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Seattle Airport Guide

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Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Seattle Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

The padded benches are gone. Your best bet is to snag a chair from one of the tables and pair it with the ubiquitous leather airport terminal chairs with armrests. – a guest reviewer

SEA Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Seattle  Sea-Tac Airport.

What to Expect

Seattle Airport (code: SEA) has one main terminal (Central Terminal) with six concourses: A, B, C, D, North Satellite (N Gates), and South Satellite (S Gates). Concourses A-D are accessible by foot from the Central Terminal, while N and S require a shuttle train. Do anticipate some walking to reach your gate and other amenities.

Most areas pre-security are sparse, with the majority of food and shopping outlets located airside. A few eateries stay open 24 hours. WiFi is free, and power outlets are abundant – just look under the seats at most gates. Pass a long layover by strolling the half-mile Art Walk or checking out the daily live music performances. For more creature comforts, economy class passengers can check into several airport lounges (one even has shower facilities!).

Sleeping in Seattle Airport

Sleeping overnight at Seattle Airport is generally possible, and ticketed travellers can remain airside, where most of the better sleep options are found. Sleep-friendly seating is limited, though, and many standard seats have armrests, so you may end up on the floor if the padded benches, couches and recliners are already taken. Bright lights, overnight announcements and chilly temperatures are recurring complaints, while the quieter outer gate areas can offer some relief if you come prepared with an eye mask, earplugs and something warm. For detailed sleeping locations, conditions, photos and traveller tips, see our Guide to Sleeping in Seattle Airport.

For uninterrupted sleep, hop on a free shuttle to several nearby hotels. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

The terminal is open 24 hours on the landside (public areas). Overnight, airside access is restricted and generally requires a same-day boarding pass. If you remain landside overnight, you will not be able to pass through security again until checkpoints reopen in the morning.

TSA security checkpoint hours (subject to change based on flight schedules):

  • Checkpoint #1 (South, S Gates): 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Checkpoint #2 (Near A/B Gates): Open 24 hours
  • Checkpoint #3 (Central): 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Checkpoint #4 (Near D Gates): 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Checkpoint #5 (North, N Gates): 4:00 AM – Midnight

Overnight travellers should be aware that security may consolidate late at night, which can require changing concourses or exiting airside if a checkpoint closes.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping rooms or official rest zones. However, travellers will find informal rest-friendly seating (padded benches or lounge-style seats) scattered throughout the concourses. If this information has changed, click here to update the guide.

Seattle Airport Hotels

Quick Facts

Nearest Hotel:  Within 10 minutes from the airport
Sleep Cabins or Pods: No
Day Rooms: No
Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes

There are no transit hotels or airside accommodations, so overnight guests must exit the secure area and clear security again in the morning.

Hotel shuttles typically operate from the Courtesy Vehicle Island on the 3rd floor of the parking garage (Islands 1 and 3). Availability and frequency vary by property, especially overnight.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

  • Alaska Lounge – Location: Airside, Concourse C (Hours: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM) and Airside, Concourse D (Hours: 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.). Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • Centurion Lounge – Location: Central Terminal, Airside, Mezzanine. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
  • Delta Sky Club – Location: Concourse A, Airside, near Gate A1 (Hours: 4:15 AM – 12:30 AM). Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • The Club at SEA (South Satellite) – Location: South Satellite, Airside, next to Gate S9. Showers are available. Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
  • The Club at SEA (Central Terminal) – Location: Central Terminal, Airside, Concourse A, across from Gate A11. Hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
  • United Club – Location: Central Terminal, Airside, Concourse A, Gate A10. Hours: 4:15 AM – 10:00 PM. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • United Club Membership.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

  • British Airways Terraces Lounge – Location: Airside, South Satellite, (“S Concourse”), near Gate S10. Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
  • Delta One Lounge – Location: Concourse A, Gate A1. Hours: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM.

Military Lounge

  • USO Lounge – The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Main Terminal, Landside, Mezzanine Level, 2nd Floor.

Food & Drinks

Overnight food options are limited, and availability can change without notice. At last verification, the following were reported as open late or 24 hours:

  • Central Terminal Food Court (airside): Dilettante Mocha Cafe
  • Central Terminal, B Gates (airside): Qdoba Mexican Grill.
  • Landside: 7-Eleven (Baggage Claim, Level 3)
  • Vending machines are also available throughout the airport.

Drinking Water
Thirsty? Free water bottle refill stations throughout the airport, landside and airside.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Baggage can be stored at the Smarte Carte Baggage Storage. Storage includes baggage and frozen and refrigerated items. They also provide rental services for wheelchairs, strollers, and more. Business services, like notary and fax, are also available. Location: Baggage Claim level, between Carousels 9 & 10. Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Rates range from $17 – $35/item/24 hours.

There are no lockers.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets are available under seats at most A, B, D, and S Gates, with ongoing upgrades in C, D, and N Gates. Alaska Airlines seating areas at C and N Gates include under-seat power.

Pay-per-use charging kiosks are located in:

  • Main Terminal (Ticketing and Baggage Claim)
  • Concourses A, B, C, and D

Showers

Shower facilities are available inside airport lounges: Club SEA (Concourse S) and Centurion Lounge (Concourse S). See Airport Lounges above.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at Seattle SeaTac Airport. Connect to the “SEATAC-FREE-WIFI” network.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Business Services

  • Workspaces – Workspaces – Jabbrrbox Escape Pods are private, sound-controlled booths suitable for calls, virtual meetings, or focused work sessions. Pods are located throughout the terminal and can be booked via the Jabbrrbox app or directly at the unit.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Mother’s Rooms provide a quiet, private space with seating, power outlets, and adjustable lighting. One is located inside the children’s play area, and military families can also access a Mother’s Room within the USO. Additional nursing suites are available throughout the terminal. Car seat and stroller rentals are offered through Smarte Carte baggage services.
  • Children’s Play Areas – A dedicated play area is located near the Central Terminal and A Gates and is open 24 hours.

Information Desk – Airport Volunteers, easily identified by blue jackets, provide general assistance throughout the terminal. Red-vested “Pathfinder” customer service staff are also available to help with directions and basic questions.

Luggage

  • Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Smarte Carte luggage carts are available landside and airside. Note that carts cannot pass through security; travellers must return landside carts before screening and rent another airside if needed.
  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.

Massages – Chair and foot massages are available at the Massage Bar in the N Gates area. Availability and offerings may vary. Reports of coin-operated massage chairs elsewhere in the terminal are inconsistent and could not be recently verified.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available landside and throughout the concourses. Fees may apply depending on your bank.
  • Banking Services – A full-service U.S. Bank branch operates landside in the Main Terminal.
  • Currency Exchange – Travelex currency exchange counters operate in the Main Terminal and select concourses, with hours varying by location.

Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in multiple international areas. Several Hudson News locations remain open 24 hours, including landside and selected concourses.
Smoking – Smoking is not permitted inside the terminal. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available on the lower drive at both the north and south ends of the terminal roadway.
Spa – The Terminal Gateway Spa offers a range of wellness and relaxation treatments in the A Gates area.

Things to do & see

  • Airport Art – The terminal features an extensive public art collection, including sculpture, glasswork, photography, and sound installations. An Art Walk provides a self-guided walking route between concourses for those looking to stretch their legs.
  • Live music – Live music performances are scheduled daily as part of the airport’s rotating cultural program, typically during daytime hours.
Airlines
Seattle Airport is served by the following airlines: Aer Lingus • Aeroméxico • Air Canada • Alaska Airlines • American Airlines • All Nippon Airways • Asiana Airlines • British Airways • Cathay Pacific • Condor • Delta Air Lines • Emirates • Eurowings • EVA Air • Frontier Airlines • Hainan Airlines • Hawaiian Airlines • Icelandair • Japan Airlines • JetBlue • Korean Air • Lufthansa • Norwegian • Southwest Airlines • Spirit Airlines • Sun Country • United Airlines • Virgin Atlantic • Volaris • Xiamen Airlines.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

King County Metro Buses stop on the street adjacent to the Sea-Tac Airport LINK Light Rail station. Departure times are available on posted bus stop signs, printed timetables at the Information Booth on the baggage claim level near Door 16 (opposite carousel 12), or at the King County Metro Transit website. Bus stops for Sound Transit Express Routes 560 and 574 are located on the lower drive of the main terminal. Schedules and fare information is available on the Sound Transit website.

Car Rentals

Sea-Tac Airport has a dedicated Rental Car Facility, accessible by free 24-hour shuttle service from the north and south ends of the main terminal, outside of baggage claim. Many major car rental companies operate from within the Rental Car Facility, but Rent-A-Wreck provides a courtesy shuttle to its off-site location from the Sea-Tac Airport Rental Car Facility. Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar Car Rental • Enterprise • EZ Rent-a-Car • Firefly car Rental • Fox Rent a Car • Hertz • National • Payless • Rent-a-Wreck • Sixt Rent a Car • Thrifty Rental Cars.

Done

Hotel Shuttles

Many local hotels provide airport shuttle service. Shuttle stops are located on the 3rd floor of the parking garage at Islands 1 and 3. Ask your hotel or parking lot operator directly for shuttle service availability.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Shared Ride Shuttle

Several companies provide a door-to-door shared ride or exclusive ride transfer service between the airport and destinations throughout the Seattle metropolitan area up to Vancouver, BC. Contact your service provider for rates, service areas and airport pick-up locations, or inquire at the Information Booth on the 3rd floor of the airport parking garage.

Taxi

Taxi stands are located on the 3rd floor of the parking garage. Both sedans and 8 – 10 passenger taxis are available.

Train

Sea-Tac Airport is connected to the city by the LINK Light Rail system. A LINK station on the 4th floor of the airport parking garage connects to the airport terminal via a covered sky bridge one level down on the mezzanine. Trains run every 6 – 15 minutes from 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM Monday – Saturday (6:00 AM – 12:00 AM on Sunday). For further information, go to the Sound Transit website.

Last updated: 2026-01-08

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.

Airport at a Glance

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