Get Your Spring Break On
Spring Break Travel Tips for SEA Airport
Gearing up for a trip this spring? Keep these tips in mind.
Spring is one of the nicest times to travel, but it can also be one of the busiest—especially when schools are closed for spring break. If you're flying through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), use these tips to make your experience as smooth as possible.
The following tips originally appeared in a blog post by the Port of Seattle in March 2025.
Top Tips
Arrive early. Avoid feeling rushed — get to the terminal at least two hours before your boarding time for a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Factor in the time you need to travel from off-site parking or drop-offs to the terminal.
Reach out for help. Find one of the new screens to audio or video call the airport, located pre-security at the information desk near Checkpoint 4, near bag claim 15, and post-security between A5 and A6. Staff are there to support you before, during, and after your trip. Chat, call, or video call using Customer Care Connect. Real-time closed caption translations are available in more than 60 languages! You can also email SEAcustomercare@portseattle.org.
Avoid traffic. Bypass the congested Arrival and Departure drives by using public transportation, airport parking, rideshare, taxi/limo, scheduled airporter, door-to-door van service, or a shuttle option. When picking someone up, briefly park in the SEA Airport parking garage, entering through the International Blvd entrance to meet arriving travelers in the terminal, then exit together through the garage without ever using the drives. You can even pick up a coffee while you’re waiting!
Think opposite. If you choose to use the drives, use the lower Arrivals drive instead of the upper Departures drive during peak morning hours, and vice versa if you’re picking someone up in the evening. Or use whichever lane is moving faster – they all go to the same terminal.
Head straight to security. Check in for your flight ahead of time and download or print your boarding pass. Review your airline’s baggage policies, and if you don’t need to check a bag, head straight to the security checkpoints.
Try the SEA Social Story for help traveling. This social story and resource guide is designed for travelers with autism to repeatedly review with their family/caregivers prior to travel. It can be used by anyone who might find it helpful.
Save Time
- Get through security quickly! The free SEA Spot Saver allows you to secure a spot in line up to five days before your flight, making going through security easier. Checkpoint wait times are currently not available online or in the terminal, but staff in green will be there to guide you to the best queue for you.
- Going to Mexico or another international destination for your holiday? Download the Mobile Passport Control app before you leave home. Add your travel details as you land back at SEA. Collect your bags and go straight to a dedicated line in the arrival hall. Your entire family can complete the customs process from a single mobile device.
- Try Order SEA, a mobile ordering service that allows you to pick up meals on the way to your gate. Order through the SEA Airport app.
Parking Tips
- Space is guaranteed with Reserved Parking on Floor 4 of the garage, but spots are expected to sell out.
- Reserve your spot at least two weeks before your trip for the best availability.
- Or, allow extra time (30–45 minutes) to find drive-up spaces in General Parking.
- Check Floor 8 or the green section in rows S–W if space is limited.
- You can also opt in to receive future Reserved Parking email offers.
- Not interested in driving? Avoid the congestion by using what works best for you, including Link light rail, app-based rideshares, taxis/limos, scheduled airporters, door-to-door van service, and shuttle service.
Busiest Times at the Airport
- Between April 2 and April 20, an estimated 2.8 million travelers will go through SEA.
- The busiest days of the holiday period are Thursdays and Fridays.
- More than one-third of SEA’s daily passenger volume arrives at the airport before 9:00 a.m., causing busy conditions at TSA security checkpoints and on the airport drives. Two more peak periods occur from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.
New in 2025
Have you gotten your REAL ID yet?
The REAL ID Act requires anyone traveling by airplane to use a REAL ID-compliant document. This federal law takes effect on May 7, 2025. Discover the full list of accepted ID documents, or look up information through the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Flying with Alaska Airlines?
Know your checkpoints and Bridge level Alaska check-in: Phase One of the SEA Gateway project opened up new check-in spaces for Alaska Airlines travelers while closing a security checkpoint. In addition, Alaska offers easy check-in and bag drop on the Bridge level along the skybridges from the airport garage. Travelers are encouraged to use that check-in area, even if they are not coming from the garage, as an alternative. Checkpoint 5 is now closed as the SEA Gateway Project continues for another year. Ask any airport employee in green for directions and guidance through security checkpoints and the rest of the terminal.
Passing through the N Concourse?
SEA celebrated the final phase of the modernization project with eight recent openings, including:
- P.F. Chang’s, an internationally recognized Asian culinary brand
- Lil Woody’s Burgers & Shake, an iconic burger joint
- Embarque Whiskey Grill, a relaxed, full-service casual restaurant with a full bar
- CHALO Seattle, a travel gift and lifestyle brand focused on expressing the unique experience of a city and its people
- Show Pony, a locally-owned boutique featuring clothing, jewelry, accessories, and gifts from independent small designers
- Village Pub, a restaurant that brings a modern twist to the classic English pub experience
- Tender Loving Empire, a storefront featuring wares from hundreds of artists, makers, musicians, and small businesses
- Sky Gamerz, a gaming lounge serving up retro video games alongside a full food and drink menu
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