Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) — Complete Airport Guide 2026
Seattle, Washington · ICAO KSEA
The primary hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines' Pacific Northwest gateway, Sea-Tac features four concourses (A, B, C/D, N, S) in a single main terminal. The airport is undergoing major expansion to meet growing demand as a tech-hub gateway.
SEA Airport Overview
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (IATA: SEA / ICAO: KSEA) is located in Seattle, Washington. The primary hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines' Pacific Northwest gateway, Sea-Tac features four concourses (A, B, C/D, N, S) in a single main terminal. The airport is undergoing major expansion to meet growing demand as a tech-hub gateway.
Hub for: Alaska Airlines
💡 SEA Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures from SEA, especially during peak hours when TSA waits can reach 37 minutes.
- Know your terminal: Use our Terminal Finder tool to look up your airline's terminal before you leave home.
- Hub airport: SEA is a hub for Alaska Airlines, so expect busy connecting traffic. If you're connecting, use the inter-terminal train or people mover to move between terminals.
- Check live conditions: Download the MyTSA app and check the FAA delay map before heading to the airport.
SEA TSA Security Wait Times
Typical security waits at SEA average about 15 minutes in standard screening. The quietest window is usually Tuesday around 11 PM and the busiest is Friday around 6 AM. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally 60–80% faster.
Estimated wait right now
~3 min
TSA Checkpoint Locations at SEA
- Concourse A: Checkpoint 1 (North) and Checkpoint 2 (Central) — TSA PreCheck available
- Concourse B: Via Checkpoints 1 or 2
- Concourses C & D: Checkpoint 3 (Central) and Checkpoint 5 (South) — TSA PreCheck available
- North Satellite (N Gates): Via Checkpoints 1 or 2, then underground train to North Satellite
- South Satellite (S Gates): Via Checkpoint 5, then underground train to South Satellite
SEA Terminals, Gates & Checkpoints — Complete Guide
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has 5 terminal areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of each, including airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim locations, and dining. Always confirm your terminal with your airline.
Concourse A
Concourse B
Concourses C & D
North Satellite (N Gates)
South Satellite (S Gates)
Airlines at SEA — Terminal & Gate Directory
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is served by 12+ airlines. The table below shows which terminal and gates each airline uses. Gate assignments can change — confirm with your airline on the day of travel.
| Airline | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska AirlinesHub | Concourse A | A1–A14 |
| Delta Air Lines | Concourse B | B1–B15 |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Concourse B | B1–B15 |
| American Airlines | Concourses C & D | C1–C20, D1–D12 |
| United Airlines | Concourses C & D | C1–C20, D1–D12 |
| JetBlue | Concourses C & D | C1–C20, D1–D12 |
| Spirit Airlines | Concourses C & D | C1–C20, D1–D12 |
| Frontier Airlines | Concourses C & D | C1–C20, D1–D12 |
| Delta Air Lines (International & select domestic) | North Satellite (N Gates) | N1–N20 |
| Alaska Airlines (additional gates) | South Satellite (S Gates) | S1–S16 |
| International carriers | South Satellite (S Gates) | S1–S16 |
Airline Guides
Read our detailed guides for airlines that serve SEA:
Where to Eat at SEA — Dining & Food Guide
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has 13+ dining options across its terminals, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of what's available:
Getting To & From SEA — Ground Transportation Guide
Here are all the ground transportation options for reaching Seattle from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport:
- Link Light Rail — 1 Line from airport to downtown Seattle (~40 min) and University of Washington
- Sound Transit Express Bus — routes 560, 574 to Bellevue, Tacoma, and surrounding cities
- Ride-share & taxi — pickup on 3rd floor of Parking Garage
- Rental car facility — accessible via walkway from Parking Garage
SEA Parking Options, Rates & Tips
Here are the current parking options at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Rates are subject to change — confirm on the official website ↗ before you travel.
Terminal Direct Garage
4-story garage connected to terminal
Shuttle Lot
Free shuttle, operates 24/7
Airport Lounges at SEA
The following airline clubs and independent lounges are available at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Access is typically through airline elite status, premium tickets, Priority Pass, or day passes.
- Alaska Lounge (Concourses C, D, N)
- Delta Sky Club (South Satellite)
- Centurion Lounge (Concourse B)
SEA Layover Guide — What to Do During a Connection
If you have a layover at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, here's how to make the most of your time:
Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)
- Stay near your gate. Check departure boards for your next gate assignment — it may change.
- Grab a quick bite at one of the terminal restaurants. Popular options include Beecher's Handmade Cheese, Skillet Counter, Sub Pop Records & Café.
- Charge your devices at charging stations found throughout the terminals.
Long Layover (3+ Hours)
- Visit an airport lounge for a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks. SEA has 3 lounge options.
- Explore the terminals. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has shops, restaurants, and amenities across 5 terminal areas.
- Use free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment — most U.S. airports offer complimentary wireless internet.
SEA Map & Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are TSA wait times at SEA?
Typical TSA security wait times at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) average around 15 minutes in standard screening, but they swing widely by time of day. The lines are usually shortest tuesday around 11 pm and longest friday around 6 am. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally much faster. See the full hour-by-hour breakdown on our SEA TSA wait times page.
How early should I arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)?
As a general rule, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight from SEA. Add extra buffer during early-morning and Friday/Sunday peaks, when security lines at SEA are at their busiest, or if you are checking bags.
What airlines fly out of SEA?
SEA is served by carriers including Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue and others. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is a hub for Alaska Airlines.
How many terminals does SEA have?
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has 5 terminal areas: Concourse A; Concourse B; Concourses C & D; North Satellite (N Gates); South Satellite (S Gates). Always confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get from SEA to downtown Seattle?
Popular ways to reach downtown Seattle from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport include Link Light Rail; Sound Transit Express Bus; Ride-share & taxi. Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
Does SEA have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited screening, and most large U.S. hubs like SEA also have CLEAR lanes. PreCheck lets eligible travelers keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.
Where can I eat at SEA?
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Popular spots include Beecher's Handmade Cheese, Skillet Counter, Ivar's Seafood Bar, Bambuza, Floret by Café Flora, Pallino Pastaria. Options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is SEA located?
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is in Seattle, Washington (WA). Its IATA code is SEA and its ICAO code is KSEA. See the embedded Google Map on this page for exact location and driving directions.