Navigating Seattle Airport: Understanding The Number Of Gates

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is a major transportation hub for the Pacific Northwest, serving over 50 million passengers in 2023 and earning a 4-Star Skytrax Rating. The airport has 103 gates across four concourses (A, B, C, and D) and two satellite terminals (North and South). Despite its large size, SEA occasionally relies on buses to shuttle passengers to their planes. The airport is currently working on expansion projects to increase amenities, including plans to add 19 more gates and a new terminal to the north.

Gates A1-A14 in Concourse A

Gates A1 to A14 are located in Concourse A in the southeast corner of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (also known as Sea-Tac). This concourse is primarily used by Delta Air Lines and other members of the SkyTeam alliance.

Concourse A has 16 departure gates in total, and it is the longest of the four concourses at Sea-Tac. Security checkpoints 1 and 2 provide the quickest access to the gates.

Concourse A offers a good selection of shops and restaurants, as well as lounges including a United Club, Delta Sky Club, and The Club at SEA Lounge.

To get to Concourse B from Concourse A, you can either walk or ride the blue line south train loop near gate A4. To get to Concourse D, ride the yellow line train from level 2. To reach Concourse C, you can walk between the concourses or take the yellow line to Concourse D and then pick up the green line to Concourse C.

For those with children, there is a children's play area near Gate A1, with an attached family bathroom and nursing room. There is also a Little Free Library outside of the play area, where you can grab a book or leave one for others.

Gates B1-B15 in Concourse B

Gates B1-B15 are located in Concourse B of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which is commonly known as Sea-Tac. This airport is located about 20 kilometres south of downtown Seattle. It features one main terminal building, which is divided into four concourses: A, B, C, and D. Concourse B is the southwest leg of the “X” shape of the airport and has 17 gates in total.

Concourse B is used by airlines such as Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Gates B1 to B15 are located in a sequential order along the concourse, with some gates occasionally having an additional letter, such as gate B5A.

To get to Concourse B, you can use the Central Terminal, which is located in the centre of the airport. The Central Terminal has multiple levels for arrivals, departures, baggage claim, ground transportation, and parking. Security checkpoint 3 is the closest to Concourse B, and the Centurion Lounge is located on the left as you enter the concourse.

From Concourse B, you can easily connect to other concourses and terminals. To get to Concourse A, you can walk or take the blue line south train loop near gate B10. For Concourse C, simply exit Concourse B and turn left. To reach Concourse D, you can walk or take the blue line train to Concourse A, then transfer to the yellow line.

The airport offers a range of dining, shopping, and lounge options. There are about 50 restaurants, cafes, and grab-and-go food stations, with the majority located in the secure area. Concourse B itself has a variety of options for travellers to choose from. The airport also features art installations and live music performances throughout the week.

Gates C1-C20 in Concourse C

Concourse C comprises 10 gates in total, numbered C2, C3, C9 to C11, C15 to C18, and C20. The concourse is well-equipped with a range of amenities, including dining options, retail stores, and comfortable seating areas. Additionally, the concourse offers convenient services such as charging stations and information desks to assist passengers during their journey.

One notable feature of Concourse C is its integration within the central terminal, providing travellers with views of the runways and, on clear days, the distant Mount Rainier. This unique setting offers a pleasant atmosphere for passengers awaiting their flights.

Furthermore, Concourse C is home to one of the Alaska Lounges at the airport. Located near gate C16A, this lounge is open daily from 6 am to 12 am and offers facilities such as newspapers, magazines, and a Starbucks coffee machine.

Gates D1-D12 in Concourse D

Gates D1-D12 are located in Concourse D of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which is situated in the northeast area of the airport. This concourse has a total of 19 gates, with Gate D12 being the furthest from the entrance. Concourse D is home to a variety of international and domestic carriers, including United Airlines.

To get to Concourse D, you can take the yellow line train from Level 2 of the Central Terminal. This train connects Concourse D with Concourse A, which is located in the southeast corner of the airport. Alternatively, you can walk between the concourses if you prefer.

Concourse D has an Alaska Lounge located near Gate D1, which is open daily from 5 am to 10 pm. The concourse also offers a range of shopping and dining options, including restaurants and cafes.

The airport's layout is in the shape of an "X", with the Central Terminal in the centre and the departure concourses along each of the four legs. The Central Terminal consists of multiple levels, including Level 2 for the Satellite Transit System (STS) stations, Level 3 for baggage claim, Level 4 for skybridges to ground transportation and car parking, Level 5 for check-in and concourse access, and Level 6 for the mezzanine and conference facilities.

SEA is a large and modern airport, featuring one main terminal building divided into four concourses (A, B, C, and D) and two satellite terminals (North and South). It is a major hub for airlines such as Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines, serving millions of passengers each year.

The North Satellite Terminal

In recent years, the North Satellite Terminal has undergone significant renovations and expansions. In 2021, the Port of Seattle completed a $550 million project called the North Satellite Modernization, which increased the size of the terminal by 201,000 square feet and added eight new gates. The project also included the addition of a mezzanine level with eateries and a rooftop lounge for Alaska Airlines.

Prior to this expansion, the North Satellite Terminal had not received any major upgrades since it first opened in 1973. The renovation project aimed to modernise the terminal and enhance the passenger experience.

Frequently asked questions