Seattle Airport

Not Verified | TSA screening line has fancy machines that are very slow to process luggage and prone to glitches. Today the machine is broken for 15 minutes and hold up the line for 30 min. Get a simpler (less expensive) system like San Jose airport.

✅ Trip Verified | I lived in Seattle in the past, and the airport was always small but decently serviceable, but due for an upgrade. My husband and I returned from a trip to England last week and our experience going through the touted "brand new international arrivals terminal" was mostly awful. It took us about an hour, and that isn't the most unreasonable amount of time, but there were some really glaringly bad aspects to the design of the place and some of their protocols that will steer me away from every flying through SeaTac again. I will say the luggage retrieval/customs/passport control/baggage redrop section was fast and efficient. From getting off the plane and to pick up your luggage, the walk is hard to measure. I know that walked 1500 steps, about 1/4 - 1/3 mile (guesstimating based on my known ~2200 steps/mile) and it's difficult to measure the distance on a map, but it was a solid 3/4 of a mile by the time we got through the whole maze to the main terminal. There were no moving sidewalks at all, and the escalator to the top of the bridge (which allows passage of airplanes) was long and slow, as was the one on the other side. I walked down the steps and beat my husband to the bottom. After baggage/passport/customs, if you have a transfer or connecting flight, you have to get TSA'd again, full security screening, even though we hadn't even entered the main terminal yet... we were still effectively behind security. Additionally, the line was long and they only had 1 screening lane open, but did eventually open 2. This fancy new facility is not disability friendly, I'm lucky that I can walk the distances required. It just has a feel of being sparkly and over-engineered. Also, there didn't appear to be any thought for the end user in their design process.

✅ Trip Verified | We arrived from Mexico. Customs was well organized and even though there were many people it went quickly. We then had to re-check our baggage which was also quick because someone pushed us through and then took us to security where they put us in the "quick" TSA line because they knew we had to catch a connecting flight. This is where things became abysmal. There was only one person screening IDs for everyone regardless of which line you were in. This was at 10pm. Then after that there were only 2 lanes open to screen carry-ons and people. Many people missed their flights. I ran to mine and caught it, but my daughter missed her flight. I live in AK and we have more people manning security late at night than Seattle. Not sure what their thought process is? Bottom line, get their super early. We had two hours and it was not enough time.

Not Verified | I flew into Seattle on a BA flight in order to get to Reno for some skiing with the family. Already aware of its reputation I tried valiantly to avoid, alas our original ticket LAX was canceled due to a late departure so we were re-routed through SeaTac. Its reputation did it justice. An underwhelming airport. Dark dirty and poorly signed. A long walk to get to cpb checkpoints and first you collect your bags. Whoever thought out that idea should be keel hauled for gross stupidity. The cbp agent was ok we were through in a few minutes and then a five-minute walk to transfer our bags. It's a hell of a long walk from one terminal to the other, you ride a very small single pod between gates assuming you can figure it out and then a long long long walk through its dirty, dark and soulless corridors up and down escalators. Employees seem to delight in its claustrophobic dirty design and like a dog and its master reflecting its personality. For sure a place to avoid if you can.

Not Verified | Many nice shops, but I don’t go to the airport to shop. Delta arrival gate involves a long walk without moving sidewalk to baggage claim. Rental car is shuttle is at the absolute end of the terminal. Bus to rental facility which has no helpful signage. On return the shuttle drops you outside of the very end on the baggage return. Up multiple stairs. Again walk the length of the terminal. If you go outside there you can find a Delta skycap. Zero consideration for passenger convenience. One of the worst I’ve experienced.

✅ Trip Verified | I give Seattle airport a five star. The spot saver option is quick, available to anyone, and puts you in a short and easy line for easy security. Curbside check-in for Delta was amazing since I broke my wrist in the ice storm. And the biggest surprise was the TSA agents who tried to connect briefly with every passenger in some kind way and wished me well in my recovery, and offered assistance as needed. I love the original and interesting retail that is also available. Only disappointment was that I couldn’t find a bottle refill station that was in order. Thanks, Seattle.

Not Verified | Worst airport. 2 hour wait to get though security! I have been through many airports and have never had this kind of delay. We realize that a major upgrade would cost millions, but maybe some of the outrageous overpricing for parking, food and drink, airline tickets and transportation could be allocated to a couple more security checkpoints?

Not Verified | Quite possibly the most poorly managed airport I've ever experienced. We moved the the area and need to deal with the airport frequently now. Every single time it's a complete disaster trying to get to and into the terminals. It's simply line after line. Without TSA Precheck and clear we'd have to show up 5 hours early for even a chance to make departing flights.

Not Verified | The airport and staff are ok. However, TSA officers are unnecessarily rude even to the point of being obnoxious. They were even arguing amongst themselves in front of children and the elderly. This is a real concern. In any other industry, employees would be fired if they spoke to their customers as they did.

Not Verified | This airport has too much construction at one time. The airport hasn't been updated in a long time. It needs it. It is also very annoying to look for a decent food place and half of them say "they are coming soon." No plug in work in D1. The place appears just nasty.