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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, also known as Sea-Tac Airport, has been recovering from a cyberattack that took place on Saturday, August 24, 2024. The attack disrupted the airport's website, WiFi, and communication services, affecting flight information boards and bag claim monitors. Most systems are now reported to be back to normal, with domestic flights functioning as usual. However, international flights and low-volume carriers continue to be impacted, with some handwritten bag tags and boarding passes still in use. The airport expects a busy Labor Day weekend, with over 500,000 passengers, and advises travelers to plan their trips accordingly, offering tips for alternative transportation methods to the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Status of systems after cyberattack | Most systems are back to normal |
| Status of trains between terminals | Running normally |
| Status of international flights | Impacted, with some airlines handwriting bag tags and boarding passes |
| Status of baggage claim monitors | Out of service |
| Status of security lines | Moving at the standard pace with most passengers getting through lines within 30 minutes |
| Status of flight status boards | Still out |
| Number of passengers expected on Monday | 190,000 |
| Number of passengers expected during Labor Day | 500,000 |
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What You'll Learn
The airport is recovering from a cyberattack
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, or SEA Airport, is recovering from a cyberattack that took place on August 24. The attack caused internet and technology outages throughout the airport, affecting various systems and services. While most domestic flights are now operating normally, with travellers able to check bags as usual, some issues persist with international flights and low-volume carriers.
In the immediate aftermath of the cyberattack, several airport systems were shut down, including flight boards and bag claim monitors. This led to significant disruptions in baggage claim, with agents having to handwrite boarding passes and sort through luggage manually. The cyberattack also impacted the airport's flySEA app, with security wait times unavailable, causing confusion and inconvenience for travellers.
However, the airport has been making steady progress in restoring its systems and services. By August 30, several international airlines had successfully restored their common-use systems, allowing them to print boarding passes and bag tags. The airport staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to assist travellers, providing updates and guidance through airline apps.
While there is no definite timeline for when all systems will be fully functional, the airport authorities are committed to ensuring a holistic approach to emergency preparedness. They plan to create an after-action plan to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. In the meantime, travellers are advised to contact their airlines directly for flight reservations, baggage services, and other travel-related queries.
Despite the challenges, SEA Airport is gradually returning to normal operations, with most airlines offering full service for ticketing and baggage management. The airport continues to monitor the potential impacts on flights due to the 5G rollout and encourages travellers to check with their airlines for any possible delays or cancellations.
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Delays and cancellations are typical for a busy summer day
While the airport works to recover from the cyberattack, with no timeline for when all systems will be back online, most systems are reportedly back to normal. Travellers on most domestic flights should be able to check bags as usual, without major wait times. International flights and low-volume carriers are still impacted, with some airlines handwriting bag tags and boarding passes. Security lines are moving at the standard pace, with most passengers getting through lines within 30 minutes.
The SEA Customer Care team is experiencing high volumes of inquiries and is working to respond as soon as possible. Travellers are encouraged to contact their airlines directly for flight reservations, baggage services, cargo, and post-security wheelchair services. For information on TSA checkpoints, identification requirements, and other security questions, individuals can contact the TSA directly or visit the TSA Customer Service page.
Despite the challenges, the airport is managing the busy summer day volume, with trains between terminals running normally. The airport anticipates higher traffic in the afternoon, so travellers are advised to plan accordingly. Updates regarding flight status and potential impacts due to the 5G rollout are available from individual airlines.
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Travellers are advised to use the airline app
While operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEATAC) are mostly back to normal following a cyberattack, travellers are advised to use the airline app for the latest information and updates.
The FlySEA app is the official app of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). It is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. The app provides users with real-time updates and a range of features to enhance their travel experience. It is important to note that the app experienced temporary unavailability due to the cyberattack but has since been restored.
TSA Security Checkpoint Wait Times
The app provides up-to-date information on wait times at the TSA security checkpoints, allowing travellers to make informed decisions and choose the most convenient line. This feature is especially useful during busy travel periods, such as the upcoming Labor Day weekend, when the airport expects over 500,000 passengers.
Ground Transportation Options
The app offers a comprehensive overview of ground transportation options available at the airport. This includes information on airporters, courtesy shuttles, limousines, public transit (including buses and Link light rail), rental cars, taxis, and app-based ridesharing services like Lyft, Uber, and Wingz. This feature ensures travellers can easily select the most suitable transportation to and from the airport.
Flight Information and Terminal Maps
The FlySEA app provides users with access to terminal maps and flight information, making it easier to navigate the airport and locate specific gates. This is particularly helpful for travellers who are unfamiliar with the airport layout or are connecting to different terminals.
Dining and Retail Options
The app also includes an airport directory and map, showcasing the various dining and retail options available throughout the airport. This feature enables travellers to find the closest and most convenient options for their dining and shopping needs while waiting for their flights.
In addition to the above features, the FlySEA app also offers other amenities such as water bottle filling stations, nursing suites, pet relief areas, cell phone charging stations, and a children's play area. By using the app, travellers can stay informed, save time, and make their overall airport experience more efficient and enjoyable.
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The airport is busy with typical Labor Day travel
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, or Sea-Tac Airport, is bustling with travellers during the Labor Day weekend. With more than 500,000 people expected to fly in and out of the airport, the airport is busy with typical Labor Day travel. Friday, 30 August, and Monday, 2 September, are the busiest days of the weekend. While the airport is recovering from a recent cyberattack that shut down systems, most operations, including ticketing and baggage management, are back to normal. International and low-volume carriers have resumed printing their boarding passes and bag tags, and security lines are moving at a standard pace.
However, some systems are still impacted. The flight status and baggage claim information boards remain out of service, and the airport recommends that travellers use their airline's app to access flight and baggage information. The SEA Customer Care team is experiencing a high volume of inquiries, and travellers are advised to contact their airlines directly for flight reservations, baggage services, and other assistance.
The airport is closely monitoring potential impacts on flights due to the 5G rollout, and travellers are encouraged to check with their airlines for any delays or cancellations. Despite the challenges, the airport is managing the typical holiday travel rush, and most travellers are experiencing standard wait times.
Sea-Tac Airport is committed to ensuring a smooth travel experience for its passengers, and the busy Labor Day weekend serves as a testament to the airport's resilience and recovery efforts. Travellers are encouraged to follow travel tips and stay updated through the airport's official channels for a seamless journey.
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The SEA Customer Care team is experiencing high volumes of queries
The SEA Customer Care team is currently dealing with a high volume of queries. We are working hard to respond to all our customers as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience during this busy period.
As you may be aware, SEA Airport has recently suffered a cyberattack, which has caused some disruptions to our services. We are working tirelessly to restore all our systems and ensure a smooth travel experience for our customers.
In the meantime, we kindly ask that you contact your airline directly for any flight reservations, baggage services, cargo queries, or post-security wheelchair service requests. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding your specific flight and services.
For information on TSA checkpoints, identification requirements, and other security-related queries, please contact the TSA directly or visit their customer service page. They are available through chat, phone calls, or video calls and can provide assistance in multiple languages.
We understand that this may be an inconvenience, and we deeply apologise for any difficulties you may be experiencing. Your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities, and we are doing everything in our power to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding and for choosing SEA Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Most systems are back to normal, but there is no timeline for when all systems will be back up and running.
A cyberattack on 24 August 2024 caused internet and technology outages throughout the airport.
Agents at common-use gates had to handwrite boarding passes and luggage was delivered to travellers well after they reached their destinations.
Security lines are moving at the standard pace, with most passengers getting through lines within 30 minutes.
The airport is busy with typical Labor Day travel. Friday, 30 August, and Monday, 2 September, are expected to be the busiest days.
