Newly opened terminal spaces are moving holiday travelers Tuesday. A windstorm on Wednesday is not expected to impact flights, the airport says.
SEATAC, Wash. — Holiday travel is well underway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and airport officials say crowds are moving through more smoothly than many travelers might expect as Christmas approaches.
Airport spokesperson Perry Cooper said nearly all passengers are clearing TSA security checkpoints in 30 minutes or less this year, with many getting through in about 20 minutes. Officials credit redesigned checkpoints, newly opened terminal spaces and the reopening of Alaska Airlines’ ticketing area for improving passenger flow.
“It does make for happier travelers, and it gives them more options as well,” Cooper said.
The redesigned Checkpoint 6 has been open for about a week. It features taller ceilings, more natural light and additional screening lanes. Construction walls and scaffolding that had been in place for years were removed last week, which opens up large portions of the terminal.
“It’s great to finally get past that and stop saying ‘pardon our dust,’” Cooper said.
While security lines inside the terminal are moving quickly, airport officials say the biggest slowdown this holiday season is happening outside. Vehicle traffic near the terminal tends to increase during the holidays as friends and family drop off and pick up loved ones — even more so than during the busy summer travel season.
To ease congestion, the airport is encouraging drivers to use the parking garage, which is offering 90 minutes of free parking. Officials say parking in the garage allows people to wait inside the terminal while arriving passengers collect their bags, rather than circling airport drives.
Some travelers say the experience has been easier than expected.
“So far so good,” said Cindy Scaringe of Whidbey Island, who came to the airport to pick up family visiting for the holidays. “Actually, it hasn’t been bad, and I’ve got a parking place close by, so who’s to know; but thank goodness, right?”
Families flying into Seattle echoed that sentiment, with parents traveling with young children saying security lines moved quickly and stress was minimal.
Inside the terminal, holiday decorations, carolers and visits from Santa add to the festive atmosphere, giving travelers another reason to arrive early and take advantage of the extra space.
While strong winds are forecast across western Washington, airport officials say winds at the airport are expected to remain light, with no anticipated impacts to flights.
Airport officials continue to advise travelers to arrive early, plan for heavier vehicle traffic and check flight status ahead of time as holiday season travel continues.
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