November 15, 2018
'Tis the season that some people wait anxiously for all year long. After Oct. 31, they toss the pumpkins and string lights over every square inch of their property. But we’re not all so enthusiastic about the holidays — if holiday travel.and the thought of visiting family across the country fills you with dread, you are not alone. Let’s talk turkey with these tips on how to find a little bit of Thanksgiving when you’re on your way.
And learn more about how to get through the airport during the busy season.
Over the river and through the woods
Running to the gate burns calories, which could be welcome this time of year. But a better idea is to use the Sea-Tac app to check wait times at security and plan your departure from home to have a stress-free departure.
Make transportation gravy
Don’t mess around with traffic. The airport drives will be busy. Skip them altogether and take Sound Transit’s Link light rail. Picking up mom and dad at Sea-Tac? For just $4 (per hour), park in the Sea-Tac Airport parking garage and greet them with a hug at baggage claim. Use the app to input your parking spot so you have no problem finding it again when you’re carrying your parents’ luggage back to the car.
Want to show them how much you care? Sign up for our SEA Visitor Pass program before 1:30 p.m. the day prior to their arrival, and give them a hug right at the gate as they arrive. That will certainly make them thankful!
Find wine
Need a glass before that cross-country flight? Use the Sea-Tac app to find dining options throughout the airport that serve wine. Simply pull up the map from the bottom menu on the app and search for wine. You’ll find sit-down dining options like Vintage Washington pre-security, and Vino Volo in the Central Terminal. Did you know that Starbucks Evenings, also located in the Central Terminal, serves wine and beer for travelers?
Maybe you’re in a hurry but you want to bring a bottle or two to keep you smiling through three days with family this holiday. The app will also show you which retailers at Sea-Tac sell local bottles of wine. On the way to your flight, pick something up from Dufry Duty Free, located in the South Satellite and near the security exit on Concourse C, or at the Made in Washington store in the Central Terminal.
Please your pumpkin palette
If your idea of Fall is pumpkin-spice-everything, the Sea-Tac app can help you from going into withdrawal while you’re traveling. Here are just a few options that will please your tastebuds:
- After grabbing your PSL from one of our eight airport Starbucks, stroll over to Floret on Concourse A and give their pumpkin pancakes a try. Mmmmm!
- Prefer something to enjoy on the plane? Make a stop on Concourse C. Visit Seattle Chocolates for a plethora of chocolate options including their Pumpkin Spice truffles and Pumpkin Spice Truffle Bar. Afterward, just across the way, stop by Lady Yum for a pack of pumpkin spice macarons.
Gift giving
Thanksgiving came early this year. Maybe you forgot to pick up a hostess gift for your first Thanksgiving at your future in-law’s house. Don’t stress — we’ve got you covered. You can find gifts galore at Fireworks in Central Terminal and on Concourse D, Glassybaby on Concourse A, or Chalo Seattle on Concourse C. Use the Sea-Tac app to browse the list of shops at Sea-Tac that will help you find the perfect gift.
Coffee snobs welcome
Whether it’s your decadent mocha, nitro cold brew, or just a local cup of Joe, you will find your favorite coffee at Sea-Tac. Don’t panic — a quick search for “coffee” in the app’s interactive map shows 21 locations, so there’s bound to be one that’s just a few steps away. Find your way from gate N9 to Caffe Vita near gate C2, or find your flight departing from S10 after picking up some brew at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on Concourse A.
Spread some holiday cheer
You meant to send out that stack of holiday cards sitting on your car seat before you left for your trip. After making your husband wear that matching holiday sweater, he may not help you find the closest mailbox. But the Sea-Tac app can help you get them in the mail ASAP! Search for “mailbox” and you will get six airport locations where you can send them off immediately. We can hear your friends and family chuckling already!
Quiet before chaos
You love your six nieces and nephews, but you could use a little quiet time before the auntie or uncle time begins. Take advantage of our Meditation Room. You will find it pre-security on the Mezzanine Level. Prefer a massage or manicure? Relax and enjoy services at Terminal Getaway Spa or Massage Bar. You can also take a little time for yourself and check out our new Concourse D Annex. The project is designed to relieve current congestion for travelers waiting at crowded gates and aircraft waiting on the airfield for an open gate. The facility has a sky-lighted curved roof structure, making it light and airy.
Good luck and Happy Holidays!
