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The Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, also known as the Sea–Tac Airport, is located in the city of SeaTac, Washington. The city of SeaTac, incorporated in 1990, surrounds the airport and derives its name from it. The airport is the primary international airport serving Seattle and its surrounding metropolitan area. It is the busiest airport in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, serving over 50 million passengers annually. The airport is easily accessible by public transportation, including light rail and bus services, and offers a variety of dining, retail, and service options for travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Seattle–Tacoma International Airport |
| Acronym | SEA |
| Location | City of SeaTac, Washington |
| Distance from Seattle | 14 miles (23 km) |
| Distance from Tacoma | 18 miles (29 km) |
| Area | 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) |
| Number of runways | 3 |
| Airlines | 31 |
| Destinations | 91 domestic and 28 international |
| Dining, retail, and service options | 100+ |
| Year of highest record of passengers | 2024 |
| Number of passengers in 2024 | 52,640,716 |
| Public transport | Link light rail, King County Metro buses, Sound Transit regional express buses |
| Nearby light rail stations | SeaTac/Airport station, Angle Lake station |
| Nearby bus routes | RapidRide A Line, RapidRide F Line, Route 560, Route 574 |
| Minimum wage for employees of airport-related businesses | $15 per hour |
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What You'll Learn
- The city of SeaTac, Washington, is named after the airport
- The airport is owned and operated by the Port of Seattle
- Sea–Tac is the busiest airport in the Pacific Northwest region of North America
- The airport is served by the Link light rail system
- The airport has a range of dining, retail, and service options
The city of SeaTac, Washington, is named after the airport
The city of SeaTac, Washington, is named after the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, which is located within the city boundaries. The airport, often referred to as Sea-Tac, is a portmanteau of Seattle and Tacoma, two major cities in Washington. The city of SeaTac is situated approximately midway between Seattle and Tacoma and surrounds the airport, which is owned and operated by the Port of Seattle.
SeaTac, Washington, was incorporated as a city in 1990 and has a population of around 31,000 to 32,000 residents, according to the 2020 census. The city covers an area of 10 square miles (26 square kilometres), while the airport itself spans approximately 3 square miles (7.8 square kilometres) within SeaTac.
The history of the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport dates back to the 1940s when it was developed to replace Boeing Field, which had been converted for military use during World War II. Construction of the airport began in 1943 with funding from the federal government, the Port of Seattle, and the City of Tacoma. The airport's first scheduled commercial flights took off in September 1947, and it has since become the busiest airport in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.
The city of SeaTac is served by several public transportation services, including the Link light rail, which connects the SeaTac/Airport station to downtown Seattle and other destinations. The city also benefits economically from the airport's presence, with various airport-related businesses operating in the area, such as hotels, parking lots, and car rental agencies. The proximity to the airport has also influenced the zoning of schools in the area, taking into account the convenience for residents living north of the airport.
In recent years, SeaTac has been in the news regarding minimum wage laws for employees of airport-related businesses. In 2013, voters in the city approved a $15 minimum wage for these employees, but this decision was later reversed for those working entirely on Port of Seattle property within the city limits. The Washington Supreme Court affirmed the city's authority to set the minimum wage for airport-related businesses, regardless of ownership by the Port of Seattle.
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The airport is owned and operated by the Port of Seattle
The Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, commonly known as Sea–Tac, is owned and operated by the Port of Seattle. The airport is located in the city of SeaTac, Washington, which was named after the airport's nickname Sea–Tac. The city boundaries surround the airport, which covers an area of 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) and has three parallel runways.
The Port of Seattle has played a significant role in the development and expansion of the airport since its construction in the 1940s. Sea–Tac was built to replace Boeing Field, which had been converted for military use during World War II. The Port of Seattle provided funding for the airport's construction, along with contributions from the federal government and the City of Tacoma. The airport's first scheduled commercial flights began in September 1947, and it has since become the primary international airport serving Seattle and its surrounding metropolitan area.
Over the years, the Port of Seattle has continued to invest in the airport's infrastructure and facilities. Sea–Tac has undergone multiple expansions and renovations to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and the evolution of aircraft technology. In the 1960s, the airport was expanded to accommodate jetliners, and new concourses and satellite terminals were added by 1973. The main runway has been extended and twinned, and a third runway was opened in 2008 after decades of planning due to local opposition.
The Port of Seattle also generates revenue from the airport's operations, including aeronautical and non-aeronautical sources. Aeronautical revenues are derived from the use of airport facilities, such as landing fees, rent, and user fees for gates and ticket counters. Non-aeronautical revenues come from sources like parking, shops, and restaurants. According to federal regulations, all revenue generated at the airport must be reinvested back into the airport's maintenance, upgrades, and new projects.
The Port of Seattle has also been involved in various enhancements to the airport's experience, such as the commissioning of artworks worth $300,000 in the 1980s, which marked the start of a significant public art collection owned by the Port. Additionally, the Port has the authority to make decisions regarding the airport's name, as evidenced by the vote to change the airport's name to the Henry M. Jackson International Airport in 1983, which was later reversed following an advisory referendum.
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Sea–Tac is the busiest airport in the Pacific Northwest region of North America
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, also known as Sea–Tac, is the busiest airport in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Located in the city of SeaTac, Washington, the airport is approximately 14 miles (23 km) south of downtown Seattle and 18 miles (29 km) north-northeast of downtown Tacoma. The airport covers an area of 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) and has three parallel runways.
Sea–Tac is the primary international airport serving Seattle and its surrounding metropolitan area. It is the primary hub for Alaska Airlines, whose headquarters are near the airport. The airport also serves as a hub and international gateway for Delta Air Lines, which has expanded its presence at Sea–Tac since 2011. As of 2022, 31 airlines operate at the airport, serving 91 domestic and 28 international destinations across North America, Oceania, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
The history of Sea–Tac dates back to the 1940s when it was developed to replace Boeing Field, which had been converted for military use during World War II. Construction began in 1943 with funding from the federal government, the Port of Seattle, and the City of Tacoma. The first scheduled commercial flights from the airport commenced in September 1947, and the terminal was officially dedicated on July 9, 1949. Over the years, Sea–Tac has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.
Sea–Tac has received recognition for its high standards of amenities and services, earning accolades such as the "Best Airport in North America" by Skytrax in 2022 and 2023. The airport offers unique features such as a sensory room, an interfaith prayer and meditation room, live music performances, nursing suites, and an indoor playground. Additionally, passengers can enjoy a variety of dining options from local restaurants and utilize the FlySEA App for information on TSA wait times and airport amenities.
Despite its accolades, Sea–Tac has also faced challenges, including lengthy security lines and wait times due to the increasing passenger volume. The airport's managing director, Lance Lyttle, acknowledged the need for expansion to accommodate the growing number of travellers. Nevertheless, Sea–Tac remains a significant transportation hub in the Pacific Northwest, playing a crucial role in connecting the region to the rest of the world.
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The airport is served by the Link light rail system
The Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, also known as the Sea-Tac Airport, is served by the Link light rail system. The Link light rail system is a part of Sound Transit, which provides public transportation services in the region. The light rail system connects the airport to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington.
The Link light rail station at the airport is called the SeaTac/Airport station, and it is connected to the airport terminal via a pedestrian bridge to the airport parking garage. The station opened on December 19, 2009, and is located on the fourth floor of the airport. From the SeaTac/Airport station, passengers can access other parts of the city of SeaTac, including nearby airport hotels and bus stations.
The Link light rail system provides a convenient and efficient way to travel to and from the airport. It offers a seamless connection to the city centre and other regional transit options, making it a popular choice for travellers. The light rail system also helps to reduce highway congestion and pollution, providing benefits to the local authorities and the community.
In addition to the light rail system, the airport is also served by other public transportation services, including bus routes operated by King County Metro and Sound Transit. These bus routes connect the airport to various destinations in the surrounding area, such as West Seattle, White Center, Burien, Renton, and Bellevue.
The Link light rail system has been designed to provide easy connections and accessibility for passengers travelling to and from the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. With frequent service and multiple transportation options, the light rail system offers a convenient and efficient way to navigate the region for both locals and visitors alike.
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The airport has a range of dining, retail, and service options
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) offers a wide range of dining, retail, and service options for travellers to explore and discover unique choices. With over 100 dining, retail, and service options combined, travellers can find something to suit any taste or need.
Dining options at SEA Airport cater to a variety of cuisines and preferences. From burgers and BBQ to sushi and salads, travellers can enjoy a diverse range of flavours. The airport is home to over 45 eateries, including well-known brands such as P.F. Chang's, Starbucks, and QDOBA, as well as local favourites like Salty's at the SEA and Skillet Street Food. For coffee lovers, there's Peet's Coffee and Caffé D’arte, offering specialty coffee options.
Retail therapy is also abundant at SEA Airport, with 35+ shops offering a mix of travel essentials, luxury goods, designer brands, gift shops, and local goods. Travellers can browse through stores like Coach, Dufry, and ExOfficio for modern luxury accessories and travel retail experiences. Born in Seattle, the Fireworks Gallery offers a unique gift shop experience, while CHALO provides a travel-focused lifestyle brand.
The airport also boasts a range of service options to cater to travellers' needs. The Port of Seattle's Airport Dining and Retail (ADR) program is working on a long-term development plan to further enhance the breadth of options available. Travellers can expect to find services that cater to their journey-related needs, as well as other essential and convenient offerings.
Whether it's indulging in a delicious meal, shopping for souvenirs or luxury goods, or taking advantage of the available services, travellers at SEA Airport are sure to find something to enhance their travel experience and make their journey more enjoyable and convenient.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport is located in the city of SeaTac, Washington. The city was named after the airport's nickname, Sea–Tac.
The airport is approximately 14 miles (23 km) south of downtown Seattle.
As of 2022, 31 airlines operate at Sea–Tac, serving 91 domestic and 28 international destinations across North America, Oceania, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
The Link light rail system serves the airport at the SeaTac/Airport station, with frequent service to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington. The King County Metro bus system and Sound Transit regional express buses also serve the airport.
The SEA Airport Customer Care is available for assistance from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Pacific Time. They can be contacted for assistance related to baggage, flight information, and other queries.
