Baggage Services

Before Coming to the Airport

Come prepared for your trip, make sure you check your bag size and weight requirements with your airline before you go. Most airlines allow a carry-on and personal item to be with you and any larger luggage has to be checked in at the ticketing counter with the airline. Prices will vary depending on which carrier you use, the size and weight of your bag, and the number of bags you’re checking. Some airlines also offer self-tagging and drop off so make sure you check their options on their contact information.

Travel Tips:

• Make sure you have your identifiable information, stickers, bag tags, or a colorful handle on your bags, it’ll be much quicker and easier to find and reunite!
• If you’re going on a shorter trip, bring only a carry-on. You’ll spend less time waiting to check in and pick up bags!
• Save all your bag tags from your trip on your luggage during your trip just in case! Having the codes and other airport history is especially helpful when connecting through multiple airports.
• If you check a bag within 30 minutes of your departure time, it may not actually make it onto the plane.
• Be prepped for security screening for you and your bags through TSA, check out their checked and carry on luggage policies.

At the Airport

SEA Airport recommends travelers arrive three to two hours before their boarding time so they can have enough time to check in. Most airlines have a limit of allowing the check-in of bags around four to three hours before your scheduled departure time.

Baggage services are an airline policy and operation so unfortunately the airport itself doesn't handle baggage operations or have access to their tracking systems.  SEA Airport recommends reaching out to your airline directly for bag services, airlines are also encouraged to use their dedicated on-site baggage offices which are available to find on our interactive map, as each airline’s policies, hours of operations, and services may vary.

Luggage Porting and Assistance 

SmarteCartes luggage carts are available at the international arrival facility, baggage claim, curbside, and parking garage locations to help transport luggage. You can find the closest one to you on our interactive map. For missing or delayed luggage, please contact your airline directly for assistance.

There are two luggage assistance providers that operate at SEA for domestic flights, you can contact both providers for availability and pricing by calling:

• Express Bag Services: 206-661-3560
• Axel Baggage Service LLC: 206-631-1323
• You can also see if your airline offers luggage porting services. Military Travelers can coordinate luggage porting assistance directly with Sky Caps Service at 206-661-3560.

Need Some Help?

Many airlines have baggage offices on-site at SEA Airport. Unfortunately, due to staffing and high passenger volumes there is not always a person available at the office or to answer phone calls, you would still need to connect with the general baggage service contact for more information on delayed or missing items for the next steps in locating your baggage. The Department of Transportation has information on airline regulations on lost, damaged, or delayed baggage to help guide you.

Best Bag Practices:

• Make sure your name, phone number, and email are on a personal bag tag.
• Pack a copy of your itinerary, if your luggage is lost the airline employees will know where to route your bag in case they find it and cannot get in touch with you.
• Remove old airline bag tags from your bag.
• If you're self-checking your luggage make sure it is attached to the bag's handle correctly or ask the ticket agent for help.
• Make sure your airline-issued bag tag has the correct destination listed.
• If you're making a connection with two different airlines, make sure to check if both airlines are partners. You may have to exit security, claim your bag, then check it with your out-bound airline.