The airport is large but operates only one terminal with a large central check-in building shared by all airlines.

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After security, the airport is divided into 6 sections, "Concourses": A, B, C, D are located in the main building and all departure gates are within a 10 minute walk from security.

There are also two satellite buildings in the middle of the airport area, which are reached by a free automatic underground train from the main terminal. The frequency is approximately 3 minutes and the ride takes 4 minutes.

• S Concourse - The train station is after security check "2" and at departure gates B10-B14
• N Concourse - the train station is after security check "3" and at departure gates C11-C20

Airport map

An interactive map and a downloadable file of the entire airport can be found on the airport's official website: portseattle.org/sea-tac/maps.

Transfer between flights

How do I transfer between connecting flights? Seattle Airport has a very clear and convenient transfer system, even from international flights.

In particular, transfers from international flights are very well received by passengers at Seattle Airport.

What checks do I go through when I transfer?

What are the exact procedures for each type of transfer?

There is a special corridor from international arrivals to connecting flights. Follow the "Connecting Flights" signage after passing through immigration and picking up your luggage.

After approximately 150 metres you will reach the special transfer check-in counters where you will check in your baggage again and go through the security checkpoint reserved for transferring passengers directly to the departure gates.

Here are the times you can realistically get from the plane to the aircraft. These times are based on the assumption that the queue at immigration will not exceed 60 minutes.

• International -> International: immigration and security check
  • 90 minutes
• International -> domestic: immigration and security check
  • 90 minutes
• National -> International: no check
  • 15-30 minutes
• Domestic -> domestic: no check
  • 15-30 minutes

Do I have to leave the transit zone when I change trains?

If you arrive in Seattle on an international flight, you must exit the transit area, go through immigration and collect your baggage. Check in again and go through security to the transit area.

If you are arriving from another destination within the US, you can proceed directly to the connecting gate without any checkpoint for both domestic and international flights.

Do I need to collect my luggage?

If you are arriving at Seattle Airport from abroad, you must always collect your baggage and re-deliver it at the transfer check-in counter.

If you are flying from a destination within the U.S. and have a layover of no more than 8 hours, your bag will be automatically transferred. It does not matter whether you continue on an international or domestic flight.

Do I need to apply for ESTA?

Every time you transfer from an international flight, you must collect your baggage and exit the transit area.

Therefore, you must have an electronic ESTA to enter the United States (for 21 usd online processing at the official website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov).

How long does the immigration check take?

Immigration checks in Seattle are not usually long, with queue lengths ranging between 20 and 90 minutes.

If you have less than 1.5 hours to transfer, we recommend telling the informants that you have a tight transfer before you get in line. In this case, you may be sent to the priority queue.

If you do not make your guaranteed connection due to the length of the immigration check, the airline will arrange the next flight free of charge. However, accommodation at the airline's expense will not be provided in these cases.

Do I go through passport control on departure?

No. There is no longer an immigration check on departure from the USA.