Seattle-Tacoma International Airport [SEA] – Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: May 8, 2021   |    2

1. Travel  / 
2. Airports

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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), or Sea-Tac as it’s locally referred to, moved up to number 8 in the list of the busiest airports in the U.S., based on 2018 passenger numbers.

Serving an average of 136,000 passengers per day, it’s a busy airport considering it’s not that big at just 4 square miles.

The airport’s international network is growing, with 9 new international airlines now operating out of SEA since 2017, and this growth has influenced the current redevelopment project to modernize and expand the airport.

Quick Information

Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Terminals: 1 main terminal with 6 concourses — A, B, C, D, and north (N gates) and south (S gates) satellite terminals
Airport Address: 17801 International Blvd., Seattle, WA 98158
Distance from Seattle: 13 miles (21 km)
Website: portseattle.org
Phone Number: 800-544-1965​
Destinations Served: 91 non-stop domestic and 28 non-stop international
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here.

SEA Terminal Map

Airlines Operating from SEA

Concourse A
Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Delta Air Lines Japan Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines

Concourse B
Aer Lingus, Frontier, Southwest Airlines

Concourse C
Alaska Airlines (also operates from other concourses)

Concourse D
American Airlines

North Satellite
Currently under construction

South Satellite
AeroMexico, Air France, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Asiana Airlines, British Airways, Condor, Emirates, Eurowings, Eva Air, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Icelandair, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Volaris, Xiamen Airlines

The airport advises passengers to check their boarding card for the correct departure concourse for Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines.

SEA Airport Terminals

Seattle Airport’s layout is an “X” shape, with the Central Terminal located in the center of the X and the departure concourses along each of the 4 legs.

2 satellite terminals are situated between the concourses, and the airport road system and parking lots are located on the east side of the Central Terminal. Only once passengers have cleared a security checkpoint in the Central Terminal can they access the departure concourses and Satellite Transit System (STS).

Central Terminal

The Central Terminal is located in the center of the airport and consists of multiple levels:

• Level 2: Satellite Transit System (STS) stations
• Level 3: Baggage claim
• Level 4: Skybridge to ground transportation and car parking
• Level 5: Check-in and access to concourses
• Level 6: Mezzanine with conference facilities

There are a few shops and restaurants in the Central Terminal outside of the secure area with the majority located inside the concourses once you’ve passed through security.

The map above shows the airport layout clearly, but for accurate geographically positioning, the map above would be rotated 90° counterclockwise. This is the positioning this article refers to when discussing the locations of the concourses.

Central Terminal Ticketing Area

Ticketing is on level 5 of the Central Terminal and is a large semi-circle shape with international airlines located at the south end.

There are 5 security checkpoints positioned on the ticketing level. Although each checkpoint provides convenient access to a particular concourse or departure area, passengers can pass through any security checkpoint, provided they have a valid boarding card.

Central Terminal Baggage

Baggage claim is located on level 3 of the Central Terminal, and multiple bridges are available for passengers to access ground transportation services and the parking garage.

Concourse A

Concourse A is located in the southeast corner of the airport and is the longest of the 4 concourses. Security checkpoints 1 and 2 provide the quickest access to the 16 departure gates, numbered A1-A14, A20, and A21.

Concourse A has a good selection of shops and restaurants, a United Club Lounge, and The Club at SEA Lounge.

Terminal connections from Concourse A to:

• Concourse B: Walk between the concourses or ride the blue line south train loop from near gate A4.
• Concourse C: Walk between the concourses or ride the yellow line to Concourse D and pick-up the green line to Concourse C.
• Concourse D: Ride the yellow line train between the concourses from level 2.
• South Satellite Terminal: Ride the blue line south train loop from near gate A4.
• North Satellite Terminal: Ride the yellow line to Concourse D and pick-up the green line to the North Satellite Terminal.

Concourse B

Concourse B is the southwest leg of the “X” shape and has 17 gates numbered B1, B3-B5, B5A, B6, B7, B7A, B8-B12, B14, B15, B20, and B21.

Security checkpoint 3 is the closest to Concourse B, and there is a Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge on the left as you enter the concourse.

Terminal connections from Concourse B to:

• Concourse A: Walk between the concourses or ride the blue line south train loop from near gate B10.
• Concourse C: Come out of Concourse B and turn left to walk to Concourse C.
• Concourse D: Walk between the concourses or ride the blue line train to Concourse A and pick-up the yellow line to Concourse D.
• South Satellite Terminal: Ride the blue line south train loop from near gate B10.
• North Satellite Terminal: Walk to Concourse C or D and ride the green line train to the North Satellite Terminal.

Concourse C

Concourse C is located on the northwest side of the airport and operates mostly Alaska Airlines flights. The concourse consists of 10 gates numbered C2, C3, C9-C11, C15-C18, and C20.

Security checkpoints 3 and 4 are the closest to Concourse C, and just outside of the concourse entrance is an Alaska Airlines Lounge and another located at the top end of the concourse.

Terminal connections from Concourse C to:

• Concourse A: Take the green line train to Concourse D and pick-up the yellow line train to Concourse A.
• Concourse B: Come out of Concourse C and turn right to walk to Concourse B.
• Concourse D: Walk between the concourses or ride the green line train to Concourse D.
• South Satellite Terminal: Walk to Concourse A or B and ride the blue line train to the South Satellite Terminal.
• North Satellite Terminal: Ride the green line train from level 2 to the North Satellite Terminal.

Concourse D

Concourse D is situated in the northeast area of the airport, with 19 gates numbered D1-D11 and D20-D26 (accessible from a connector bridge opposite gate D7.) Security checkpoints 4 and 5 are the most convenient for accessing the D gates.

An Alaska Airlines Lounge is located opposite security checkpoint 4, and the concourse has a range of shops and a few food outlets.

Terminal connections from Concourse D to:

• Concourse A: Ride the yellow line train between the concourses from level 2.
• Concourse B: Walk between the concourses or ride the yellow line to Concourse A and then the blue line to Concourse B.
• Concourse C: Walk between the concourses or ride the green line train between the concourses.
• South Satellite Terminal: Ride the yellow line train to Concourse A and pick-up the blue line to the South Satellite Terminal.
• North Satellite Terminal: Ride the green line train from level 2 to the North Satellite Terminal.

North Satellite Terminal (N Gates)

The North Satellite Terminal is currently going through a renovation project for 20 new gates, a mezzanine with dining options, a new Alaska Airlines Lounge, baggage handling improvements, and more. 5 new gates and some eateries have opened as part of phase 1, with full completion planned for spring 2021.

Terminal connections from the North Satellite Terminal to:

• Concourse A: Ride the green line to Concourse D and pick-up the yellow line to Concourse A.
• Concourse B: Ride the green line train to Concourse C or D and then walk to Concourse B.
• Concourse C: Ride the green line train from level 2 to Concourse C.
• Concourse D: Ride the green line train from level 2 to Concourse D.
• South Satellite Terminal: Ride the green line to Concourse D, the yellow line to Concourse A, and then the blue line to the South Satellite Terminal.

South Satellite Terminal (S Gates)

As the name suggests, the South Satellite Terminal is situated south of the Central Terminal, in between Concourses A and B. There are 14 gates numbered S1-S12, S15, and S16.

The South Terminal is where the majority of international flights operate from, and it has duty free shopping, The Club at SEA, British Airways Terraces Lounge, and a Delta Sky Club.

Terminal connections from the South Satellite Terminal to:

• Concourse A: Ride the blue line to Concourse A.
• Concourse B: Ride the blue line to Concourse B.
• Concourse C: Ride the blue line to Concourse A and walk to Concourse C.
• Concourse D: Ride the blue line to Concourse A and then the yellow line to Concourse D.
• North Satellite Terminal: Ride the blue line to Concourse A, the yellow line to Concourse D, and then the green line to the North Satellite Terminal.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Satellite Transit System (STS) — Inside Security

The STS is an automated people mover that transports passengers between the concourses and North and South Satellite Terminals. 3 different lines run inside the secure area, depending on where you need to travel to/from:

• Blue line: Runs in a circular loop between Concourse A, Concourse B, and the South Satellite Terminal.
• Green line: Runs in a circular loop between Concourse C, Concourse D, and the North Satellite Terminal.
• Yellow line: Runs between Concourse A and Concourse D.

Walking — Inside Security

Once inside the secure area, it’s possible to walk between Concourses A, B, C, and D. As the terminal is shaped like an “X,” it’s easy to navigate as you will always need to return to the Central Terminal area to walk to the next concourse.

To reach the satellite terminals, passengers need to ride the Satellite Transit System.

Sea-Tac App

The Sea-Tac App is free to download for iOS and Android, enabling passengers to check security wait times, use the interactive airport map, and browse shopping and dining facilities.

Security and Customs at SEA

The Central Terminal has 5 security checkpoints — 1 in the central area, 2 close to Concourses A and B (and the South Satellite Terminal), and 2 close to Concourses C and D (and the North Satellite Terminal).

Passengers can check estimated security wait times on the airport’s app.

TSA PreCheck

SEA has TSA PreCheck lanes at checkpoints 2, 3, and 5 and a dedicated area at checkpoint 4. There is also a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center on the ticketing level of the Central Terminal so you can arrange an interview for when you’re next at SEA.

Global Entry

SEA participates in Global Entry clearance for inbound passengers on international flights. The airport also has a Global Entry Enrollment Center on the mezzanine level of the Central Terminal, between checkpoints 2 and 3, open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

SEA also participates in Enrollment on Arrival, available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the South Satellite Federal Inspection Area.

Mobile Passport

Mobile Passport Control is accepted at SEA where passengers can input their details into the app on arrival at the airport and present the instant receipt to a CBP agent.

CLEAR

CLEAR lanes are situated at every security checkpoint for expedited security clearance, and these are available daily from 4 a.m. – 10 p.m. Checkpoints 2, 3, and 5 also have CLEAR enrollment.

Hot Tip: Looking for things to do while you’re there? Check out these great Seattle activities.

SEA Airport Lounges

There are 12 lounges at SEA with a few offering day pass access (for a fee), including United Club, The Club at SEA, and all Alaska Airline Lounges. Other lounges are exclusively for premium cabin passengers or elite tier frequent flyer members.

*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Check out our article on the best personal and business credit cards for complimentary lounge access to avoid lounge entry fees.

Priority Pass Access

The Club at SEA Lounges accept Priority Pass entry but are subject to capacity allowance. Priority Pass holders can also use their membership to receive $28 off their bill at Floret by Cafe Flora.

Hot Tip: Check out our dedicated Priority Pass article as well as the best credit cards for complimentary Priority Pass access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at SEA

There are ~50 restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go food stations at SEA. The majority are located in the secure area, with few pre-security. This means you can check-in, clear security, and grab a bite while you relax and wait for your flight.

If you want to plan ahead where to eat, then you can check what restaurants are available on the airport’s website.

SEA Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free Wi-Fi is available within all public areas at SEA. To connect, select the network “SEATAC-FREE-WIFI.”

Charging Stations: Power outlets can be found under selected seats at almost every gate at Concourses A, B, D, and S. Alaska Airlines also provides power outlets at Concourse C and N gates.

SEA Airport Lost and Found

SEA has a lost and found office located above checkpoint 3 on the mezzanine level. It’s open daily from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and passengers can visit the office or call 206-787-5312 if they have lost their property at the airport.

If an item is left at security, then the lost and found office would receive this the next business day. If an item is left on an airplane, the passenger needs to contact the appropriate airline.

Additional Airport Information

Children’s Play Areas: SEA has a children’s play area between the Central Terminal and Concourse A, across from Seattle Tap Room.

Baby Facilities: There are 8 nursing rooms throughout the airport, located near gates A9, C10, N2, D10, D23, on the mezzanine level of the South Terminal, and near the Concourse D station.

Pet Relief Areas: There are 4 pet relief areas at SEA, located:

• Near the entrance/exit to Concourse B
• On the STS level (level 2) in the South Satellite Terminal
• On the STS level (level 2) in the North Satellite Terminal

Duty Free: Duty-free shopping is available in the Central Terminal and South Satellite Terminal.

Smoking Areas: SEA is a smoke-free zone, apart from 2 designated areas:

• On the arrivals level north of door 26
• On the departure level at the south end of the upper drive

Interesting Features: SEA has live music performances 7 days a week throughout the airport.

Money: ATMs are located in all terminal and concourse areas.

Luggage: Bag storage is available in the baggage claim area of the Central Terminal. For more information, call 206-433-5333.

Important SEA Phone Numbers

General Inquiries: 800-544-1965​

Parking: 206-787-5308

SEA Lost and Found: 206-787-5312

Ground Transportation Booth: 206-787-5906

Travel To and From SEA

Transport Options

• Link Light Rail: SEA has it’s own light rail station that is connected to the fourth floor of the parking garage, adjacent to the Central Terminal. The light rail service connects Sea-Tac to the University of Washington (via downtown) departing every 6-15 minutes. Train fares are $2.25-$3.25 depending on your journey.
• Bus:
  • King County Metro Bus: Bus services operate from International Boulevard by the light rail station, and passengers can walk to the bus station via Skybridge 6. Buses that serve the airport are Route 180 (Burien/Auburn), Route 156 (Southcenter/Des Moines), and Rapid Ride A line (Federal Way).
  • Sound Transit Bus: Express buses operate from the lower drive of the Central Terminal at the south end. Route 574 heads south to Lakewood, connecting passengers to Federal Way and Tacoma en route, while route 560 serves Bellevue, Burien, and Renton.
• Shuttle: Private ride and shared-ride shuttles are available to book in advance or arrange on arrival into SEA. The airport recommends these shuttle operators. Some hotels offer courtesy shuttle services so be sure you check when booking.
• Taxi: You can pick-up a metered or flat rate taxi from level 3 of the parking garage at the north and south curb. A flat rate from SEA to downtown is around $40.
• Ride Services: Lyft, Uber, and Wingz are all approved to operate to/from SEA with drop-offs on the departure; arrivals drives and pick-ups are dependent on the type of vehicle you order with instructions presented in the app.

Hot Tip: If you’re planning on using public transport quite a bit in Seattle, it’s worth getting an ORCA card that you can pre-load with cash, or purchase $8 unlimited travel day passes. These are valid on public buses, trains, some ferries, and water taxis. ORCA cards can be purchased at the airport and are also useful for buses where exact change is otherwise required for payment. 

Directions by Car to SEA

Arriving From the North on I-5

From I-5, use the right 2 lanes to take exit 154B and merge onto WA-518 west towards Burien/Sea-Tac/Airport.

Arriving From the South on I-5

From I-5, use the second from the right lane to take exit 154 for WA-518 west towards Sea-Tac. Merge onto I-405 south and keep left to continue on WA-518 west. Use the right 2 lanes to take the exit towards Sea-Tac Airport and continue onto the Airport Expressway.

SEA Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

There are over 12,000 parking spaces at SEA, and unlike many other airports where long-term parking lots are a shuttle/train ride from the terminal, SEA’s parking is housed in 1 large garage that is adjacent to the Central Terminal.

Short-Term Parking

Short-term or “Terminal Direct” parking is on level 4 with the quickest walk to the terminal through 1 of the 6 connector bridges. Fees are:

• Hourly: $6
• Daily: $39
• Weekly: No weekly rate available

Long-Term Parking

General parking is available in the same parking lot on levels 1-3 and 5-8. Fees are:

• Hourly: $5
• Daily: $32
• Weekly: $149

Over-Height Parking

The airport parking garage has a maximum height clearance of 6 feet 10 inches so any vehicles exceeding this will need to use an alternative parking lot. Follow signs from the Airport Expressway for “Over-Height Parking” which is also walking distance from the terminal. Rates are the same as general parking above.

Electric Vehicle Parking

SEA has 48 electric vehicle charging spaces that are available on levels 4 and 5.

Cell Phone Waiting Lot

SEA has a cell phone waiting lot that friends/family can use when picking up passengers. The lot is located across from the S. 170th Street exit of the Airport Expressway, and visitors can wait for free for up to 20 minutes until passengers are ready for collection from baggage claim curbside.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Without an economy parking lot, a daily rate of $32 is the cheapest option available, which is quite expensive for an airport. If you’re looking for more affordable parking, remote parking lots or hotels will offer better rates. These lots tend to be only a few miles from the airport and provide shuttle services to/from the terminal.

Airportparkingreservations.com is a good place to check prices and lot locations, with daily rates starting from $6.49.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Accessible parking is available on level 5 of general parking and level 4 of terminal direct parking. Passengers can arrange wheelchair assistance by calling 206-246-1550.

Parking Contact Numbers

General parking inquiries: 206-787-5308

Extended stay parking (over 30 days): 310-646-2911

Car Rental at SEA Airport

Car rental companies operate from an off-site facility northeast of the airport. Courtesy shuttle buses operate 24 hours a day transporting passengers between the airport and rental center. These pick-up from the north and south ends of the arrival area outside baggage claim. The following rental car companies operate at SEA:

• Alamo: 833-329-8466
• Avis: 206-433-5231
• Budget: 206-444-7510
• Dollar: 206-433-5825
• Enterprise: 206-246-1953
• EZ Rent-a-Car: 206-444-4974
• Firefly Car Rental: 888-296-9135
• Fox: 206-858-9690
• Hertz: 800-654-3131
• National Car Rental: 833-329-8465
• Payless: 206-496-1174
• Sixt: 206-454-8255
• Thrifty: 877-283-0898

Hot Tip: Find out which credit cards include car rental insurance (and even elite status) so you can avoid paying for expensive insurance through the rental provider. 

SEA Airport Hotels

There’s a good selection of hotels located 2 miles or less from Seattle Airport. Hotels range from 2-4 stars, and many offer courtesy shuttle services to/from the airport.

Check out the nearest hotels below, arranged by distance from the airport.

SEA Airport Hotels

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Seattle Airport Marriott features modern guestrooms, meeting space, and an atrium, along with complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Guests can enjoy local fare and specialty drinks at Aqua Terra Restaurant and Bar or a cup of morning coffee at Consummate Grind café. The Seattle Airport Marriott is a category 5 hotel with free nights starting at 30,000 points for off-peak nights, 35,000 for standard nights, and 40,000 points on peak nights.

The Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport is located across the sky bridge from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and adjacent to the train station. Guests have access to 7 different meeting rooms, a fitness center, and on-site dining options. Free nights at the Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport start at 35,000 points or 1 free night certificate.

The Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center is a perfect business hotel that is just steps from the airport. Guests have access to a 24-hour airport shuttle, fitness center, whirlpool, and outdoor pool. Hilton Gold/Diamond members can save money each morning by enjoying a free breakfast. Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, but a free night will cost around 50,000 points.

Final Thoughts

Seattle Airport has experienced a growth of 43 percent in passenger traffic over the last 5 years and is planning for the future. A $3.7 billion investment has been made with over 100 different projects currently in motion to modernize facilities, increase capacity, and create more sustainable operations.

This does mean that passengers are experiencing some disruption at the moment to availability of facilities and surrounding road systems. However, the airport has some handy tips on how to prepare for a visit on its updates page.