SEATTLE — The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is projecting this year's Memorial Day travel to be about 20% higher than 2022 as travelers kick off the summer season.
According to the SEA, passenger levels this weekend will be comparable to 2019 with the busiest days projected to be Thursday and Friday. Thursday is expected to see 161,000 people departing, arriving and connecting while Friday is expected to see 171,000. SEA projects 143,000 Saturday, 129,000 Sunday and 160,000 Monday.
SEA recommends travelers arrive at least two hours before their boarding time for a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
The Port of Seattle said more than one-third of the airport's daily passenger volume arrives at the airport before 9 a.m. with two more peak periods of 2-5 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.
The airport recommends using Spot Saver, an appointment system for security screening that uses dedicated lanes through TSA checkpoints.
Other tips from the Port of Seattle include:
- Trying public transportation, using a taxi, or app-based rideshare or shuttle. If driving to the curb is your only option, ignore the departures and arrivals signs and use the fastest-moving lane
- If parking is your only option, plan on an extra 45-60 minutes to find a spot. The airport is incorporating new technology and installing an automated parking guidance system
- Download the flySEA app, which includes an interactive map and use the OrderSEA mobile order feature to order food
- International travelers can download the Mobile Passport Control app
For more information on traveling through SEA, visit portseattle.org.