Thanksgiving Week Airport Travel Tips From SEA

SEATTLE — The Thanksgiving travel week is likely to look a lot more like pre-pandemic times this year, and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport expects a 150 percent surge in foot traffic compared to last year. With nearly 1.5 million travelers likely to pass through the airport by next Monday, airport officials have assembled several tips for navigating one of the busiest stretches of the year.

Here are the busiest Thanksgiving travel days at SEA Airport in 2021:

• Monday, Nov. 28: 136,000 travelers projected.
• Wednesday, Nov. 24: 132,000 travelers projected.
• Tuesday, Nov. 23: 120,000 travelers projected.
• Monday, Nov. 22: 129,000 travelers projected.
• Total travelers projected through Nov. 29: 1.45 million.

As the holiday season gets closer to normal, travelers should plan ahead for crowded parking both inside and outside the airport and longer lines across the board.

"Parking, security lines, and restaurant lines are the most congested places at the airport, especially during a period of surging holiday travel," said Lance Lyttle, managing director at SEA Airport. "New programs can help make your trip more predictable and less stressful. A little planning will go a long way to make your trip enjoyable."

Here are a few ideas from airport officials for getting to SEA:

• The SEA Airport parking garage is busy this holiday season.
• Avoid driving hassles with Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail. Public transit is by far the best option if you want to stay out of a traffic jam.
• Catch a ride with taxis or app-based rideshares like Uber and Lyft, or other ground transportation.
• Rent your own ride. All rental car companies operate at an off-site rental car facility where dedicated shuttle buses transport passengers for free 24-hours-a-day, 365 days a year.
• Pedal power! Yes, you can even bicycle to the airport with bike racks and two ways to access the airport on a bike.
• If you still plan to park, we recommend at least 30 minutes to find a stall. Off-site parking facilities are also expected to be very busy. Parking reservations are recommended.
• If you’re picking up or dropping off loved ones…
  • Check out the new and improved Cell Phone Lot! The new access ramp is a game change with better flow for entry and exiting you can pick up your passengers easier. Use it instead of shoulder parking, which is dangerous and illegal!
  • Think opposite and balance the drives when going to pick up passengers! Use the Departures Drive for pickup at night and the Arrivals Drive for passenger drop off in the morning.

New travel programs at SEA:

• Use SEA Spot Saver to skip the security line! This free program enables you to make a reservation for the TSA general screening security line. This first-of-its-kind program is now being copied by other airports but here at SEA now! RSVP to save your spot in the line up to 72 hours before travel for flights between 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. – our busiest times at the checkpoint!
• Arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours prior for international travel.
• For a more efficient experience, download (or update!) the flySEA App. See checkpoint waits in real-time in 5-minute increments, locate dining and retail to explore, and use the interactive map to navigate the airport.
• Look for the SEA Pathfinders in bright green if you have questions in the terminal or DM us and our customer care team is happy to help!
• Check TSA’s rules on what you can bring through security.
• Don’t start your vacation hangry, eat with Order SEA, our mobile food ordering service with an option for gate delivery, for food from all over the airport.
• Stay on the nice list. SEA Airport, the businesses and restaurants, and airlines are working hard to staff up and get ready for the travel rush. Pack your flexibility and patience for the holidays!
• Escape the busy airport terminal with The Club SEA, open daily by Gates S9 and A12. Day passes are $45 and include complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks, beverages, and bar service. Totally worth it!

>> Check out SEA Airport's complete 2021 Holiday Travel Guide.