Sleeping in Airports

Seattle Airport Guide

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) is spread over four terminals. The Main and Central Terminals are next to each other and are easily reachable on foot. The satellite North and South Terminals are connected by 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!).

Seattle Airport Guide
Photo courtesy of a SleepingInAirports contributor / July 2019

Sleeping in Seattle Airport

As a major transit hub, travellers are looking for sleep spots at all hours. The good news is that you can stay airside overnight, but it seems you will have to contend with a sea of armrests. Instead, contort yourself or come prepared to sleep on the floor. Bring a blanket, sleep mat, or sleeping bag.

Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:

  • In Terminal N, Gates N11 and N16 may be quieter at night, but the lights are still bright.
  • Landside, the meditation room on Floor 2 has a quiet vibe and a few comfortable benches.
  • Landside, head upstairs to the Mezzanine by Security Checkpoint 4, towards the USO Room. The hallways are dark, and a few chairs are there, so try pushing them together for a makeshift bed.
  • Security Checkpoint 2: S-shaped couches long enough for tall travellers.

Spots to avoid:

  • Gates C9 and C17 have a lot of TVs that blare constantly.

Bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to help combat loud TVs and frequent announcements.

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

Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Seattle Airport Guide.

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.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport hoursAirport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Remember that TSA, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the terminal’s public area (landside), you will not be able to get through to the terminal’s secure area (airside) until the morning. The TSA security screening checkpoint hours vary according to location:

  • Checkpoint #1 (South): 4:00 AM – 4:00 PM (or according to daily flight schedule)
  • Checkpoint #2: 4:00AM – 11:00PM
  • Checkpoint #3 (Central): open 24 hours
  • Checkpoint #4: 4:00AM – 11:00PM
  • Checkpoint #5 (North): 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM (or according to daily flight schedule)

rest zonesRest & Relaxation Zones

According to a reader, the Rest Zone at B4 has been closed. We do not have any information about whether it is closed permanently due to covid or relocated to another area of the airport. A meditation/quiet room can be found in the Main Terminal, Airside, Level 2, SEA Underground Platform.

Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.

airport hotelsSeattle 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

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at Seattle Airport in comfort.   If you are on a layover, you must pass through immigration/security as there is no transit hotel or accommodation on the airside.  There are many nearby hotels, most of which provide free airport shuttles.  At the time of this update, courtesy phones had been disabled due to Covid.  Shuttles pick up and drop off from the courtesy island shuttle lane, which is located on the 3rd floor of the parking structure on Island 1 and 3.

  • Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center – Accessible via sky bridge and airport shuttle.  » Check Rates
  • Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport  » Check Rates
  • Radisson Hotel Seattle Airport   » Check Rates
  • Red Roof Inn Seattle Airport SEATAC   » Check Rates
  • Red Lion Hotel Seattle Airport   » Check Rates
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites Seattle SeaTac Airport   » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Seattle Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

airport loungeAirport 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. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!

  • Alaska Lounge – Location: multiple locations. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • Centurion Lounge – Location: Central Terminal, Airside, Mezzanine. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
  • Delta Sky Club – Location: Concourse A, Airside, near Gate 1. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • The Club at SEA (South Satellite) – Location: South Satellite, Airside, next to Gate S9. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs. » Buy Lounge Pass
  • The Club at SEA (Central Terminal) – Location: Central Terminal, Airside, Concourse A, across from Gate A11. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs. » Buy Lounge Pass
  • United Club – Location: Central Terminal, Airside, Concourse A, Airside, gate A10. 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 First Lounge (Location: South Satellite, Airside) • British Airways Terraces Lounge (Location: South Satellite, Airside).

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.

Related Pages: Seattle Airport Lounges

water bottle refillsDrinking Water

Thirsty? Water bottle refill stations are available free of charge. Empty your water bottles before going through security, and then refill them at one of these locations: Gates A-2 • A-5 • C-2 • D-1 • S Gates • Central Terminal (in the food court and one near the B exit/pet potty.

foodFood & Drinks

When you get the midnight munchies or give up trying to sleep and need a coffee to stay awake, 24-hour food concessions are available. Check out these vendors:

  • Central Terminal Food Court (airside): Dilettante Mocha Cafe
  • Central Terminal, B Gates (airside): Qdoba Mexican Grill.
  • Central Terminal, between B & C gates (airside): Starbucks
  • Landside: none.
  • Vending machines are also available throughout the airport.

Luggage StorageLuggage Storage & Lockers

There are no 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 12 & 13. Hours: 5:30 AM – 12:30 AM. Rates range from $8 – $22/item/24 hours.

mobile chargingMobile Charging

Under-seat power outlets are available at all A, B, D and S gates, with additional outlets being added to gates C, D and N. Alaska Airlines provides under-seat power outlets at their C and N gates. Pay-per-use charging kiosks offer charger connections that fit most cell phones and MP3 players. Location: Main Terminal (Ticketing and Baggage Claim) and Concourses A, B, C and D.

showersShowers

Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Shower facilities are in the Club SEA (Concourse S) and Centurion Lounge (Concourse S). See Airport Lounges above.

wifiWiFi / Internet

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

alertSecurity & Safety

Airport staff seem to be okay with the airport sleepers, even overnight.

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Seattle Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

more airport infoMore Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – The Mother’s Room offers a quiet, private place with adjustable lighting, rocking chairs, power outlets and more. There’s one located inside the Kid’s Play Area, but military families can also use the Mother’s Room inside the USO. In addition, seven nursing suites are available. Locations: S Gate Mezzanine Level • Gate A9 • Gate C10 • Gate N2 • Gate D10 • Gate D23 • North, Main Terminal at Train Station. Car seat and stroller rentals are available at the Smarte Carte Storage in Baggage Claim.
  • Children’s Play Areas – Location: Across from Seattle Taproom (between Central Terminal and A Gates). Hours: 24 hours.

Information Desk – Airport Volunteers offer general information about airport services. Their blue jackets are easy to spot around the airport. Red-vested “Pathfinder” customer service reps are also available, with iPads in hand, to direct passengers to where they wish to go.

Luggage

  • Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts (Smarte Carte) are available. Location: Central Terminal, landside and all gated areas. Important: Carts cannot be taken through security. If you rented one landside, you must leave it and rent another one airside after going through security.
  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.

Massages – Feel your stress melt away with a foot or chair massage at the Massage Bar. A 15-minute massage costs $23.00, a half-hour for $43.00, and a foot massage is only $18.00. Location: airside in the N gates, open 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Mon – Fri) and 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Sat and Sun). Massage chairs were said to be located in the Baggage Claim, N Gates, and S Gates areas, but a reviewer mentioned none existed in a July 2023 review.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Central Terminal, Landside • Airside, all gated areas.
  • Banking Services – A full-service US Bank branch is available. Location: Main Terminal, landside, between Checkpoints 3 and 4 (beside Starbucks).
  • Currency Exchange – Travelex has offices in the Main Terminal (ticketing level. Hours: 5:15 AM – 10:00 PM) • Main Terminal (baggage claim. Hours 9:45 AM – 9:45 PM) • A Gates (Hours: 5:15 AM – 5:45 PM) • S Gates (Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM).

Shopping – Dufry Duty-free is available at Central Terminal, A Gates and S Gates. The S Gates location is open 24 hours. The following locations of Hudson News are open 24 hours: Central Terminal • Baggage Claim • Gate D6 • Gate D22.

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Smoking – There are two areas on airport grounds where smoking is permitted, but you are going to have a bit of a hike to reach them. (1) North end of the Lower Drive (Baggage Claim level), north of door 26, across the small parking lot, adjacent to the stairs that lead to the cruise tent lot (2) South end of the Lower Drive (Baggage Claim level).

Spa – The Terminal Gateway Spa offers a full array of spa services. Location: Airside, Level 5, near Gate A5. Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Things to do & see

  • Airport Art – Enjoy SeaTac’s diverse and breathtaking collection of contemporary work in glass, sculpture, photography, painting and sound. For more details, check out the SeaTac Art in the Airport brochure. For a little exercise amidst beauty, stroll the Art Walk, a ½ mile path from Starbucks (Central Terminal) to Gate A-14.
  • Live music – Scheduled live music performances happen daily throughout the airport from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM under a program called Experience the City of Music.
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.

Hotel Shuttles

Many local hotels provide airport shuttle service: Cedarbrook Lodge   •   Coast Gateway Hotel   • Country Inn & Suites Seattle-Tacoma International Airport   •   Crowne Plaza Seattle Airport   •   Days Inn Seattle/Sea-Tac International Airport   •   Doubletree by Hilton Seattle Airport   •   Hampton Inn and Suites Seattle-Airport/28th Ave   •   Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center   • Hilton Garden Inn Seattle Airport  •  La Quinta Inn & Suites Seattle Sea-Tac Airport  •   Radisson Hotel Seattle Airport   • Ramada by Wyndham SeaTac Airport    •   Ramada Suites SeaTac Airport   •   Red Lion Hotel Seattle Airport   •   Red Roof Inn Seattle Airport – SEATAC   •   Rodeway Inn SeaTac   • Seatac Inn    •   Seattle Airport Marriott  •  Super 8 by Wyndham SeaTac Airport  •  SureStay Hotel By Best Western Seatac Airport North.

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: 2024-08-26

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.