Seattle Airport Guide (SEATAC)

17801 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98158

How early to arrive at SEATAC for domestic flights?

If you’re flying out of SEATAC on a domestic flight, you should arrive at the airport two hours before your flight departure time, leaving you plenty of time to get through security and find your gate. You can monitor checkpoint wait times using digital signage in the terminal or the flySEA App, which you can download from the Apple Store or the Google Play store.

How early to arrive at SEATAC for international flights?

If you’re flying out of SEATAC on an international flight, you should get to the airport at least three hours before your flight. This gives you plenty of time to clear security and find your gate. Boarding often starts 45 minutes to an hour before the plane is due to leave.

Seattle Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and can be daunting to get around. For more information read our blog on how early to arrive at SEATAC before your departure.

How early to check in your bags?

SEATAC baggage check in times depend on the airline you’re travelling with, but most have a limit of three to four hours before your flight’s scheduled departure. For domestic flights you should be checking your bags at least two hours early, while for international flights the recommendation is three hours early. Airlines can close check in around 90 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time.

SEATAC Airport Baggage Assistance & Storage

Smarte Carte offers Baggage Storage services at SEATAC Airport. It is open 7am to 11pm daily and is located near baggage claim 9/10 on level three of the main terminal. For baggage assistance on domestic flights, you can contact either Express Bag Services or Axel Baggage Service. For assistance with lost baggage contact your airline.

SEATAC Curbside Check In

Curbside check in at SEATAC is available on the upper departures drive for American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. For details on the whether the service is available for your flight, please contact your airline.

What time is SEATAC security/TSA open?

There are five security checkpoints at SEATAC. Checkpoint 3 is open 24 hours a day, while the other four have opening hours that range from 4am to 11pm.

TSA pre check is available at Checkpoints 1 and 4

• Checkpoint 1 - 4am to 4pm
• Checkpoint 2 - 4am to 11pm
• Checkpoint 3 - 24 hours
• Checkpoint 4 - 4am to 10pm
• Checkpoint 5 - temporarily closed for construction