Jazmin Li
Seattle is served by Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, also known as Sea–Tac Airport, which is located 13-14 miles (21 km) south of downtown Seattle and 20 miles north of Tacoma. The airport is the biggest in the Pacific Northwest and handles over 45 million passengers a year, making it the 11th busiest airport in the US and 21st in the world. The airport has three runways and three terminals, with six gates on each side of the terminal. The nearest major airport is Kenmore Air Harbor Seaplane Base, which is 2 miles from the center of Seattle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Seattle–Tacoma International Airport |
| IATA | SEA |
| ICAO | KSEA |
| FAA LID | SEA |
| Location | City of SeaTac, Washington |
| Distance from downtown Seattle | 13-14 miles (21-23 km) south |
| Distance from downtown Tacoma | 18 miles (29 km) north-northeast |
| Area | 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) |
| Number of runways | 3 |
| Number of terminals | 3 |
| Nearest station | SeaTac/Airport Station |
| Shuttle services | Line Shuttle Express |
| Nearest major airport | Kenmore Air Harbor Seaplane Base |
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What You'll Learn
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport
The airport was developed in the 1940s to replace Boeing Field, which had been converted for military use during World War II. Construction began in 1943, and the first ceremonial landing took place on October 31, 1944, by a United Air Lines DC-3 carrying local officials and civic leaders. The first commercial flights were launched in May 1945 with Northwest Airlines, but their use was limited due to the US Army Air Force's need for the airport. The first scheduled commercial flights began in September 1947, and the terminal was dedicated on July 9, 1949, by Governor Arthur Langlie.
Sea–Tac Airport has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years. It was expanded in 1961 to accommodate jetliners, and new concourses and satellite terminals were added by 1973. The main runway was extended and twinned in 1970. In 2003, the Central Terminal building was renovated and expanded, with modifications made to accommodate new security requirements following the September 11 attacks. The airport's old customs and immigration facility, located in the basement of the South Satellite, was replaced by a new international arrivals facility that opened in 2022.
The airport is the primary hub for Alaska Airlines, whose headquarters are nearby, and a hub and international gateway for Delta Air Lines, which has expanded its presence since 2011. As of 2022, 31 airlines operate at Sea–Tac, serving 91 domestic and 28 international destinations. In 2024, the airport set a record with 52,640,716 passengers served.
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13 miles south of downtown Seattle
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (IATA: SEA, ICAO: KSEA, FAA LID: SEA), also called Sea–Tac Airport or Sea–Tac, is located 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown Seattle. The airport is in the city of SeaTac, which was named after the airport's nickname, Sea-Tac. It is the primary international airport serving Seattle and its surrounding metropolitan area in the US state of Washington. The airport is the busiest in the Pacific Northwest region of North America and is owned by the Port of Seattle.
The airport covers an area of 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) and has three parallel runways and three terminals. The SeaTac/Airport Station provides passengers with a direct connection between the airport and downtown Seattle. The station is located on the fourth floor of the airport's main parking garage. Line Shuttle Express offers door-to-door shuttle services to nearby towns and cities. Public King County Metro Transit buses also run on a schedule to destinations in and around Seattle. Sound Transit operates two express bus routes around the city.
The Link light rail offers a 38-minute ride to Westlake Station in the heart of downtown Seattle. The Link light rail trains depart every 8-10 minutes for most of the day. From baggage claim, passengers can follow the signs to the Link light rail. From baggage carousel 16 at the terminal's north end, they can go up one floor to the skybridge level, cross Skybridge Six, and turn left through the parking garage to the light rail station. A free electric shuttle service operates between the light rail station and the airport skybridge.
The airport's Central Terminal building was renovated and expanded in 2003 in a project designed by Curtis W. Fentress of Fentress Architects. The renovation and expansion began in 1996 and underwent extensive modifications to accommodate new security requirements following the September 11 attacks in 2001.
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Kenmore Air Harbor Seaplane Base
The Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, also known as Sea–Tac Airport, is the primary airport serving Seattle and its surrounding metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Washington. It is located in the city of SeaTac, approximately 14 miles (23 km) or 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown Seattle. The airport is the busiest in the Pacific Northwest region of North America and covers an area of 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) with three parallel runways.
The nearest major airport to Sea–Tac Airport is the Kenmore Air Harbor Seaplane Base, which is just 2 miles from the center of Seattle. Kenmore Air is well-known and respected for its seaplane operations, with 25 aircraft in operation, 52 pilots on staff, and more than 250 employees during peak season. They offer flights to 45 destinations, including the San Juan Islands, Victoria, lower British Columbia, and Tacoma, as well as scenic flight tours and charter services.
Kenmore Air's Lake Union seaplane terminal is located in South Lake Union, one of Seattle's fastest-growing and most modern neighbourhoods. The terminal is within walking distance of attractions such as the Museum of History and Industry and the Center for Wooden Boats, as well as lakeside restaurants and hotels. The Climate Pledge Arena, home to the NHL's Kraken and the WNBA's Storm, is also nearby.
The Lake Union terminal offers year-round float plane flights to the San Juan Islands and Victoria, BC, using a fleet of six-passenger de Havilland Beavers and 10-passenger de Havilland Otters. The 20-minute Scenic Seaplane Tour of Seattle is a popular choice for visitors. Charter flights are also available using Beavers, Otters, and the two-passenger Cessna 180s.
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Baggage claim and customs
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (also known as Sea–Tac Airport or Sea–Tac) is the primary airport serving Seattle and its metropolitan area in the US state of Washington. It is located in the city of SeaTac, about 13-14 miles (21-23 km) south of downtown Seattle. The airport is the busiest in the Pacific Northwest, covering 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) with three parallel runways and three terminals.
When it comes to baggage claim and customs at Seattle Airport, here is some information to guide you:
Baggage Claim
The baggage claim area at Seattle Airport is located on the ground level of the airport terminal. When exiting the doors from baggage claim, you will find yourself on the lower "Arrivals" drive. Baggage carts are readily available at the entrances, exits, and within the baggage claim area for your convenience. For international passengers, the baggage claim level is in Gina Marie Lindsey Hall, situated at the very south end of the terminal near the international airlines.
Customs
The old customs and immigration facility at Seattle Airport was in the basement of the South Satellite. However, with the opening of the new International Arrivals Facility (IAF), Concourse A now also accommodates arriving international flights, significantly increasing the number of gates serving international passengers. The South Satellite Terminal is also scheduled for renovation to enhance the overall experience for international travellers.
Baggage Services
It is important to remember that baggage services are managed by individual airlines, and the airport itself does not handle baggage operations or have access to their tracking systems. For any queries or issues related to your luggage, you should contact your airline directly. Additionally, Seattle Airport offers baggage storage services through Smarte Carte, conveniently located within the airport.
Baggage Policies
Different airlines may have varying baggage policies and requirements. It is recommended to check with your airline beforehand regarding bag size and weight allowances. Most airlines permit a carry-on and a personal item, while larger luggage may need to be checked in at the ticketing counter, with associated fees depending on the carrier, bag dimensions, weight, and quantity. Some airlines also offer self-tagging and drop-off options, so it is worth checking their specific procedures.
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Transport to and from the airport
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (IATA: SEA, ICAO: KSEA, FAA LID: SEA), also called Sea–Tac Airport or Sea–Tac, is the primary international airport serving Seattle and its surrounding metropolitan area in the US state of Washington. The airport is located in the city of SeaTac, approximately 14 miles (23 km) or 21 km south of downtown Seattle.
The SeaTac/Airport Station provides passengers with a direct connection between the airport and downtown Seattle. The station is on the fourth floor of the airport's main parking garage. To get to the SeaTac/Airport Link light rail station from baggage claim, head up to the fourth floor and cross the skybridge to the parking garage level. From there, follow the signs.
The Link light rail is a quick, easy, and economical way to get to and from the airport. It takes 38 minutes to travel between the airport and the heart of downtown Seattle. Trains arrive and depart from the platform level of the station and run every 8-10 minutes for most of the day.
There is also a complimentary Train-to-Plane shuttle service between the terminal and the Link Light Rail station, operating seven days a week from 5 am to midnight. A free electric shuttle service also operates between the light rail station and the airport skybridge.
In addition to the light rail, there are other transport options to and from the airport. Shuttle Express offers private airport transportation, including sedans, SUVs, and coaches, with pick-up and drop-off services to homes, hotels, offices, and other locations. Line Shuttle Express also provides door-to-door shuttle services to nearby towns and cities.
Public King County Metro Transit buses run on a schedule to destinations in and around Seattle, and Sound Transit operates two express bus routes around the city.
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Frequently asked questions
Seattle Airport, or Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, is located 13-14 miles south of downtown Seattle and 20 miles north of Tacoma.
The nearest major airport is Kenmore Air Harbor Seaplane Base, which is 2 miles from the centre of Seattle.
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport is the biggest airport in the Pacific Northwest. It has three runways and three terminals.
If you are arriving by shuttle or parking your car at the airport parking garage, you will need to take the elevator or stairs to level 4 of the parking garage. Then, use a skybridge to cross to the main terminal, and take an escalator up to level 5 for check-in.
