Seattle–Tacoma International Airport
SeaTac · United States
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), also known as Sea-Tac, is the primary international airport serving Seattle and its metropolitan area in Washington, United States. Located in SeaTac, it is the busiest airport in the Pacific Northwest and a major hub for Alaska Airlines. The airport handles extensive domestic and international flights across multiple terminals and concourses.
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is situated in SeaTac, Washington, approximately 13-14 miles south of downtown Seattle. It serves as the main gateway for the Seattle metropolitan area, accommodating 37 airlines to 96 domestic and 37 international destinations. The facility features a main terminal with four concourses (A, B, C, D), plus North and South Satellite terminals connected by the SEA Underground automated people mover. Owned by the Port of Seattle, it spans 2,500 acres with three parallel runways and 115 gates. SEA is undergoing sustainable master plan developments to handle growing passenger traffic.
Interesting facts
- SEA Underground, operational since 1973, is one of the world's oldest airport people mover systems, connecting the main terminal's concourses to North and South Satellites with platform edge doors.
- The airport is the primary hub for Alaska Airlines, headquartered nearby, and a key international gateway for Delta Air Lines.
- In 2023, SEA served 50,887,260 passengers, approaching its all-time record from 2019.
- The city of SeaTac was named after the airport's nickname, highlighting its central role in the region.
- A sustainable master plan aims to make Sea-Tac the first U.S. hub with fully integrated sustainable features, targeting LEED Silver certification.
Tips for travelers
- Arrive early for security; use the consolidated central checkpoint in the Pacific Marketplace for access to all concourses.
- Utilize the SEA Underground train for quick, free transfers between concourses and satellites within secure areas.
- Link light rail from SeaTac/Airport station provides direct access to downtown Seattle and University of Washington.
- Explore shopping and dining in the Pacific Marketplace before proceeding to gates.
- Check gate assignments as North Satellite is Alaska Airlines exclusive, South Satellite for international flights.
- Allow time for baggage claim; four new carousels handle arrivals efficiently.