SEATTLE - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Port of Seattle are asking travelers to get their game plans ready for a busy spring break at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The peak spring break travel period starts Thursday, April 6 and goes through the following weekend.
TSA anticipates screening more than 215,000 passengers through the security checkpoints at SEA during the four-day period starting Friday, a three percent increase over last year. The busiest day is projected to be Friday, April 7 when more than 57,000 travelers will be screened. Overall, the Port of Seattle expects more than 537,000 will travel through SEA (includes all departures, arrivals and connecting passengers) during that four-day period.
Below is a table with the four busiest spring break travel days expected at SEA:
Date Passengers Screened Total Travelers (includes connections & arrivals)
Friday Apr. 7 57,000 142,500
Friday Apr. 14 56,000 140,000
Thursday Apr. 6 55,000 137,500
Sunday Apr. 9 55,000 137,500
“As the Puget Sound region moves into its peak spring break travel period, security remains a top priority," said Jeff Holmgren, TSA Federal Security Director for Washington state. “We are taking every measure, both seen and unseen, to protect the thousands of air travelers who are departing Sea-Tac to ensure a smooth travel experience."
Spring break 2017 is expected to be the busiest time so far this year at SEA. Travelers can make things a little easier by being prepared long before heading to the airport. Being ready and knowing the rules can help speed up security checkpoint lines for everyone.
“We ask travelers to be like their favorite Seattle sports coach and game plan for all the different things that happen even prior to catching a flight," said Lance Lyttle, Airport Managing Director. “This will be another record spring break at SEA. The Port and TSA are working together to keep the process secure, smooth and travelers can do their part with a little scouting ahead of time to be prepared."
TSA and Port of Seattle recommend travelers develop a game plan to include:
* Consider Public Transportation: Sound Transit Link light rail is an environmentally friendly way to beat possible traffic jams on the way to the airport. Another option, have someone drive you to a nearby light rail station and take the train to the airport. There are also several bus routes and private shuttles available on SEA website.
* If you do have to drive: Check Washington State Department of Transportation’s traffic info page, real-time updates and live traffic cameras can help you avoid any traffic headaches by finding alternate routes.
* Check weather and airline issues: Flight delays can happen due to unexpected computer or weather problems. Don’t get stuck at the airport without checking weather in Seattle and your arrival city along with your flight status first.
* Arrive early: Consider adding time in your travel plans for traffic, parking, rental car returns and airline check-in. Arrive two hours prior to your flight departure time for domestic travel and three hours for international flights.
* Check airport monitors for checkpoint times: Monitors in the ticketing area show which checkpoints have the shortest wait times. A brief walk may save time in line.
* Include your Known Traveler Number in your airline reservation: If you have enrolled in TSA Pre✓®, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, be sure you include your Known Traveler Number in your airline reservation. This will make you eligible for TSA Pre✓® a consistent basis. TSA Pre✓® passengers flying on any of 30 participating airlines do not need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets at airports nationwide. TSA at SEA operates a dedicated security checkpoint for TSA Pre✓® passengers. Look for it at checkpoint four, behind the Alaska Airlines ticket counter.
* Tweet or Message @AskTSA: Unsure if an item is allowed through security? Questions about security screening procedures? Get live assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA or via Facebook Messenger, weekdays from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PDT and weekends from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT. You can also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673.
* Prepare for security: Have a valid ID and boarding pass readily available, and remove large electronics, including laptops and liquids bag from carry-on baggage. Avoid over packing your carry-on bag. Consider checking bags when feasible.
* Follow the liquids rule: Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less and all containers must fit inside a single quart-size plastic bag and be placed in a bin for carry-on baggage screening. This includes sun block and tanning lotions.
* Call TSA Cares: Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and/or medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to flying with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint as well as arrange for assistance at the checkpoint.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
