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 airport is open 24 hours on the landside. Airside access ends overnight unless in transit with a boarding pass. 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, S Gates): 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM (or according to daily flight schedule)
• Checkpoint #2 (near A/B Gates): 24 hours
• Checkpoint #3 (Central): 4:00AM – 10:00PM
• Checkpoint #4 (near D Gates): 4:00AM – 9:00PM
• Checkpoint #5 (North, N Gates): 4:00 AM – midnight (or according to daily flight schedule)

Rest & Relaxation Zones

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

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 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.
• 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.
• 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

Drinking Water

Thirsty? Free water bottle refill stations are available the airside. 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.

Food & 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 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 Charging

Power outlets can be found under the deats 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.

Showers

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.

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