The airport is extensive, but operates only one terminal witha large central check-in building shared by all airlines.

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After security, the airport is divided into six sections, known as ‘ "Concourses": ’. A, B, C, D are located in the main building, and all departure gates can be reached on foot within 10 minutes from security.

There are also two satellite terminals in the centre of the airport grounds, which are served by a free automated underground train from the main terminal. Trains run approximately every 3 minutes and the journey takes 4 minutes.

• S Concourse – The train station is located after security checkpoint “2” and near departure gates B10–B14
• N Concourse – the train station is located after security checkpoint “3” and near departure gates C11–C20

Airport map

You can find an interactive map and a downloadable map of the entire airport on the airport’s official website:portseattle.org/sea-tac/maps.

Connecting flights

How does the transfer between connecting flights work? Seattle Airport has a very clear and convenient transfer system, even for international flights.

In fact, passengers rate the transfer process from international flights at Seattle Airport very highly.

What security checks do I go through when transferring?

What are the exact procedures for each type of transfer?

A dedicated corridor leads from the international arrivals area to connecting flights. After passing through immigration and collecting your luggage, follow the signs for “Connecting Flights”.

After about 150 metres, you will reach the special transfer check-in desks, where you will re-check your luggage and go through a security check reserved exclusively for transfer passengers, leading straight to the departure gates.

We provide the actual times it takes to transfer from one aircraft to another. These times apply provided that the queue at immigration is no longer than 60 minutes.

• International →international: immigration and security checks
  • 90 minutes
• International →domestic: immigration and security checks
  • 90 minutes
• Domestic->international: no checks
  • 15–30 minutes
• Domestic->domestic: no checks
  • 15–30 minutes

Do I have to leave the transit area when changing flights?

If you arrive in Seattle on an international flight, you must leave the transit area, go through immigration and collect your luggage. You will then check in again and go through security back into the transit area.

If you are arriving from another destination within the US, you can proceed directly to your connecting departure gate without undergoing any checks, whether you are connecting to a domestic or international flight.

Do I need to collect my luggage?

If you are arriving at Seattle Airport from abroad, you mustalwayscollect your luggage and re-check it at the transfer check-in desk.

If you’re flying from a destination within the US and your layover is less than 8 hours, your luggage will be automatically transferred. It doesn’t matter whether you’re continuing on an international or domestic flight.

Do I need to apply for an ESTA?

Whenever you transfer from an international flight, you must collect your luggage and leave the transit area.

You must therefore have an electronic ESTA authorisation to enter the United States (you can apply online at21 usdvia the official website:esta.cbp.dhs.gov).

How long does immigration clearance take?

Immigration checks in Seattle are not usually lengthy, with queues typically taking between 20 and 90 minutes.

If you have less than 1.5 hours for your connecting flight, we recommend informing the staff before joining the queue that you have a tight connection. In such cases, you may be directed to the priority queue.

If, due to the length of immigration checks, you miss your guaranteed connection, the airline will arrange the next available flight for you free of charge. However, accommodation at the airline’s expense is not provided in such cases.

Is there a passport control on departure?

No. You no longer go through immigration control when departing from the USA.