SEATAC, Wash. – Fans leaving the U.S. Open and families leaving for summer vacation made Monday a record-setting day for passengers at Sea-Tac Airport.
The Transportation Security Administration predicted 61,000 passengers would depart Monday. About 50,000 pass through security on a typical June day.
"It is the busiest it's ever been at Sea-Tac Airport," said Lorie Dankers, TSA spokesperson.
In addition to the departure of golf fans and families on vacation, Dankers said airlines have added more flights and said cruise season has played a role.
If you want to avoid the long lines for your next flight, Dankers says these are the busiest times at Sea-Tac Airport.
- Monday and Fridays: 5:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.
- Mid-week: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Weekends: 9:00 a.m. – Noon
TSA also recommends using checkpoint No. 3 in the center of the terminal. It's the largest and has the most screeners so lines move faster.
"Going through the TSA security lines, and even when you get pass security, you're going to have a lot of people around you. So planning ahead is key. We are recommending people arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights to make sure you can get through each step without a panic," said Dankers.
