Seattle Tacoma Airport Security Wait Times Guide
If you are planning a trip through SeaTac Airport or are already at the airport, this helpful guide provides detailed information on the airport's security checkpoints, including their locations, types, and operating hours. You'll also learn about expedited screening programs including TSA Pre and CLEAR Plus. Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, this guide aims to enhance your airport experience and make your journey as smooth as possible.
Experience the Ease of Travel with CLEAR Plus and Enjoy 2 Months Free!
Enhance your travel experience at Seattle Airport with CLEAR Plus. Skip the stress and save time with expedited security screening. Additionally, enjoy the convenience of using your CLEAR credentials at T-Mobile Park, where CLEAR lanes are available at the Home Plate Entrance. Moreover, in partnership with iFly, CLEAR is offering a 2 Months Free promotion. You can even add up to 3 other family members to the 2 month trial. Sign up today and experience the difference!
SEA Flight Delays
Before you head to the airport, be sure to check if there are departure delays at Seattle Airport, or use our flight tracker to track the status of a specific flight.
Security Checkpoints - Location & Hours
Checkpoint 1
- Location: Near ticket counter 1
- Type: CLEAR and TSA PreCheck Only
- Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM for TSA PreCheck
- CLEAR: Daily, 4:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Notes: Closest checkpoint for accessing A & S gates
Checkpoint 2
- Location: Near ticket counter 2
- Type: CLEAR, General and Premium Screening, and SEA Spot Saver
- Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- CLEAR: Daily, 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Notes: Closest checkpoint for accessing A & S gates
Checkpoint 3
- Location: Between ticket counters 4 & 5
- Type: CLEAR, General and Premium Screening, SEA Spot Saver, and SEA Visitor Pass
- Hours: General: 24 hours, CLEAR: 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Notes: Central terminal, closest checkpoint for accessing B & C gates
Checkpoint 4
- Location: Near ticket counter 2
- Type: CLEAR, General, and TSA PreCheck Screening
- Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- CLEAR (Precheck only): Daily, 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Notes: Closest checkpoint for accessing C & D gates
Checkpoint 5
- Location: Near ticket counter 2
- Type: General Screening
- Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Notes: Closest checkpoint for accessing D & N gates
TSA PreCheck at SEA
The TSA PreCheck program offers travelers an expedited security screening at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) among other participating airports. Members of PreCheck can enjoy benefits such as not having to remove their shoes, light outerwear, and belts, and not having to take out laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids from their carry-on bags during security checks.
Where to Use TSA PreCheck at SEA:
- TSA PreCheck is available at Checkpoints 1 and 4 within SEA.
- This service is primarily for frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs.
Learn More About TSA PreCheck:
- For detailed information on how to enroll in PreCheck, visit iFly TSA PreCheck Guide.
Participating Airlines at SEA:
- AeroMexico
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- All Nippon Airways
- American Airlines
- Asiana Airlines
- British Airways
- Condor Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- EVA Air
- Emirates
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Icelandair
- Japan Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Korean Air
- Lufthansa
- Norwegian Air
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- United Airlines
- Volaris
CLEAR Plus
The CLEAR Plus service is designed to make your airport experience as smooth as possible. As a CLEAR Plus member, you can move faster through dedicated CLEAR Lanes at any of the open airport locations. At this airport, the service is available at Checkpoint 1 for PreCheck security, Checkpoint 2 adjacent to Concourse A for standard security, Checkpoint 3 for standard security, Checkpoint 4 for Precheck-eligible travelers, and Checkpoint 5 for standard security. Please note that the availability of CLEAR Plus service at these locations may vary due to changes in airport operations.
If you're not a CLEAR Plus member yet, you can enroll today and start your membership right away. For more detailed information about the CLEAR Plus enrollment process and the benefits of membership, please visit iFly's CLEAR Airport Security page.
Lost Items at TSA Checkpoints
If you've misplaced an item at a TSA checkpoint or in checked baggage at Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA), you should contact the airport's Lost and Found immediately. For more information and to report your lost item, you can reach the TSA Lost Items Contact at +1-206-787-5312. Remember to provide a detailed description of your item, including color and any distinctive features, to help with its identification and recovery.
About SEA Security Wait Times
The wait time predictions at SEA are based on flight volume data and TSA staffing patterns, analyzed through advanced data science techniques. This analysis helps project the wait times at SEA Airport, which, except for rare extreme cases, have been reasonably accurate. That being said, the TSA recommends all travelers to reach the airport well ahead of their flight's scheduled departure time.
While this information about security checkpoint wait times aims to aid in your travel planning, it's crucial to also check with your airline regarding the ticket counter wait times and any possible changes to your flight schedules. These elements should guide your decision on how early to arrive at SEA. Remember, each airline sets its own recommended and mandatory arrival times.
Last updated:
TSA Pre Check at SEA
Terminal MAIN
Checkpoint 1
Checkpoint 3
Checkpoint 4
Offsite Checkpoint
Tips, Help & Resources
iFly.com can help you get to, through, and between airports around the world. Here are some things you may need to know that can assist you during your journey specific to SEA:
- Once you get through security, pull up the interactive Seattle Tacoma airport terminals map to navigate to your gate, and see all the SEA restaurant and shopping options along the way.
- Remember that a great low-cost alternative to parking within the SEA airport facility is to use an off-airport parking lot. They offer lower costs, a bit further away from the terminals.
- If you have some time before your flight's departure, be sure to grab a bite, peruse the shops, or jump on the free wifi.
- The next time you need to fly from the Seattle area, don't forget to check nearby airports to compare with SEA airports' flight fares.
Seattle Tacoma Airport wait times Q&A
Find more help here for your journey through the airport