Jazmin Li
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the tenth-busiest airport in the United States and serves as a gateway to the Pacific Northwest region. The airport has a dedicated International Arrivals Facility (IAF) that handles all international arrivals and departures. While the airport has been criticised for long lines and a cumbersome layout, improvements have been made in recent years to streamline the customs process. This includes the implementation of a 'bags first' process, where travellers claim their luggage before proceeding through customs and the utilisation of facial recognition technology by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers for identity verification.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) |
| Location of customs | International Arrivals Facility (IAF) |
| Location of international flights | S Concourse |
| Location of domestic flights | A Concourse |
| Process for international passengers | Claim checked luggage, inspection/interview by CBP, exit or transfer to connecting flights |
| Processing time | 60 minutes or longer during peak periods |
| Processing app | CBP MPC app |
| Processing program | Global Entry |
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What You'll Learn
International Arrivals Facility (IAF)
The International Arrivals Facility (IAF) at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is a new multi-level, 450,000-square-foot facility located east of the current A Concourse. The IAF is designed to significantly enhance the international passenger experience, advance the Puget Sound region as a leading tourism and business gateway, and serve the travelling public well into the future. The former 1970s-era facilities could not accommodate Seattle's growing demand for international travel.
The IAF features an iconic 780-foot-long aerial walkway that connects arriving international passengers from the S Concourse across the top of the A Concourse to the new IAF. The walkway offers panoramic views of the Pacific Northwest, including Mount Rainier and the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges. The building design minimises connection times and provides direct access to ground transportation for passengers staying in the region.
The IAF nearly doubles the airport's capacity to process international flights, increasing the number of gates capable of receiving international wide-body aircraft from 12 to 20 and more than doubling passenger capacity to 2,600 passengers per hour. The IAF also incorporates enhanced technologies for faster passport check clearance and increases the size and number of bag claim carousels from four to seven.
The International Arrivals Facility at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport uses a "bags first" process. Travellers will claim and bring their luggage with them through US Customs, then stay to the right to recheck with their airlines. All connecting passengers must go through the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening. The TSA checkpoint in the IAF is typically open from 6 am to 9:45 pm Pacific Time. If the IAF's TSA Screening checkpoint is closed, passengers will need to exit to the pre-security side of the airport and re-screen through one of the main security checkpoints.
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Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The customs process at SEA involves several steps. First, passengers will go through the Welcome Portal, where they can access basic amenities such as restrooms and baggage information. They will then need to claim their checked luggage and proceed to passport control. The specific lanes for passport control vary depending on citizenship and reasons for travel. Trusted Traveller Programs, such as Global Entry and NEXUS, expedite the process for pre-approved, low-risk travellers through dedicated lanes and kiosks.
After clearing customs, passengers with connecting flights will need to go through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening. The IAF's TSA checkpoint is open from 6 am to 9:45 pm Pacific Time. If travellers arrive outside of these hours, they may need to exit the secure side of the airport and undergo screening at one of the main security checkpoints.
To further streamline the customs process, CBP has introduced a "bags first" concept, where travellers collect their luggage before proceeding through customs. This simplified process involves less paperwork and interaction with only one agent. Additionally, CBP has utilised facial recognition technology since early 2020 to confirm the identity of a limited number of departing international travellers.
It is important to note that processing times at customs can vary. During peak periods, such as holidays and the summer travel season, travellers may experience longer wait times. Scheduling sufficient time between connections, typically 120 to 180 minutes, is recommended to prevent missing connecting flights.
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Global Entry
To apply for Global Entry, you must complete an online application on the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) website, which requires basic information such as job history, address history, and travel history. There is also a non-refundable application fee of $100 prior to October 1, 2024, increasing to $120 after that date. Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed, and if no further information is required, it will be marked as "Conditionally Approved". You can then schedule an interview at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers.
The Global Entry Enrollment Center at Sea-Tac Airport is conveniently located within the airport, making it an excellent choice for completing the interview. The center is easily accessible for residents of Seattle, Tacoma, and the surrounding areas, and it provides a well-organized and efficient interview experience. The interview typically lasts around 15 minutes, during which a CBP officer will verify your identity, cross-check your application information, and ask questions about your travel history and, in some cases, your criminal background.
Once enrolled in the Global Entry program, travellers can use the kiosks on the mezzanine level above the baggage claim level at Sea-Tac Airport. After completing the kiosk process, members can proceed to claim their luggage and go to the dedicated Global Entry booths in passport control. Global Entry members can also benefit from TSA Pre✓®, which can be used at the main terminal's checkpoints.
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TSA security screening
The TSA security screening process at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is an important step for all connecting passengers. The airport has implemented a "bags first" process, where travellers claim their luggage and proceed to U.S. Customs before rechecking their bags for connecting flights or exiting the airport.
The TSA Checkpoint in the International Arrivals Facility (IAF) is open from 6 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Pacific Time. During this time, connecting passengers can conveniently pass through security screening and proceed to their next gate in the A Concourse. This streamlined process ensures a smooth transition for travellers with ongoing journeys.
However, if a passenger arrives outside of the TSA's operational hours in the IAF, they may need to exit the secure side of the airport and undergo security screening at one of the main checkpoints. This process applies to both international and domestic travellers, ensuring that all connecting passengers meet the necessary security measures.
To enhance the efficiency of the TSA security screening process, SEA offers various programmes and technologies. For instance, the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs, including Global Entry and NEXUS, provide expedited travel for pre-approved, low-risk individuals through dedicated lanes and kiosks. Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented facial recognition technology for a limited number of international travellers departing from Seattle, further streamlining the identification process.
It is recommended that travellers schedule ample time between connecting flights to account for potential delays during peak periods. The TSA security screening process at SEA is designed to maintain the safety and security of all passengers while facilitating a seamless travel experience whenever possible.
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Luggage collection
The luggage collection process at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (also known as SEA Airport or simply Sea-Tac) depends on whether you are travelling on an international or domestic flight.
For international flights, all passengers must go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing, which includes claiming all checked luggage before entering the United States. This process can take 60 minutes or longer during peak periods. International flights arrive at the International Arrivals Facility (IAF), where passengers can collect their luggage from the Baggage Claims level in Gina Marie Lindsey Hall, located at the very south end of the terminal near the international airlines. Oversized luggage can be claimed near Baggage Carousel 20. After collecting their luggage, passengers proceed to passport control near Baggage Carousel 18.
For domestic flights, passengers arriving on a domestic carrier like Delta or Alaska Airlines will arrive at the A Concourse. They will then proceed to the International Corridor, where they can follow signs to baggage claim and customs processing if required.
It is important to note that SEA Airport does not offer skycap or porter services in the IAF. However, SmarteCartes luggage carts are available free of charge to assist passengers with their luggage. Additionally, SEA Airport recommends that travellers arrive two to three hours before their boarding time to allow for sufficient check-in and luggage processing. Most airlines allow the check-in of bags up to four hours before departure.
For connecting flights, passengers must go through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security screening. The TSA checkpoint in the IAF is typically open from 6 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. If passengers arrive outside of these hours, they may need to exit the secure side of the airport and go through security screening again.
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Frequently asked questions
Customs at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is located in the International Arrivals Facility (IAF).
All international flights arrive at the IAF, where all connecting and non-connecting passengers must go through customs. This includes claiming all checked luggage, an inspection/interview by CBP officers, and then either exiting to Seattle or transferring to connecting flights.
Processing times can vary, but it is recommended to schedule at least 120 to 180 minutes between international flights to allow enough time for customs and prevent missed connections.
Yes, SeaTac offers expedited entry through CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs such as Global Entry, NEXUS, and the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app. These programs provide dedicated lanes and kiosks for faster processing.
The "bags first" process is a streamlined entrance procedure where travellers collect their bags first and only once, complete less paperwork, and speak to a single agent. This process is designed to enhance the passenger experience and improve the arrival process for international travellers.
