Seatac International Airport, USA

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC) ranks among the top 30 busiest airports [1] in the world. Connecting 52.6 million passengers in 2024 [2], it’s a major airport for airlines such as Alaska Air Group, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Air Canada.

More than half (55%) of travelers flying from Washington state arrive at the airport early to help calm nerves about missing their flight. If you’re wondering how early to get to SEATAC for your next departure, we’ve got you covered.

Explore our guide to find out how early to arrive at SEATAC Airport to catch your flight in plenty of time. Discover expert travel tips for how early to arrive at SEATAC Airport for an international flight and when to arrive for a domestic flight. We’ll also cover check-in times and how long it takes to get through security at Seattle Airport to help streamline your journey.

In this guide:

How early should I get to SEATAC?

According to official guidance from the TSA [3] (Transportation Security Administration), you should arrive at SEATAC at least two to three hours before your flight departure. How early to get to SEATAC can vary depending on whether you’re flying domestically or internationally. It’s always advised that you allow an extra hour if you’re flying outside of the U.S.

You’ll also need to consider extra time to travel to the airport via public transport, or secure airport parking at Seattle Airport.

Top Tip: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport – also known as Seattle-Tacoma, SEATAC, SEA or simply Seattle Airport – sees anywhere from three to five and half million travelers per month [4]. One way to ensure you’re ahead of schedule is to arrive two to three hours before your boarding time, rather than your departure time.

Why arrive early?

Reaching the airport two to three hours early allows you time to check in, drop off your luggage, navigate security and head to your gate before boarding closes. In most cases, once boarding closes, you won’t be allowed to board the plane.

We surveyed travelers across America to uncover more about the nation’s flying habits and motivations, including why people prefer to arrive at the airport early.

More than two-thirds (69%) of those flying from Washington state arrive early to allow ample time for check-in and security. However, 50% of travelers arrive ahead of time to mitigate any unexpected issues or changes with their flight. Meanwhile, more than a third (36%) choose to arrive early to kick back and unwind before their departure.

How busy is SEATAC?

So, how busy is SEATAC? Seattle Airport is the 12th busiest commercial service airport in the U.S. Originally built in 1949 to accommodate half a million passengers [5], it now serves more than 50 million travelers a year. There are 89 gates at SEATAC Airport, facilitating over 430,000 take-offs [6] and landings in 2024.

The central terminal at Seattle Airport is comprised of several concourses (A, B, C and D) and satellite terminals (N and S gates), each boasting a selection of amenities and restaurants. The concourses are all connected in the main building. Meanwhile, terminals N and S are accessible by a free, four-minute automatic underground railway service, which arrives approximately every three minutes.

According to Seattle Airport, peak travel periods include:

  • Before 9:00 am
  • 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
  • 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm

SEATAC Airport saw its most popular travel day on record on August 18th, 2024, processing more than 75,000 outbound passengers through airport security. Overall, the airport welcomed a total of 198,000 travelers passing through Seattle Airport via outbound, inbound and connecting flights.

Top Tip: To help streamline your travel itinerary, it’s a good idea to plan all elements of your trip in advance. Booking your airport parking at Seattle Airport even a week before your flight can help save you a significant amount on your parking fees. Feel fully prepared for your journey with our complete guide to the best parking at SEATAC Airport.

How early to arrive at SEATAC for a domestic flight

The TSA recommends that travelers departing Seattle Airport for a domestic flight arrive at least two hours before departure to allow time for check-in and security. If you’re flying during peak hours, with children, or have any accessibility accommodations to consider, or simply prefer to take things more leisurely, you might want to arrive even earlier.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport connects to 94 non-stop domestic destinations in America. According to Delta, check-in for domestic flights closes:

  • Without checked bags – 30 minutes before departure
  • With checked bags – 40 minutes before departure

Passengers are advised to be at their gate and ready to board at least 15 minutes before their scheduled flight departure to allow time to board the plane. However, the TSA also recommends that passengers should contact their airline directly for recommended arrival times.

Top Tip: Seattle Airport reports that more than two-thirds (70%) of the airport’s passengers either start or end their journeys at SEATAC, the rest being connecting flights. If you’re connecting at Seattle Airport for a domestic flight, make sure to allow around two hours between arriving and your next departure. This will help give you extra flexibility to reach your gate and manage any unexpected delays.

How early to arrive at SEATAC for an international flight

Seattle Airport welcomed more than 6.5 million international passengers across 35 international destinations in 2024. To give you plenty of time to navigate the airport and security procedures, the TSA recommends that travelers arrive at SEATAC at least three hours before an international flight.

Check-in for international flights often closes one hour before the scheduled departure time. However, most major airlines recommend that you arrive at your gate and be ready to board the plane at least 45 minutes before departure. For international flights, it’s a good idea to confirm check-in times directly with your airline to avoid any nasty surprises.

Top Tip: Breaking its record, Seattle Airport introduced eight new international services in 2024. If you’re flying internationally with a connection in Seattle, make sure to allow at least three hours between arriving at SEATAC and your connecting flight.

When should I check my bags at SEATAC?

Check in your bags as soon as possible after arriving at SEATAC Airport. As a rule of thumb, aim to check in around two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

If you’re thinking of exploring the restaurants at Seattle Airport, most airlines allow you to check your bags between four and six hours before your flight. However, this can vary depending on the airport.

While minimum check-in times might vary between 30 to 60 minutes before departure, this doesn’t consider the potential added time of going through security and finding your gate. Especially during peak travel periods. So, it’s always better to be prepared and arrive in plenty of time.

Top Tip: Before you arrive, make sure to check the bag size and weight limits for your airline. Most airlines allow a carry-on bag and personal item, while larger luggage must be checked-in before you enter security. Then, keep your most important and valuable items in your carry-on. This includes your boarding passes, wallet and driver’s license, passports and any prescription medicines you may need access to.

How long does it take to get through security at SEATAC?

According to Seattle Airport, 94% of travelers pass through airport security in 30 minutes or less. Over three-quarters (76%) of passengers navigate security in less than 20 minutes. Most departure gates are approximately 10 minutes away from airport security. To check SEATAC TSA wait times in real time, download the My TSA app.

Top Tip: Perhaps you’re an expert at airport security procedures and know the drill like the back of your hand. Or maybe you’re new to flying. In any case, there are a few things to consider to help make passing through security easier.

  • Make sure to keep your ID and boarding passes easily accessible.
  • Apply for TSA PreCheck to reduce waiting and screening times. You’ll be directed to your own screening lane where you won’t have to remove your shoes, laptops, belts, jackets or liquids.
  • You can also save time at Seattle Airport using the free SEA Spot Saver service, offering expedited security by booking a screening appointment in advance.

What time does security open at SEATAC?

SEATAC Airport has a number of security checkpoints, leading to all gates:

  • Checkpoint 1 – CLEAR and TSA PreCheck screening from 4:00 am to 4:00 pm.
  • Checkpoint 2 – CLEAR (6:00 am to 4:00 pm), SEA Spot Saver (4:00 am to 10:00 pm), and General and Premium screening from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm.
  • Checkpoint 3 – General screening is available 24/7, while SEA Spot Saver and SEA Visitor Pass are available from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm.
  • Checkpoint 4 – CLEAR, General, and TSA PreCheck screening are available from 4:00 am to 10:00 pm.
  • Checkpoint A – Occasional general security screening during peak days.
  • Checkpoint 5 – temporarily closed for construction.

How to check in online for a flight at SEATAC

Checking in online ahead of your flight can help save you time at the airport and even offer benefits such as early seat selection and expedited boarding. You can often check in for your flight up to 24 hours before your departure time, though some airlines vary and may offer broader check-in windows. You might receive an email letting you know you can check in online, or you can head to your airline’s website or app to check in early online.

To check in online, make sure to have the following prepared:

  • Departure airport
  • Confirmation number
  • Ticket number
  • Credit/debit card number

Checking in early also allows you to download your boarding pass or print it out at home, though you can often have your passes printed at the airport as usual too.

If you don’t have any checked luggage to drop off, checking in online lets you head straight to security rather than waiting to be checked in at a kiosk.

Top Tip: If you’re flying with mobile boarding passes or PDF files, remember to charge your phone and bring a portable charger. That way, you’ll always have access to your tickets. The same applies to traveling as a group – checking everyone in at the same time online can help simplify your trip.

Fly from Seattle Airport with confidence

Now you know how early to arrive at SEATAC Airport, avoid leaving anything to chance by securing your airport parking in advance. Feel assured that your parking and Seattle Airport hotels are booked and taken care of, so you can relax before your flight. Access unbeatable discounts with our exclusive SEATAC Airport parking coupons today.

Photo by:

Wonderlane – Unsplash

Sources:

^ 1   ^ 2   ^ 6   https://www.portseattle.org/page/sea-airport-basics
^ 3   https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/2024
^ 4   https://www.portseattle.org/news/sea-airport-completes-pandemic-recovery-record-2024-volumes
^ 5   https://www.portseattle.org/page/sea-airport-passenger-volume-milestones