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It’s safe to say the world has been a little strange lately. The journey has not been the same since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although we’re easing into travel without constant masking and testing, many have changed and continue to be a challenge for travelers at all airports, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Whether your trip is domestic or international, for summer or winter holidays, air travel will continue to be tough in the future. Preparing for your long-awaited trip includes planning for the unexpected.
Planning and planning
Tip 1: Know peak times at the airport and plan around them
Let’s face it, he’s always busy. But mornings, afternoons, and evenings are peak times for departing, connecting, and arriving flights. This applies to various areas of operation, such as traffic on airport drives, ticket counters, passport control at the International Airport of Arrival (IAF) and waiting times for TSA checkpoints.
Tip 2: Give yourself the gift of time!
Book extra time in the event of cancellations, delays or other travel impacts, including your flights, hotels, rental cars or other means of transportation. Allowing more time between important travel steps can help ease stress and impact so you can give yourself more time.
Arrive at the airport three hours before Boarding time (45 – 60 minutes before the scheduled departure time) – and this does not include the travel time to the airport! Arriving early gives you enough time to get to your destination and solves approximately 85% of stressful incidents at the airport. Worst case scenario – you’re a little early and have time for a snack before your flight.
Tip 3: Download apps
Download the FlySEA app to check waiting times, flight status and baggage information before arriving at the airport. Then download your airline’s app to check your flight status, get updates, and rebook flights in case of an emergency.
Confidence is key so know before you go! Explore the designated gates, restrooms, and shops on the interactive map to find out where to go. Check out the FlySEA website or grab the step-by-step map on the FlySEA app.
Tip 4: Discuss accessibility needs
If you are a passenger with a disability, call the Transportation Security Administration at (855) 787-2227 72 hours before your flight to arrange assistance at security checkpoints.
Tip 5: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst
Staffing levels are stressed around the world and working hours for services, retailers and restaurants may not be consistent. Be patient and kind to the staff. They are all doing their best to help you and are not the cause of the problem. You, the airport staff, and your fellow travelers will all have a better day if you exercise a little patience.
Transportation
Tip 6: Know the traffic conditions before you go
As always, check the Washington State Department of Transportation several hours before you go for road conditions and traffic updates!
Tip 7: Plan for alternate transportation
The parking garage is constantly busy, so if you plan not to drive, your trip will be easier. Explore options like airports, shuttles, LINK light rail, app-based rides, taxis and more in advance.
Tip 8: Download and take on both airport drives
Very busy times Top (start) drives 5:00-7:00 am and 9:00-11:00 pm Low level (destination) driving. To avoid long wait times, pick a busy one and use it instead!
- in the morningdrop off your passengers at Arrivals Drive (Lower Level).
- In the eveningGet ready to meet your folks on Origins Drive (upper level).
Security filter
Tip 9: Be prepared for security screening! This means that while you’re online (or packing):
- Drag the correct form of identification to a convenient place
- Pack items like cell phones and laptops together to get them out
- Wear clothes and shoes that are easy to remove for garbage disposals
Check with TSA in advance if you have questions or need special assistance.
Tip 10: Plan to wait at security checkpoints
That said, come early and leave plenty of time, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised if there’s no wait. Lines can seem long, especially when people are lining up with luggage, but look for movement. Short lines that don’t move can actually have longer wait times. Follow the directions of the checkpoint staff to the lines as they will always look for the shortest line for you.
Tip 11: Know where to go for your loyal traveler program
Here’s the cheat sheet:
- TSA PreCheckGo directly to checkpoints 1 or 4; Check the FlySEA app to see wait times for both
- Sea Spot SaverGo to checkpoints 2, 3 or 5 between 5:00 am and 1:00 pm.
- Clean up. Use any checkpoint
Airline
Tip 12: Connect with your health
When booking your connecting flights, give yourself at least 90 minutes for domestic connections and two to three hours for international connections. Booking on the same airline for your connections also offers more seamless check-in, baggage drop-off and proximity between your two gates.
Tip 13: Get rid of the bags
Check your airline’s policies for your luggage and, if possible, travel with carry-ons to avoid extra waits.
Tip 14: Stay connected
Check your flight status in advance and check it during your trip; Turn on push notifications to get updates on the go.
International travel
Tip 15: Migration speed
The new International Arrivals Facility (IAF) at SA Airport is a bag first facility, meaning passport control will ask for your luggage before entering.
Bonus: If you don’t have any checked baggage, go straight to customs and be on your way quickly! Keep in mind that passport control lines can seem longer because people are carrying their bags. Pay attention to the interactive signs and navigate to the correct lane for your entry status. When in doubt, ask Pathfinders or staff in bright green.
Tip 16: Consider your relationship
When booking international flights with connections, allow at least two to three hours for international connections, as you will need to claim baggage, go through passport control, re-check baggage onward to your onward flight, and go through TSA screening.
When things are stressful
- Take advantage of passenger perks like lounge access, trusted traveler programs, or airline perks like early check-in and boarding.
- If there’s a delay, get some sightings – chances are everything will work out and be fine! The main purpose of airlines and airports is to get you where you are going safely.
- Airlines are responsible for flight schedules, so contact your airline if your flight is delayed
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