When to arrive at the airport
Travelers should arrive early at the airport to account for transportation, baggage and ticketing services, security screening, wayfinding and more. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) recommends arriving at the terminal hours before your flight. Don’t forget boarding starts often 45 minutes to one hour before your scheduled departure time!
| Domestic Travelers | International Travelers |
|---|---|
| Arrive two hours before your scheduled departure time. | Arrive three hours before your scheduled departure time. |
Checkpoint construction projects
We’re upgrading SEA and the TSA Checkpoints. The long-term renovation of the main terminal will continue to improve the facility to the with a variety of projects in the future:
- Security Screening Checkpoint 5 is temporarily unavailable and under construction to be redesigned to add space and security screening capacity to significantly improve passenger processing with the SEA Gateway project.
- Checkpoint 1 is Relocating to the south on the bag claim level. This project will create new queuing, travel document verification, and add additional security screening lanes
Live estimated checkpoint wait times
Traveler Alert: We’re working to restore live estimated checkpoint wait times in the terminal, flySEA app, and on the website. Please see other advice on security screening in the meantime to best prepare for your trip.
Estimated checkpoint wait times are available on digital signage in the terminal, below or available on the flySEA App.
- Who is in charge of the checkpoints? Security screening operations, hours and staffing are managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Checkpoints are open daily and operational hours and lane types are determined by TSA.
- How are checkpoint wait times measured? Security Checkpoint wait times are approximate and estimated by security systems and checkpoint staff. Live checkpoint wait times for each checkpoint are published in minute increments. Wait times account for the entire screening experience from when you enter the queue to when you’ve completed screening. Live checkpoint wait times change often so make sure you still arrive to the airport early no matter what they are!
- How do I pick the best checkpoint for me? If you are using a trusted traveler program make sure to use dedicated checkpoints and lanes for that product. All other travelers can use any of the general screening lanes at any checkpoint since they lead to all gates. On-site SEA Airport staff will help guide you to the best checkpoint. Even if a line looks long, if it is moving it’ll be quicker for processing. Wait times are approximate and may vary, but they are available on digital signage throughout the terminal.
*The International Arrivals Facility Recheck and Checkpoint A do not currently have estimated wait times available. Due to checkpoint construction, some wait times may not be available. Security Checkpoint wait times are approximate and estimated by security systems and checkpoint staff. If you’re not seeing any estimated wait times below please clear your cookies and cache in your browser, check the flySEA app, or in terminal digital signage.
How to get through the checkpoints quicker
Be prepared for the Checkpoints! Travelers can access all gates from any checkpoint. There are five available checkpoints* at SEA Airport featuring general, premium, CLEAR, SEA Spot Saver, TSA PreCheck, and ADA-friendly screening. Expedite screening by following these simple instructions:
Choose your Checkpoint:
Before entering the checkpoint:
- Have your ID and boarding pass out and ready for the ticket document checker when you get to the front of the line
- Make sure reusable water bottles are emptied, we have liquid disposal available at checkpoints for your use
- Know what items you can and can’t bring ahead of time by checking with TSA your airline before going through security
In the screening lane:
- For all specialty items such as car seats, strollers, wheelchairs, medication, baby formula, etc. please see a TSA Agent for assistance
- Make sure your pockets are empty and remove common items like keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cellphones, along with bulky jewelry and belts. Valuable items can be placed in carry-on
- Shoes and jackets must be removed and placed in a bin
- All electronic devices larger than a cell phone such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles must be removed from their bags and place them in a bin without other items on top or underneath them for X-ray screening
- Carry-on bags must be placed in a separate bin
After screening:
- Remember to check the bins and collect ALL of your belongings after going through screening. If you left something at the TSA Checkpoints by accident it’ll be turned in to our Airport Lost and Found!
Interested in an expedited experience?
Explore some of the available programs. Any Checkpoint leads to all gates and airlines.
