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SEA

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Seattle, US
Security · today · typical by hour
Live Slow · steady Slow all day
Live reading for this moment. Bars show typical wait per hour — past and future hours use the same historical pattern, not live queue clocks for each bar.
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Immigration · today · typical by hour
Estimated Normal · steady Normal all day
Estimated reading for this moment. Bars show typical wait per hour — past and future hours use the same historical pattern, not live queue clocks for each bar.
12a
3a
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FAA Operational Status

LOW DELAYS

Delay Causes

Traffic Volume - Compacted Demand

Data updated regularly • Updates every 2-5 minutes during delays

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Current Wait Times

Premium
Quiet
2/2 checkpoints open
Security severity
37 min
Slow
Immigration severity
30 min
Normal
Check-in severity
34 min
Slow
Security
Live data
37 min
Immigration
Estimated from historical data
30 min
Traffic Score63

Traveler Reports

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No traveler reports for SEA yet — yours improves predictions for everyone.

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Wait Times by Terminal

Terminal MAIN

37min
TSA Avg
departing
TSA Checkpoints
Checkpoint 1
4:00 AM - 4:00 PMOpen
Checkpoint 4
4:00 AM - 11:00 PMOpen
Wait times vary by time of day. Select your airline to see your terminal.

Total Queue Time Estimate

Combined
Security
37
min
Immigration
30
min
Total
67
min
Add ~30 min for check-in & boarding
See breakdown
Data Source
Historical
Best Time to Arrive
Avoid Peak Hours
TSA PreCheck Savings

Based on historical pattern analysis

Wait Time History — Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Historical

Security wait times at SEA over time, based on live sensor and API data.

Security wait
No historical wait data yet for this range.
Check back soon — data is captured hourly.

Quick Actions

Aviation Weather · METAR

VFR

Clear skies · good visibility
Wind
NESW
7 kt
S
Visibility
10+SM
0510+
Ceiling
3,500ft
3 layers
Temp
75°F
Dew 55°· Δ11°
Planning & Preparation

Skip SEA Security Lines

Get Priority Pass lounge access + fast track security with the Amex Platinum Card

  • Priority Pass with 1,400+ lounges worldwide
  • TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit ($100)
  • Centurion Lounge access at major airports
Airport Information

Related Airports & Connections

Compare wait times at nearby airports and major hubs

Compare Multiple Airports

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Tips for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

  • Arrive at least 105 minutes early for domestic and 150 minutes for international flights.
  • Security is typically busiest 6-9 AM and 4-7 PM. Midday flights (11 AM-2 PM) usually have the shortest queues.
  • Main Terminal typically has the shortest security wait times.
  • TSA PreCheck is available here. Enrolled travelers typically wait about 19 minutes — roughly half the standard line.
  • CLEAR Plus is available in 2 terminals. Members can skip directly to the physical screening area.
  • Check in online and use mobile boarding passes to skip the check-in counter and head straight to security.

Next 12 hours

Security · SEA · forecast

More About Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

SEA Airport FAQs

For Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle, arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Current wait times show approximately 37 minutes for security and 30 minutes for immigration, so plan accordingly.
The queue index at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport indicates overall airport congestion levels based on security, immigration, and check-in wait times. A low queue index (under 30%) means smooth operations, moderate (30-70%) suggests normal traffic, and high (over 70%) indicates busy conditions with longer waits.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport offers various amenities including TSA PreCheck and Clear for expedited security, lounges, dining and shopping, currency exchange, free WiFi, and ground transportation options. Premium travelers can access airline lounges with Priority Pass or credit card memberships.
Terminal connections at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport vary by airport. Most large airports offer free shuttle services, AirTrain or automated people movers, and walking paths. Check the airport map or information desk for the fastest route between terminals.

Airport Lounges

10 lounges
Alaska Airlines Alaska Lounge
North SatelliteAirside
Bambuza
North SatelliteAirside
Brewtop Social
Central TerminalAirside
British Airways Lounge
South SatelliteAirside
Delta Air Lines Delta Sky Club
Concourse AAirside
View all 10 lounges

Quick Info

TSA PreCheck
Available
Busiest Months
JulAugDec

Peak Hours

6-9 AM52min
11 AM-2 PM30min
4-7 PM48min

Quick Tips

  • Arrive 2-3 hours early for international flights
  • Check-in online to save time
  • Use TSA PreCheck for faster screening
  • CLEAR+ available at this airport

When to Arrive

Domestic Flight
97 min
before departure
International Flight
150 min
before departure
Full When-to-Arrive Guide

Security wait times at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) currently average 37 minutes. Check-in typically takes 34 minutes, and immigration processing averages 30 minutes. TSA PreCheck lanes average approximately 19 minutes.

Last updated: July 10, 2026

About Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) serves Seattle in United States. As one of the world's busiest airports, SEA handles millions of passengers annually. During peak travel periods, security lines can extend significantly — plan your arrival time carefully.

Both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus are available at SEA, giving enrolled travelers significantly faster screening. CLEAR is available in 2 terminals.

The busiest travel periods at SEA are Jul, Aug, Dec. During these months, wait times can be 30-50% longer than average. Consider arriving at least 3 hours before international flights during peak season.