September 1, 2021
Editor's note: This post was updated on Nov. 1, 2022 to include updated hours for the Spot Saver program. This post was updated on Feb. 8, 2024 to include expanded sign up period for 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. You and your fellow travelers told us you wanted to skip the lines while at the airport. You told us you wanted a more efficient screening experience without the extra cost of other trusted traveler programs. We heard you and the pilot SEA Spot Saver program launched on May 4.
The program was originally created in partnership with Alaska and Delta Air Lines with two separate processes and providers. During the pilot program, you told us you really really liked it and wanted more. We’re here for you — and SEA Spot Saver is now a permanent program!
Here are the deets on how you can use the program:
All passengers from any airline can use SEA Spot Saver at TSA Checkpoints 2, 3, and 5! Program hours are between 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Spots are limited, so sign up five days before your flight!
The fine print:
- All flights for every airline are eligible
- SEA Spot Saver can be used at Checkpoints 2, 3, and 5 between the hours of 4:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- For Alaska and American Airlines flights, use Checkpoints 2, 3 and 5
- For all other airlines, use Checkpoints 2 and 3
You asked, we delivered
We were hearing how much customers loved the program, but they wanted more of it. Throughout the pilot program we expanded Spot Saver’s availability by adding more appointments, more checkpoints, and even added up to five days for passengers to be able to sign up before their flights.
You told us through surveys what you wanted. What did you say?
- Over 95% of SEA Spot Saver users thought it was easy to use and saved them time
- Over 95% of SEA Spot Saver appointments were made in advance; the rest were walk up
Your fellow travelers told us their top reasons for loving the program:
- Peace of mind getting to their flight (45%)
- Efficiency and saving time (43%)
- Avoiding crowds and congestion due to COVID-19 concerns (12%)
What did you do?
From May to August, SEA Spot Saver had 186,520 reservations and with more than 125,000 Alaska Airlines customers using the pilot program over the summer while departing from Seattle.
In that same time frame, 66,500 passengers from other airlines use SEA Spot Saver at Checkpoints 2 and 3 for a total of 190,262 passengers (and counting) using it in their morning travels.
What did travelers do instead of waiting in line?
The top answer from 63% of users was relax, eat, drink, and shop instead of standing in line.
The next best answer was getting to the gate and having time to prep for their flight.
You even came back for more —12% of the reservations for Alaska Airlines customers during the pilot program were repeat customers. One traveler even used Spot Saver nine times, all on different dates!
The warm and fuzzies
SEA Spot Saver participants shared their thoughts:
"I have an unvaccinated child, under 12. I am so nervous about flying with her. This service eased my mind. I’d love to use it again for our flight in October!"
"This was such an incredible opportunity to eliminate travel stress. Loved it! Thank you."
"I love this program and I really hope it continues in the future. The email with the QR code was clear and simple to follow. The staff were helpful and easy to work with and I needed minimal guidance as the directions were easy. I had my stuff in bins to be scanned by TSA in less than 5 minutes! This saved me so much time, I was able to schedule around traffic, TSA wait times, and getting to my gate safely during COVID all because of Spot Saver."
