SEATAC, Wash. — More than 2 million travelers will pass through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) between Dec. 19 and Jan. 2, according to the latest estimates.
The foot traffic is expected to be 2% above 2023 and 5% below record numbers set in 2019, according to the Port of Seattle.
The busiest days are projected to be on:
- Thursday, Dec. 19: 164,000 travelers
- Friday, Dec. 20: 172,000 travelers
- Saturday, Dec. 21: 160,000 travelers
- Sunday, Dec. 22: 151,000 travelers
- Monday, Dec. 23: 146,000 travelers
- Thursday, Dec. 26: 146,000 travelers
The projected totals do not reach August totals, where the average day saw 175,000 travelers.
Travel tips at SEA airport
Between Dec. 20-27 from 8 p.m. to midnight, there will be a 90-minute grace period for general parking. This is to give people more time to greet people or drop them off without dealing with arrival/departure congestion.
The port suggests drivers try entering at the south end of the airport garage off International Boulevard and 182nd Street.
Additionally, the SEA Visitor Pass program is returning. People can register to go beyond security checkpoints even if they don't have a boarding pass.
People traveling during the holidays should arrive at least two hours before their boarding time for a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, according to the port.
More than one-third of SEA's daily passenger volumes arrive at the airport before 9 a.m. Other peak periods are 2-5 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.
Travelers can secure a spot in line at a security checkpoint using SEA Spot Saver.
Drivers picking up and dropping off travelers at a terminal can use either arrivals or departures - whatever is moving quicker.