Secrets of SEA Airport

First written in 2018; updated in 2022

With all the hustle and bustle, many travelers pass through the airport  and don’t ever see some of the best-kept secrets of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Here are a few tips that will make traveling to your next adventure more enjoyable.

Before Security

Digital discovery

A little advance preparation before you head to the airport will go a long way:

• Download the FlySEA App to your iPhone to get an interactive map and Checkpoint Wait times
• Text YES1 to 27829 to receive weekly updates and alerts on SEA Airport operations and services, a mix of transactional and promotional text alerts. Messaging and data rates may apply. Learn more

Bike resources 

We all know how jammed the airport drives and parking can be, so SEA Airport always encourages travelers to choose other commute options. As you know, there are quite a few public transportation methods from the airport like Sound Transit Link light rail and buses. But did you know the airport also offers short-term and long-term bike resources?

Our bicycle assembly station, with tools and a bike pump, provides a place to disassemble or assemble your bike before or after a flight.

The station is located on the Baggage Claim level between carousels 9 and 10. Smarte Carte offers bicycle boxes for sale. Contact your airline about fees to check your bike on a flight.

Four bicycle parking areas with racks are available at the following locations:

• Day-use storage
• Fourth floor parking garage (skybridge 1 and 6)
• Arrivals (south-end bus stop)

 For long-term storage go to Baggage claim level (on the back wall near carousels 12 and 13).

Speed through security

SEA Spot Saver

What's better than waiting in line at the airport? So many things, like shopping, wandering, getting in your steps, stretching out, a phone call to your loved ones, and reading a magazine. Reserve your spot in the security checkpoint line. Here's the fine print and how to use the SEA Spot Saver program.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck allows select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs who are flying on participating airlines, to receive expedited screening benefits which include leaving on shoes, light outerwear and belts, and leaving laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags. Apply online.

Serving those who serve

The United Service Organizations (USO), located on the Mezzanine level of the Main Terminal, supports military travelers and their families with a full nursery; children's games, books, and toys; sleeping facilities; showers, a free snack bar; comprehensive travel information and assistance; and a lounge area that includes a big-screen TV, Microsoft® Xbox games, Internet access, and a library. 

After security:

After passing through security, take a minute to relax before your flight. 

Time for tranquility 

The Sensory Room welcomes all neurodiverse passengers who need a calming environment and may feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, or find the need to recenter from the sights and sounds of the airport travel experience. It's a safe space for families or passengers with neurological or developmental disabilities. The special lighting, furniture, and materials are designed to help passengers and caregivers prepare to travel or recover from their journey. Learn more

Location: After security on the A Train Station level, in the hall near the elevator. The easiest way to get there is to take the elevator across from the Starbucks near Gate A3, from the concourse level to the Train level.

The Interfaith Prayer and Meditation Room is a dedicated space for meditation or prayer. Travelers will experience an open floor space to accommodate prayer with a Qibla pointer, a kneeling prayer bench, and recessed seating for individual reflection. An architectural feature of a forest is backlit with circadian rhythm to mimic the fluctuations of light throughout the day as well as dimmable overhead lighting. This room is also intended to be an honored space for airport workers to practice prayer. Learn more 

Location: The Interfaith Prayer and Meditation Room is located after security below Concourse A on the way to the STS train platform. Keep an eye out for signs that point the way, or use the interactive map or download the FlySEA App for help with wayfinding.

• Learn more about these rooms

Parents’ paradise

At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) we know that traveling can be stressful, especially for families with young children. Therefore, we provide a variety of spaces throughout the terminal to help parents get away from the busy and noisy airport to pump, breast or bottle feed their children. These spaces can be used by a single parent, regardless of gender, or a family and are available before and after security. 

For parents, SEA offers several options to get a little relief for you and the kids.

The Nursing Suite

A Nursing Suite has a shared common space with comfortable seating, semi-private spaces, single-use restroom, changing table, sinks, and more. You can find the Nursing Suite at the North Satellite on the Mezzanine level (near Alaska Lounge) 

Concourse A inside the Children Play Area (next to Qdoba); and Concourse D on the lower level of D Annex near Gate D24 (across from the restrooms) Learn more

Nursing Pods

Nursing Pods are single-user, modular structures that offer privacy throughout the airport. In addition to the amenities listed above, they also include a mirror for redressing. You can find a Nursing Pod at the following locations:

• North Train Station near the elevator and escalators to Concourse D downstairs from TSA Checkpoint 5
• Concourse C near gate C10E/F
• Concourse A near gate A10E by the restrooms
• South Satellite In between the train and concourse levels by the escalators

Children's Play Area

This area is available 24/7 to make your family trip a little more comfortable. It has both hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes for use on top of continual cleaning. There is also a family restroom and nursing room attached and available for families to use! It's located across from Gate A1. Learn more

For your furry friends

There are two areas outside the Main Terminal and before security that can serve as "pet potties" for traveling animals. The two areas are located outside of Baggage Claim on the north end. The north area is outside of door #26, just past Carousel 16. It is a small sandy area to the left under the stairs with plastic bags and a trash can.

Post-security, there are three pet relief areas in the secured section of the terminal. These units have pet waste bags, hand sanitizer, a paper towel dispenser, and trash for waste disposal.

• CONCOURSE D pet relief area is located on the Subway level of the D Gates near the yellow wall. This location is the closest to the North Satellite during its construction
• CONCOURSE S pet relief area is located on the Mezzanine Level of the South Satellite near the escalators
• CONCOURSE N pet relief area is located on the Train level of the North Satellite near the restrooms
• CENTRAL TERMINAL pet relief area is located across from Hudson News in the Central Terminal, just before the Concourse B exit

Reminder: All pets must be in their travel carriers when in the Main Terminal building. The only exception is training/service dogs and other specially trained pets assisting travelers with disabilities.

If any janitorial maintenance is needed at any of these units please call (206) 787-5229. 

See a map of pet relief locations.

Unique eats

Thirsty or hungry? Check-out some dining options that are unique to SEA Airport:

• Sam Choy's Poke to the Max, a taste of Hawaii by the islands' famous chef
• Bambuza, home grown and family inspired Vietnamese cuisine
• Africa Lounge, first-ever menu of African foods in a U.S. airport
• Seattle Chocolate, at Gate V2
• Floret, located between the Central Terminal and A gates, is the airport’s first vegan-friendly dining option

Before you leave!

If you’re waiting to get picked up, head to the Gina Marie Lindsey Hall (GML), located at the south end of the Baggage Claim level, and enjoy the featured art galleries while you wait. 

What to do next?

Take time to explore and enjoy the visual feast at the airport, with plenty to see pre and post-security. SEA's art collection features some of the finest contemporary work in glass, sculpture, photography, painting and sound.   

Take the shuttle service to the SEA Airport Link light rail station to get where you’re going quickly.