Global Entry: 4-6 months
• NEXUS: 12-14 months

All the details 

Global Entry  

Expedited process for international travelers leaving and entering the United States by air, land, and sea 

One of the most popular programs with more than 10 million members, it provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S. Also includes TSA PreCheck for outbound air travel with expedited security lines and screening.  Provides expedited lines, passports, and customs screening when entering the U.S. by air, land, and sea 

Best for people who make frequent international trips 4 times a year including cruises and driving across international borders  

Provider: U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Cost:     $100 for five years 

Eligible: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals 

Benefits: 

• Reduced wait times with self-service kiosks or E-Gates using facial comparison technologies
   
•  Average Global Entry processing time at SEA Airport’s International Arrivals Facility is less than 15 seconds or less
   
• No paperwork to fill out upon entry 
   
• Includes five years of TSA PreCheck®. In March 2023, 89% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes. (Source: TSA) 
   
• No need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, or light jackets 
   
• Use Global Entry Customs Kiosks at more than 75 airports when returning to the U.S. from travel abroad 
   
• Expedited entrance to the United States in the NEXUS lane when driving from Canada; cannot be used driving into Canada 

Important: To travel with a group, every adult must have a PreCheck membership. Children 12 and under can join a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck in the dedicated lanes. 

How to use it: 

1. For air travel, your membership number (PASS ID) in the “Known Traveler Number” field when booking reservations, or enter it into your frequent flyer profile with the airline. 
    
2. Go to the dedicated TSA PreCheck security line 
    
3. For land and sea crossings, show your Global Entry card 

Timeframe:  

Up to 90 days for a decision; most people will receive conditional approval within a few weeks. After that, you must schedule your interview within 24 months and have it completed within 730 days. 

Application process:

1. Complete an online application 
    
2. Conduct an in-person interview in one of two ways: 

• Schedule an appointment at an Enrollment Center near you! 
   
• If you’re traveling internationally soon, participate in Enrollment on Arrival. If you’re a current member or a first-time applicant who’s conditionally approved, you can complete your interview upon arrival at a U.S. airport. SEA Airport is one of those locations and no appointment is needed. This may be your fastest path to membership approval if you have upcoming international travel.
  

   

• Learn more about Enrollment on Arrival
   
• Learn more about Global Entry 

TSA PreCheck 

Expedited security screening for flights departing from U.S. Airports. Not valid for land and sea border crossings.  

Provider: Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

One of the most popular programs with more than 10 million members, it provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the U.S. In March 2023, 89% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes. (Source: TSA) 

Best for people who make infrequent international travel by air around once a year. Not valid for border crossings by land and sea.

Cost:     $78 for five years 

Eligible: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals 

Benefits: 

• Expedited security screening in participating U.S. airports
   
• Children under 17 can go through the line with parents if they are on the same reservation and PreCheck is displayed on their boarding pass
   
• Reduced wait times with self-service kiosks or E-Gates using facial comparison technologies
   
• No paperwork to fill out upon entry 
   
• No need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, or light jackets 

Application processing time: Four to six months 

Important: To travel with a group, every adult traveling must have a PreCheck membership. Children 17 and under can join a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck in the dedicated lanes if they are on the same reservation and have PreCheck on their boarding pass.  

How to use it: 

After enrolling, include your known traveler number in the appropriate field of your airline reservation, and the TSA PreCheck indicator must be visible on your boarding pass. You cannot access the TSA PreCheck lane by presenting a trusted traveler card or other documentation. 

There are more than 85 participating airlines and 200 participating airports 

NEXUS 

Expedited entry to the United States from Canada by air, land, and sea. Dedicated and expedited lanes when driving from Canada into the U.S.  Also includes Global Entry and TSA PreCheck for expedited departure and arrival by air.  

Provider: U.S. Department of Homeland Security 

Best for people who travel to Canada frequently and Northwest boaters 

Cost:  $50 for 5 years 

Eligible: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationals 

Benefits: 

• Expedited entry and a dedicated lane when driving from Canada into the U.S. 
   
• Expedited vehicle and pedestrian entrance into U.S. or Canada 
   
• Expedited marine entry into U.S. from Canada by telephone  
   
• Access to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck expedited security lanes at airports within the U.S. and U.S territories for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents and Canadian citizens 

Important: Every member of your traveling party will need a NEXUS membership to use the designated entry lanes. 

 Application process:

1. Apply online 
    
2. Conduct an in-person interview with U.S. and Canadian officials at an Enrollment Center.  See all Enrollment Center locations

 SEA Spot Saver 

Skip the TSA Security Line from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with FREE timed entry to TSA security checkpoints at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Reserve your entry time online and bring up to 10 people in your party. SEA Spot Saver is available at TSA Checkpoints 3 and 5 (closest to the C, D, and N Gates) or at TSA Checkpoints 2 (closest to the A, B, and S Gates).  

Provider: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. See if your destination airport has a similar option! 

Best for leisure travelers who don’t travel frequently and does not want to wait in the security line at SEA Airport or pay for expedited entry for TSA Pre-Check or CLEAR; families and groups who want to travel together 

Cost: Free 

Eligible: All travelers flying out of SEA Airport; departing passengers only; not needed for connecting passengers. 

Benefits:  

• Free and no membership required
   
• Timed entry to the general screening line 
   
• Online reservations in advance or when you arrive at SEA Airport
   
• You can travel together with up to 10 people with one reservation

Important: Does not provide expedited screening – you will have to remove your shoes, electronics, and liquids 

Application process: 

1. Reserve your spot in line up to five days before your flight or when you get to the airport at the ticketing level of the terminal! 
    
2. Provide the following information: airline, destination, flight number, number of people in your party, and contact information  

How you use it: 

1. After saving your spot, you will receive an email and a QR code   
    
2. Bring your QR code to SEA Airport 
    
3. Spend time doing what you want instead of standing in line! Check your bags, grab some coffee, and hang out with loved ones. Then walk up to security at your appointment time! 
    
4. Go to your assigned checkpoint and look for the SEA Spot Saver logo or use the interactive map for step-by-step directions 
    
5. Show airport staff your confirmation and go through general screening! 
6. 
    

CLEAR Plus 

CLEAR Plus is a paid membership that helps you move faster through airport security lines nationwide in designated CLEAR lanes at TSA checkpoints.  

Provider: managed by private company CLEAR

Best for frequent travelers and sports fans

Cost: $189 per year, plus $60 per additional family member; discounted rates for Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus members 

Eligible: U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents age 18 and older with valid government ID. 

Benefits: 

• Dedicated CLEAR line for expedited entry to general security checkpoints at more than 50 airports and other venues (like Lumen Field for your next Seahawks and Sounders game!) 
   
• Complimentary Avis Preferred Plus status with Avis rental car  
   
• Expedited entrance to the general security line 
   
• Biometric screening to confirm your identify  
   
• Quick signup 
   
• Manage your account online 

Application process:  

1. Apply online or in person at a CLEAR airport location 
    
2. If you started online, finish enrollment at any CLEAR airport location next time you fly 
    
3. Provide your eye and fingerprints to register with biometrics  
    
4. Go to the dedicated CLEAR line and avoid the long line at general screening

How you use it: 

1. Go to the dedicated CLEAR line at the airport 
    
2. Step up to the pod and scan your boarding pass. Verify your identity with your eyes or fingerprint 
    
3. You are escorted to the front of the line for physical screening in the general security line; you will still have to remove your shoes, laptop, and liquids 

Important: CLEAR takes you to the front of the general screening line but does not provide access to PreCheck or expedited screening; bundling CLEAR and TSA PreCheck will get you the fastest path through security 

Mobile Passport Control App 

Download a free app to streamline passport and customs entry into the U.S. by air and sea 

Download this app to streamline your entry process into the U.S. with shorter wait times, less congestion, and more efficient processing for your whole family. Eligible travelers can submit their passport and customs declaration information online with no paperwork. 

Provider: U.S. Customs and Border Protection 

Best for last-minute travel without sufficient advance notice to apply for trusted traveler programs; people traveling by air and cruise ship; groups who want to travel together 

Cost: Free to download and use the app and the services; does not require pre-approval 

Eligible: U.S. citizens and Canadian B1/B2 citizens. Legal Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) effective June 5, 2023 

Important: Available at 47 sites, including 33 U.S. International Airports, 10 Preclearance locations, and 4 seaports of entry. SEA Airport is one of these sites. 

This app is used only for the first entry into the U.S. after international travel and does not provide expedited departure processes when you are leaving the U.S. 

Benefits:  

• Expedited international entry to the U.S. through a dedicated line  
   
• No paperwork or receipts needed 
   
• Reduced passport control inspection time and overall wait time Simplified entry to the U.S., so you don’t have to use a kiosk or complete a paper form 
   
• Reduced passport control inspection time and overall wait time

Application process: 

None and no pre-approvals required. Just download the app before traveling and go! 

How you use it:

1. Download the app in advance (available for Android and iOS)
    
2. Enter your information into the app on the way back to SEA; you can include up to 10 members of your traveling party on your MPC form
    
3. Once you get your bags, look for the dedicated line for Mobile Passport Control  

New entry process for international travelers arriving at SEA 

With the completion of the new International Arrivals Facility at SEA Airport, travelers arriving in the U.S. from an international destination will now find touchless kiosks in the International Arrivals Facility that allow you to complete the inspection process in under 15 seconds. There is no paperwork or receipts needed. Facial recognition speeds you through passport control and questions.

Learn more about the new international arrivals process at SEA Airport: 

•  International Arrivals and passport control 
•  Bags First for International Arrivals at SEA