What to know before going to Sea-Tac Airport this spring

Gear up for some changes at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport this spring, travelers. 

About 2.8 million travelers are expected to pass through the airport between April 2 and April 20, according to the Port of Seattle. 

A new security checkpoint, Checkpoint 1, will soon open on the baggage claim level. In preparation, at 4 a.m. Thursday, each of the current checkpoints will be renumbered. The previous Checkpoint 1 will become Checkpoint 2 and so on. The newly numbered Checkpoint 2 and Checkpoint 5 will service TSA Precheck and CLEAR passengers.

The farthest security checkpoint, to be renumbered as Checkpoint 6, will remain closed as the SEA Gateway Project continues for another year. Phase one of the project created new check-in spaces for Alaska Airlines travelers, among other improvements.

Make sure to arrive at least two hours before boarding a domestic flight, or three hours early for an international one, the Port of Seattle advises. Peak travel periods are before 9 a.m., between 2 and 5 p.m. and between 9 and 11 p.m., the Port said.

Guaranteed reserved parking is available on the fourth floor of the airport’s garage, but the Port recommends making reservations two weeks in advance because spaces sell out. For general parking, give yourself an extra 30 to 45 minutes to find a space. Alternatives to driving include Link light rail, app-based ride-hailing services, taxis/limos, scheduled airporters, van service and shuttle services.

One note: Light rail trains between Westlake and Stadium stations through downtown Seattle will arrive 25 to 30 minutes apart through April 23 due to repairs.

If you’re dropping someone off, avoid traffic and use the lower arrivals drive instead of the upper departures drive during peak morning hours — and vice versa for picking someone up in the evening — or use whichever lane is moving faster.

Check in for your flight before heading to the airport, download your boarding pass and proceed straight to security to avoid scrambling when you arrive. You can use SEA Spot Saver to book a spot in the security line. 

Once you’re inside, the airport features new dining options and retail spaces in the expanded N Concourse. Among them are Lil Woody’s Burgers & Shakes, P.F. Chang’s and Embarque Whiskey Grill. 

Finally, don’t forget to bring your Real ID. The requirement kicks in May 7.