Seattle International Airport (SEA) Wait Time & TSA Details
The average security wait time at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is approximately 25 minutes. Longer SEA airport wait times are commonly observed during peak travel hours; early morning (5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.), mid-day (2:00 pm to 5:00 pm), and late night (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm). The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates multiple security checkpoints throughout the airport, primarily located in the Central Terminal area. SEA also offers TSA PreCheck, SEA Spot Sevar and CLEAR expedited screening services.
Current Average Wait Times at Seattle International Airport
The current estimated wait time at security checkpoints at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is about 14 minutes (based on official information). However, wait times can change, so it’s best to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
| Checkpoints | Screening Types | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Checkpoint 1 | General Screening | 4:00 am to 8:00 pm |
| Checkpoint 2 | TSA PreCheck and CLEAR | 4:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Checkpoint 3 | General ScreeningCLEARSEA Spot Sevar | 4:00 am to 11:00 pm6:00 am to 4:00 pm4:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Checkpoint 4 | General Screening, CLEAR, Premium, SEA Spot Saver, SEA Visitor Pass | General: 24 hoursSEA Spot Saver and SEA Visitor Pass – 4:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Checkpoint 5 | TSA PreCheck and CLEAR | 4:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Checkpoint 6 | Temporarily closed | – |
Seattle Airport TSA Wait Times
The average SEA Airport TSA wait times are 10 minutes to 25 minutes based on number of passengers and time of the day. However, before checking TSA wait times at SeaTac Airport, passengers should know about the security checkpoints and their operating hours.
Expedite Security Screening Programs at SEA Airport
Passengers can enroll in advanced security screening programs like TSA PreCheck, SEA Spot Sevar and CLEAR to clear the security checkpoints in no time.
TSA PreCheck: Passengers flying with participating airlines can access dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes, where they benefit from quicker screening procedures. These benefits include keeping on shoes, light jackets, and belts, as well as leaving laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids inside carry-on bags. TSA PreCheck is available at checkpoints 2 and 5.
CLEAR: With this program, the security staff typically checks ID and boarding passes which is done using fingerprint or iris scans. Travellers accompanied by children under 18 can bring them through the expedited line as well.
Custom Wait Time at SEA Airport
TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screening for eligible travellers, including select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
It can take up to 14 to 25 minutes to clear security screening at SEA Airport.
Peak periods usually include early morning (5–9 am), mid-day (2:00 pm to 5:00 pm), and late night (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm).
Yes. SEA supports TSA PreCheck, SEA Spot Saver, and CLEAR for faster processing.