Sea-Tac Christmas Travel: Airport Offers 7 Tips and Tricks

SEATAC, WA — If current projections hold, Sea-Tac will be about 8 percent busier than it was last year, airport officials say — and that means holiday travel this year may set records.

To prepare you for the Christmas travel rush, Patch spoke with Sea-Tac spokesman Perry Cooper to get the top travel tips you need as you head to the airport, either to fly or pick up a relative. Here's Cooper's advice:

1) Don't wrap gifts: Airport security may unwrap gifts in your carry-on luggage, so it's best to wait until you're through security to wrap them. Luckily, Sea-Tac provides gift-wrapping services after you get through security.

2) Refresh your airport knowledge: If this is your first flight in a year or two, take a few minutes to review airport procedures. That way, you're not holding up the security line with a wrapped gift or inappropriate belt buckle.

3) Find another way to get there: For most, the first instinct is to drive, but this can backfire. Sound Transit light rail serves two stations a short distance from the airport at Angle Lake and in Tukwila. Picking up and dropping off at these locations may be easier.

"We see our driveways get really packed [during the holidays] versus even the summer. We encourage other options," Cooper said.

4) If you drive, consider parking: Parking in the short-term garage can help you avoid congestion at the pickup/dropoff areas. Also consider waiting in the free cell phone lot until your guest is ready to be picked up from the terminal.

5) Use another entrance: Most people enter Sea-Tac via the Airport Expressway off State Road 518. The south entrance along Tukwila International Boulevard is less crowded and accessible via Exit 152 along I-5.

6) Opposites can be good: If you're going to pick someone up, consider scooping them at the departures terminal. The arrivals and departures areas are often busy at different times, and it's perfectly OK to pick someone up in a dropoff area, Cooper said.

7) Busiest days: Dec. 21 and 22 are expected to be the busiest days at Sea-Tac, Cooper said. So if you have a flight or pickup, plan ahead. Show up earlier than you would for a normal flight, and consider taking an alternate form of transportation.

Image via Sea-Tac airport