Seattle Airport Guide

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

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. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Seattle Airport Guide.

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.

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.

Cots

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.

• 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 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.

Drinking Water

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

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.

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.

Security & 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 Information