August 20, 2021
Editor's Note: Updated August 2023 to reflect more accurate information
What is better than standing in line at the airport? Literally anything.
Your time is valuable and your experience matters. Security checkpoint lines are at summertime peaks.
Use these programs and services to skip the line to eliminate time wastes, delays, and uncertainty from your journey.
Security checkpoints
- Try SEA Spot Saver! This is a free program for passengers to reserve time at the Transportation Security Adminstration (TSA) general screening security checkpoints. RSVP to save your spot in line up to a day in advance of travel or once you arrive at the airport. Just last week, close to 15,800 passengers used SEA Spot Saver for an abbreviated queuing experience at Checkpoints 2, 3, and 5. Moreover, nearly 90% of participants reported saving time with a reservation for security. And over 44% reported they signed up for the program for peace of mind about getting through security.
- Consider enrolling in Trusted Traveler Programs such as TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR to get you through the lines faster. These expedited security programs make both domestic travel and international travel more efficient. Our frequent travelers use these options the most, but anyone can use these services for free. Make sure to check with your airline to see if you qualify for premium screening, available at TSA Checkpoints 2, 3 and 5!
Before you get to the airport
- The terminal isn’t the only area at SEA that’s busy this summer. The parking garage is also seeing an increase in traffic, but planning ahead can save you time and stress. Use Pre-Booked Parking for seamless, contact-free travel. Book and pay for parking in advance of arrival, drive your own vehicle, and scan your booking QR code on your phone at garage entry and exit.
- Download the flySEA App to find current wait times at each security checkpoint in five-minute increments. It’s available for download on iOS and Android devices!
- Talk to us with Ask SEA, a voice app for Amazon Alexa. You can ask your device airport-related questions for quick answers. For example, if you ask “Alexa, how early should I get to the airport?” your Alexa or Google Assistant will respond with the answer: “Arrive two hours before your boarding time for domestic flights and three hours before for international flights.”
Learn more about travelers’ top five questions for Ask SEA!
- The popular SEA Visitor Pass has returned since its temporary suspension due to COVID-19! This program allows guests to enter the post-security side of the airport when not traveling as an opportunity to meet and greet loved ones, enjoy planespotting, or dine and shop.
At the airport
- Explore Order SEA, a mobile food ordering service for the airport. This service can save you time and effort to enjoy eats from all over the airport without leaving your concourse.
SEA continues to add ways to increase the predictability of your travel. Read the summer travel guide for more information.
SEA, airlines, and airport businesses are rapidly adjusting with the accelerating number of travelers and are working hard, but traveler patience and flexibility are needed. Watch this video for an update on the impact of the pandemic on the restaurants and shops at SEA.
