Summer Travel Begins at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: Memorial Day Weekend New Updates

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is gearing up for a busy travel period that officially kicks off the summer travel season.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) project a high volume of travellers at SEA during the holiday, with an estimated 970,000 passengers expected from May 21 to May 26, 2025.

With travel demand increasing, airport officials and government transportation agencies urge travellers to plan ahead, utilize alternative transportation options, and familiarize themselves with new airport services and security requirements to ensure a smooth journey.

Avoid Airport Traffic Congestion: Alternative Transportation Options

One of the biggest challenges at SEA during peak travel times is congestion on the airport drives. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Seattle-Tacoma Airport authorities recommend travellers consider alternatives to driving alone. These options include:

• Link Light Rail: The Sound Transit Link Light Rail provides direct and convenient access to SEA from downtown Seattle and neighbouring communities. This environmentally friendly option bypasses traffic, providing a reliable way to reach the terminal.
• Public Transit: King County Metro and other regional bus services offer routes connecting to the airport, serving as a cost-effective and traffic-free alternative.
• Taxi and App-Based Rideshare Services: Taxis, Uber, Lyft, and other ride-share services provide flexible door-to-door options, with designated pick-up and drop-off points to streamline traffic flow.
• Scheduled Airport Shuttles and Van Services: Several private companies operate shuttle and van services, ideal for travellers needing shared rides to and from various points in the region.

For those choosing to drive, SEA offers Reserved Parking on Floor 4 of the garage, guaranteeing a parking space if booked early. Travellers are advised to reserve spots in advance to avoid delays. General parking can be more time-consuming, especially during holidays, so drivers should allow an extra 30–45 minutes for parking availability.

SEA Customer Care: Real Help When You Need It

SEA’s Customer Care team is dedicated to supporting travellers before, during, and after their journeys. They can be contacted via phone, email, social media, or through Customer Care Connect, which includes closed captions and translations in over 60 languages, ensuring accessibility for a diverse traveller base.

Once at the airport, travellers can locate Customer Care representatives easily by their green uniforms stationed at the two main Information Desks, or use Customer Care Connect touchscreens located at key areas such as Baggage Claim 15, Checkpoint 4, and near Gate A6. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) emphasizes the importance of such services in enhancing passenger experience and providing assistance with flight changes, lost items, or accessibility needs.

Real ID Compliance: A Must for Air Travellers

The REAL ID Act, enforced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), requires that all air travellers use a REAL ID-compliant form of identification when passing through TSA security checkpoints. Standard driver’s licenses or identification cards that do not meet the new federal requirements may cause delays at security.

Travellers can visit the Washington State Department of Licensing website for detailed information on obtaining a REAL ID, accepted forms of identification, and updates on compliance deadlines.

The TSA also provides an official list of acceptable documents on its website. Arriving at security checkpoints without proper ID can increase wait times and may complicate boarding procedures.

New Check-In Options and Checkpoint Changes at SEA

As part of the ongoing SEA Gateway Project, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has introduced new check-in options to improve passenger convenience:

• Bridge Level Check-In: Alaska Airlines passengers can now check in and drop off baggage on the Bridge Level via the skybridges connecting the airport garage and terminal. This facility is available to all travellers regardless of their parking location.
• Checkpoint Adjustments: Note that Checkpoint 6 is temporarily closed for upgrades until later in the year. Passengers should consult airport staff or signage to navigate to alternate security checkpoints.

Airport employees in green uniforms are available to provide guidance through security and other terminal areas, ensuring travellers find the best routes and receive assistance where needed.

Projected Travel Volumes: Plan for Peak Days

SEA expects significant passenger volumes during the holiday period, with the busiest days forecasted as follows:

• Friday, May 23: Approximately 182,000 travellers
• Thursday, May 22: Around 181,000 travellers
• Monday, May 26: Approximately 163,000 travellers
• Wednesday, May 21: Roughly 154,000 travellers

These projections reflect combined arriving, departing, and connecting passengers. The TSA recommends travellers arrive early, especially on peak days, to accommodate longer security wait times.

Essential Travel Tips for a Smooth Experience at SEA

1. Arrive Early: For domestic flights, arrive at least two hours before boarding time. For international flights, allow three hours. Account for travel time from parking lots or transit stops to the terminal. The TSA highlights early arrival as critical to avoid missing flights during busy travel periods.
2. Use SEA Spot Saver: Although real-time checkpoint wait times are currently unavailable via the flySEA app or online, travellers can secure a spot in security lines with SEA Spot Saver, helping to reduce wait times and ease stress.
3. Avoid Traffic by Using Alternative Routes: When driving, consider using the lower Arrivals drive in the morning and the upper Departures drive in the evening to minimize delays. Both drives lead to the terminal but have different traffic flow patterns.
4. Head Straight to Security: Check in online or via your airline’s app and download or print your boarding pass ahead of time. Familiarize yourself with your airline’s baggage policies to avoid unnecessary delays.
5. Monitor Peak Travel Periods: Early mornings before 9 a.m., afternoons between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and late evenings from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. tend to be busiest. Planning travel outside these times can improve your experience.

Final Thoughts

Memorial Day weekend 2025 marks the beginning of a busy summer travel season at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

With nearly one million passengers expected, travellers are urged to plan ahead by considering alternate transportation methods, complying with Real ID requirements, arriving early, and making use of new check-in and customer support services at SEA.

Following these tips, backed by government and airport recommendations, will help ensure a smoother, less stressful travel experience and contribute to overall safety and efficiency during this peak travel period.

Image: Port Seattle