Your travel requires you to visit SeaTac Airport, and you know that it’s not a walk in the park. Worry not—this blog has everything you need to know about the SEA Airport. Read on to find out all about the airport.
About Seattle Tacoma Airport
Seattle Tacoma Airport, also known as SeaTac Airport, is a public airport owned and operated by the Port of Seattle. It is the hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines. SEA Airport is the busiest airport in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The airport served over fifty million passengers in 2023. Thirty-one airlines are operating at SEA and serve 91 domestic and 28 international destinations as of 2022. The airport has a main terminal and two satellite terminals.
Seattle Airport History
The plans for SeaTac Airport started back in the 1920s when the Port of Seattle and the Port of Tacoma proposed a shared airport. However, the legality of public ports operating such facilities was rejected by the state attorney general. In 1941, the state legislature authorized municipal corporations like the public ports to set up aviation facilities.
After the U.S. military took control of the Boeing Field in World War II, the Port of Seattle accepted a $1 million grant from the Civil Aeronautics Administration to build a new airport to serve the Seattle area. The City of Tacoma also contributed to the project by providing $100,000. The construction of the airport then began on January 2, 1943.
The inaugural landing at Seattle–Tacoma Airport was on October 31, 1944, by a United Air Lines DC-3, which carried local elected officials and civic leaders. In May 1945, the first commercial flights were launched.
A third runway was added, and later expansions took place between 1967 and 2008. Modernization and expansion of SeaTac is still in progress.
Where is Seattle Tacoma International Airport?
Seattle Tacoma International Airport is located at SeaTac, Washington. The address is 17801 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98158.
Seattle Tacoma Airport Map
The SeaTac Airport map given below will help you locate the terminal, satellite terminals, parking, and so on.
SeaTac Parking and Transportation
Seattle Airport has onsite parking options like Terminal Direct and General Parking. The airport also offers accessible parking. Alternatively, you can get the lowest rates on SEATAC Airport Parking by booking through Global Airport Parking. There are covered, uncovered, and valet lots offering secure parking. For transportation, there are various options like shuttle, bus service, link light rail, rental cars, taxis, and ride share.
How to get to Seattle Tacoma International Airport
You can get to SeaTac Airport by taking public transit or using a shuttle, taxi, ride share, etc. These are the public transit options:
Link light rail: It is one of the affordable ways to get to the SeaTac Airport. From the station, you can take the electric cart service to the airport.
Bus Service: You can take the Sound Transit and King County Metro, which stops at SeaTac Airport.
Car Rental Service
These are the car rental services at SeaTac Airport:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Fox Rent A Car
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Rent-A-Wreck
- Sext Rent A Car
- Thrifty Rental Cars
Seattle Airport Hotels
These are some of the hotels near Seattle Airport:
Address: 2900 S 192nd St, Seattle, WA 98188
Distance from the Airport: 1 mile
Address: 16500 Pacific Hwy S, Seattle, WA 98188
Distance from the Airport: 1 mile
Address: 19015 International Blvd South, Seattle, WA 98188
Distance from the Airport: 1.8 miles
Extended Stay America Southcenter
Address: 15635 W. Valley Hwy., Tukwila, WA 98188
Distance from the Airport: 3.1 miles
Address: 15920 W Valley Hwy, Seattle, WA 98188
Distance from the Airport: 3.1 miles
Address: 21109 66th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032
Distance from the Airport: 5.8 miles
Address: 18740 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188
Distance from the Airport: 1.1 miles
Address: 200 SW 19th St, Renton, WA 98057
Distance from the Airport: 5.5 miles
Hilton Garden Inn
Address: 3056 S 188th St, SeaTac, WA 98188
Distance from the Airport: 1.2 miles
Skyway Inn
Address: 20045 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98198
Distance from the Airport: 2.6 miles
SeaTac Airport Lounges
You can find these lounges at SeaTac Airport:
The Club
Location: Concourse A, near Gate A12 and S Concourse (Mezzanine level) above Gate S10
United Club
Location: Concourse A, near Gate A9
The American Express Centurion Lounge
Location: Central Terminal (Mezzanine level)
Alaska Lounge
Location: Concourse C, near Gate C16A; Concourse N, above Gate N15 and Concourse D, near Gate D1.
Delta Sky Club
Location: Concourse A, near Gate A1
British Airways Terraces Lounge
Location: Concourse S, near Gate S10
USO Center
Location: Mezzanine level above Checkpoint 3
SeaTac Airport Food and Dining
Seattle Airport has a wide variety of food and dining options. These are some of the options.
| Restaurants | Location |
| Starbucks | Near Checkpoint 3, Level 5, Main Terminal |
| Pei Wei | Near Central Terminal, Level 5, Main Terminal |
| Manchu Wok | Near Gate A5, Level 5, Main Terminal |
| Caffé D’arte | Near Gate A10, Level 5, Main Terminal |
| McDonald’s | Near Gate B1, Level 5, Main Terminal |
| Wendy’s | Near Gate N11, Level 5, N Concourse |
| Costa Coffee | Near Gate N10, Level 5, N Concourse |
| P.F. Chang’s | Near N Concourse Mezzanine, Level 6, N Concourse |
| Skillet | Near Gate N18, Level 5, N Concourse |
| Tacos Locos | Near Marketplace at N, Level 5, N Concourse |
| Greedy Cow Burger | Near Gate S3, Level 5, S Concourse |
| Peet’s Coffee | Near Gate S8, Level 5, S Concourse |
| Smith Cove | Near Gate S1, Level 5, S Concourse |
| Moe’s Indian Kitchen | Near Gate S2, Level 5, S Concourse |
| Vending | Near Gate S9, Level 5, S Concourse |
SeaTac Airport Amenities
Seattle Tacoma International Airport offers several amenities:
- Accessible Transportation
- Wi-Fi
- Airport Lost and Found
- Bag Storage and Luggage Carts
- Bicycle Resources
- Charging Stations and Power Outlets
- Children’s Play Area
- Designated Smoking Area
- Dining, Retail and Services
- Information Desk
- Information for Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Nonconforming Travelers
- Interfaith Prayer and Meditation Room
- Interpretation and Language Services
- Little Free Library
- Music
- Lounges
- Mail It Home
- Mailing Services
- USO
- Nursing Rooms and Suites
- Traveling with Pets and Service Animals
- Water Bottle Refill Stations and more.
Destinations near Seattle Airport
There are so many things to do and explore near the SeaTac Airport. These are some of the places you can explore.
Seattle Art Museum: The Seattle Art Museum is located approximately 15 miles from the SEA Airport. If you are someone who appreciates art, this is a must-visit place near the airport.
Pike Place Market: If you love shopping, Pike Place Market is your spot. With over 200 artisan craftspeople, they sell everything from homemade soap to hand-thrown ceramics.
Seattle Space Needle: The iconic observation tower is a place where you can get a 360-degree view of Seattle.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP): If you want to immerse yourself in creative expression, you might want to visit the MoPOP.
Grandview Off-leash Dog Park: If you want to get some fresh air or feel like spending some time in nature, this is a great place for you.
SeaTac Airport Fun Areas for Kids and Teens
Seattle Tacoma Airport has a children’s play area located across Gate A1 on Level 5, after security in the Main Terminal. A family restroom and a nursing room are nearby. You can also take your kids to the live music and go on an art walk.
Accessible Seattle Airport Facilities
SeaTac Airport offers many accessibility programs. There are Passenger Support Specialists, Sunflower Lanyards, and TSA Cares helplines to assist. SEA Access is a program designed to support travelers with disabilities. There are also accessible transportation facilities and parking. You can inform your airline beforehand to get accessible options available for you.
Security at SEATAC Airport
SeaTac has five checkpoints, and their details are given below:
Checkpoint 1
Screening Types: CLEAR, TSA PreCheck Screening
General Screening Operating Hours: 4 am to 4 pm
Checkpoint 2
Screening Types: CLEAR, General and Premium Screening, and SEA Spot Saver
General Screening Operating Hours: 4 am to 11 pm
Checkpoint 3
Screening Types: CLEAR, General and Premium Screening, and SEA Spot Saver
General Screening Operating Hours: 24 hours
Checkpoint 4
Screening Types: CLEAR, General and TSA PreCheck Screening
General Screening Operating Hours: 4 am to 10 pm
Checkpoint 5
Screening Types: CLEAR, General Screening, and SEA Spot Saver
General Screening Operating Hours: 4 am to 8 pm.
Note that the timing may vary for the CLEAR, SEA Spot Saver, and SEA Visitor Pass.
TSA PreCheck
The TSA PreCheck Enrollment centers are located near Checkpoint 5, Checkpoint 3, and Checkpoint 2 in Level 5, Main Terminal. You should arrive 2 to 3 hours before your departure time. SeaTac TSA wait times may differ according to the time of the day.
Global Entry
SeaTac Airport participates in Global Entry. The Global Entry Enrollment Center can be found on the Mezzanine level of the Central Terminal, located between checkpoints 2 and 3. It’s open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 12 pm.
Mobile Passport
SEA Airport accepts Mobile Passport Control. Eligible customers can submit their details on the app, and it would help the traveler’s entry process into the U.S. by reducing passport control inspection time and wait time.
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations at SeaTac
There is free Wi-Fi at SEA Airport. You can connect to the “SEATAC-FREE-WIFI” to access the network. You can find the charging stations located under selected seats.
SeaTac Airport FAQs
How to get from Seattle Airport to downtown?
There are several ways you can get from Seattle Airport to downtown. Light rail trains and bus services are available for transportation along with other options like taxis, ride-share, rental cars, etc.
How many airports are in Seattle?
There are three airports in Seattle: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Seattle Lake Union Seaplane Base, and Boing Field.
How big is Seattle airport?
Seattle Airport covers an area of 2,500 acres. There are three parallel runways in the airport. It is the Pacific Northwest’s largest airport. It is also the 16th busiest airport in the U.S. in terms of international passenger traffic.
Why is Seattle airport called SeaTac?
Seattle airport is called SeaTac, and it is a portmanteau of Seattle and Tacoma.
Is SeaTac the biggest airport?
SeaTac is the 6th largest airport in Washington and the largest in the Pacific Northwest. In the U.S., SEA is the 16th busiest airport.
How many terminals does SeaTac have?
SeaTac Airport has one main terminal and two satellite terminals – North Gates and South Gates.
