SEA Security: Checkpoints 1 to 6, PreCheck, CLEAR, Hours

SEA has six TSA checkpoints. The Port of Seattle says the hours and screening types below are approximate and can change with operations, so treat them as a guide.

• Checkpoint 1: 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closest to the A and S gates. General, CLEAR General, TSA PreCheck and Gateside by TSA PreCheck.
• Checkpoint 2: 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closest to the A and S gates. TSA PreCheck, Gateside by TSA PreCheck and a U.S. Service Member Lane.
• Checkpoint 3: 4 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Closest to the A and S gates. General, Gateside and a Premium Lane for participating airlines. PreCheck and PreCheck Touchless ID run 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Checkpoint 4: open 24 hours. Closest to the Central Terminal and the B and C gates. General, a Premium Lane for participating airlines and a Family Lane. SEA Spot Saver and SEA Visitor Pass run 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Checkpoint 5: 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closest to the C, D and N gates. TSA PreCheck and Gateside.
• Checkpoint 6: 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closest to the C, D and N gates. General, a Premium Lane for participating airlines, TSA PreCheck, Touchless ID for participating airlines, Gateside, and CLEAR General and CLEAR PreCheck.

The Port also says you can get to all gates from any checkpoint.

The Port of Seattle runs an official live page for checkpoint wait times: portseattle.org/page/live-estimated-checkpoint-wait-times. The SEA home page shows the same kind of board, with the screening lanes open at each checkpoint.

Wait numbers change minute to minute, so open the live page before you leave for the airport and again once you are inside. The Port says more than one third of SEA's daily passengers arrive before 9 a.m. Other busy periods are 2 to 5 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m.

SEA tells you to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. The Port adds that you should allow time to get from parking or drop-off to the terminal.

If you ride Link light rail, take the elevator or escalator from the station platform to Level 4 of the garage. A free Train-to-Plane cart runs daily from 5 a.m. to midnight and loads near the entrance to Skybridges 5 and 6. The Port's map puts the walk from the station to the terminal at about 7 to 12 minutes. Your airline can also have its own cutoff for bag drop, so check it.

TSA PreCheck is offered at Checkpoints 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. Checkpoint 5 is a PreCheck checkpoint only, and Checkpoint 2 offers PreCheck but closes at 4 p.m.

PreCheck Touchless ID is limited to participating airlines at Checkpoints 3 and 6. The Port lists Gateside by TSA PreCheck at the same checkpoints as PreCheck but does not describe it, so see TSA's site for what it means.

CLEAR is available at two checkpoints: Checkpoint 1 (4 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Checkpoint 6 (4 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Checkpoint 6 lists both CLEAR General and CLEAR PreCheck screening.

CLEAR Concierge is a paid add-on that starts at $99 and includes a curbside greeting, bag help and an escort through the CLEAR+ lane. The airport says to book it through CLEAR.

SEA Spot Saver lets any departing passenger, on any airline, reserve a time slot or book an onsite appointment at Checkpoint 4. It runs 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Port says it will no longer be available starting November 30, 2026. Reservations booked before then, through November 29, will be honored at Checkpoint 4. After that date, plan on PreCheck, CLEAR or the standard lines.

A Premium Lane is posted at Checkpoints 3, 4 and 6. The Port says it is for participating airlines only, so ask your airline if you qualify.

SEA Visitor Pass lets people who are not flying that day go through Checkpoint 4, for example to meet a traveler at the gate. The Port's Visitor FAQ sets these rules:

• Apply online the day of your visit or up to seven days ahead. Use your name exactly as on your ID, plus your date of birth and sex.
• TSA reviews each application. Approved visitors get an email with a QR code, and each person must show their own.
• Bring a TSA-accepted photo ID. The FAQ says a REAL ID is required.
• The Port limits the pass to 300 visitors a day, first come, first served. If you can't pick your date online, that day is full.
• It cannot be used with PreCheck or CLEAR.
• Minors must register separately and stay with an approved adult. One adult can escort up to five minors.
• Commercial or business use is not allowed.

The pass only works for domestic arrivals. Most international passengers come out at Gina Marie Lindsey Hall, where you can meet them without a pass. The Security page lists the pass at Checkpoint 4 from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the FAQ gives entry as 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last entrance 9 p.m.) in one place and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in another, so plan for the shorter window.

If you land on an international flight and connect, you must claim your checked bags, clear U.S. Customs with them, then recheck them with your airline (Alaska and Delta agents can help with rechecking and rebooking). All connecting passengers then go through TSA screening. The International Arrivals Facility has its own checkpoint, open 6 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Pacific Time. Outside those hours you leave the secure area and screen at a main checkpoint. TSA PreCheck is only offered at the main terminal checkpoints. After screening you are in the A Concourse and can walk or take the train to your next gate.

All checkpoints are ADA accessible. TSA Cares is a free helpline for travelers who need extra help. Call at least 72 hours before you fly at (855) 787-2227. Hours are weekdays 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET and weekends and holidays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

You can also ask TSA at the checkpoint for a Passenger Support Specialist. Free Sunflower lanyards for non-visible disabilities are at the information desks between Checkpoints 4 and 5 and in the International Arrivals Hall, and after security in Concourse A near gate A5.