Main Terminal
Check-in, security checkpoints, baggage claim and ground transportation.
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Seattle, Washington KSEA #12 US airport by passengers
In the city of SeaTac, about 14 miles south of downtown Seattle.
- FAA status
- No delays reported Updated 4 min ago
- Weather now
- MVFR 49°F Observed 6 h ago
- Late departures
- 24.0%May 2026 to July 2026
- Security line
- No recent reportsAdd yours
SEA at a glance
Seattle-Tacoma is one of the fastest-growing big airports in the country, and the terminal is a mix of old and new. The Main Terminal holds ticketing, baggage claim and the security checkpoints; concourses and two satellite buildings (North and South) extend from it.
The Link light rail station is connected to the terminal by a short walkway and is a straightforward way into downtown Seattle. If you are flying out in the morning, the train can be faster than the interstate.
Main airlines: Alaska Airlines has its main hub here and Delta operates a large presence. International carriers from Asia and Europe serve the airport too.
FAA delay status for SEA
The FAA is not reporting a ground stop, ground delay program or other delay at SEA right now.
Source: FAA National Airspace System Status, checked 4 min ago. Airline-specific delays are not shown here.
Current conditions at SEA
MVFR
49°F9°C
Marginal: lower cloud or reduced visibility. Some delays are possible.
- Wind
- 160° 6 mph
- Visibility
- 10+ mi
- Clouds
- FEW 1,000 ft, BKN 2,500 ft, OVC 4,000 ft
- Ceiling
- 2,500 ft
- Pressure
- 29.81 inHg
METARMETAR KSEA 101153Z 16005KT 10SM FEW010 BKN025 OVC040 09/07 A2981 RMK AO2 SLP099 60000 T00940067 10106 20089 58005 $
Source: NOAA Aviation Weather Center. Observed 6 h ago.
Active weather alerts
- Frost AdvisoryFrost Advisory issued October 10 at 3:03AM PDT until October 12 at 8:00AM PDT by NWS Seattle WA
Full weather, TAF, forecast and runways →
On-time performance at SEA
Based on 46,180 departures from May 2026 to July 2026. A flight counts as late when it leaves 15 or more minutes after schedule.
24.0%Departures late
21.1%Arrivals late
0.62%Cancelled
14.7 minAverage departure delay
| Airline | Departures | Late |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | 21,557 | 26.0% |
| Delta Air Lines | 8,780 | 18.7% |
| SkyWest Airlines | 7,633 | 15.5% |
| United Airlines | 2,709 | 24.3% |
| Southwest Airlines | 2,510 | 45.0% |
| American Airlines | 2,058 | 28.8% |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, On-Time Performance of reporting carriers. Smaller regional carriers and some airlines are not included.
Late departures by month
Terminals
Concourses A, B, C and D
The main domestic gates. Alaska Airlines is concentrated in several of these.
North Satellite (N gates)
A separate building reached by an underground train. Hosts Alaska and others.
South Satellite (S gates)
A separate building reached by an underground train. Hosts international and domestic flights.
International Arrivals Facility
A dedicated customs and immigration building that opened in 2022. International arrivals clear customs here.
Moving between terminals
The Satellite Transit System is an underground train that runs between the Central Terminal and the North and South Satellites. Concourses A to D are linked by walkways. Leave extra time if you are changing to a satellite gate.
Getting to and from SEA
-
Rail
Link light rail
The 1 Line stops at the airport station, a walk from the terminal. It reaches downtown Seattle in roughly 40 minutes.
-
Bus
Shuttle and regional buses
Regional buses and shared shuttles serve nearby cities.
-
Rideshare and taxi
Parking garage pick-up
Pick-ups are organized in the parking garage and signed from baggage claim.
Tips for SEA
- If you are flying to Alaska or the Pacific Northwest, check the weather: low cloud and winter storms can affect operations.
- Link light rail avoids the traffic on I-5 and is the better choice at rush hour.
- The satellites are reached by train, so factor several extra minutes into your connection.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from SEA to downtown Seattle?
Take the Link light rail from the airport station. Allow about 40 minutes to the downtown core.
What is the Satellite Transit System?
An underground train that connects the Main Terminal with the North and South Satellites.
Which airline has a hub at SEA?
Alaska Airlines has its main hub here.
How busy is SEA?
About 25,417,071 passengers boarded flights at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport in 2025, according to FAA enplanement data. That ranks it number 12 among US airports.
How often are flights late at SEA?
Over May 2026 to July 2026, 24.0% of departures at SEA left 15 or more minutes late, and 0.62% of flights were cancelled (Bureau of Transportation Statistics).
Guide content last reviewed October 8, 2026. Report a correction