I'm coming through SEA, connecting from from HNL to AMS and have a killer seven-hour layover. Any recommendations for day-rate hotels, great activities in SEA, nearby gym or legit massage?

------------------
NWA Platinum Elite, Centurion

It's been addressed before. You can get a bus or taxi to take you to the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field.

I will be spending 12 hours at the airport this January. Is there any interesting places to go in that length of time? I have been to the Space Needle before, so I would like to avoid that. I did some checking and it looks like there is a good bus system from the airport, so that will likely be my ride. Thanks

win1300

Go crawl around Pikes Place Market. Lots of funky stuff to see, great seafood in the area, and you can get a java fix at the first Starbucks!

JP

Thank you!! It looks like I can get there in 28 minutes from the airport for only $1.25. Can't beat that! What is the weather like at that time of year? Thanks again

win1300

If you don't want to take the city bus, you can take the Gray Line express to downtown hotels. I would get off at the Westin, located right between the downtown shopping district and Pike Place Market. You can walk down Stewart or Virginia St. to the market and also check out the downtown Pacific Place mall and shops.

Weather in January? Who knows? Expect 40s and wet but it does snow every couple years.

The Seattle Underground tour it a lot of fun. My mom and sister were here this summer, and both loved it. Also, if you like dim sum, the International District has great Chinese restaurants.

Should feel balmy coming from N.Dakota!

You might also want to consider riding the monorail to the space needle. It's cool to go up in, and there is also a music experience/museum at it's base that is supposed to be good.

JP

While in Pike Place Market, have lunch or dinner at Maximillien. You will find it just to the left of the Fishthrowers. Pleasant place, great food, spectacular view of Elliot Bay, watching the ferries come in. And if you are really lucky, you might see the snow-covered Olympics across the Sound.

Gee, I didn't think the Olympics were in Washington state this year http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif !

JP

If you are still interested, you can email me. I'd be happy to play hostess if our times coordinate. I love showing this beautiful city to others!

BTW, our weather right now is in the 50s and NO rain. . . http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

On our way to Hawaii, we'll have a 3-hour layover in Seattle. We're traveling with our 7 & 11 year olds. Any suggestions on what to do during those 3 hours? Any areas we should try to visit in Seattle that's near the airport?

Thanks in advance!

Its about a 20 minute cab ride to downtown. You might come down walk around Pike Place Market (http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/) for a bit.

There's not a whole lot out by the airport, one posibility is a visit to Boeing, not sure if you can do a tour (http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/aboutus/tours/tour2ops.html) in that time frame though.

Security at SEA has been an issue as of late. I wouldnt recommend trying to get downtown and back in that short of a time frame.

In a couple of weeks I'll be passing through SEA on a mileage run extension to a business trip. Will arrive in SEA at about 8 pm on Saturday night and depart at 12:55 am (on AA). I understand the Admirals Club closes early on Saturday, so the option to kill time there is gone. Any suggestions?

Head into the city. It's a 16 minute Taxi ride downtown, about $35 each way. There is public transporation as well avail, but takes much longer.

Plenty of stuff to do in 4 hours. Ya could even head up to the Space Needle, catch the view of sunset (depending on time of year), but in a few weeks you should be able to catch it still. Then wander around downtown a bit, down towards the waterfront, maybe past Safeco field if there is a game.

Good luck!

Well, if you have not had dinner yet, going to the waterfront for a nice Salmon dinner would be a good choice.

If you're worried about the time, security lines should be fairly short at that time. AA shares its terminal with AS and you can enter via the C or D/N security checkpoints.

But if you're queasy about the time, you can cross International Boulevard and go to the 13 Coins. It's an interesting restaurant with a lengthy menu and a 70s sort of charm to it.

I would go downtown or near downtown too. You've got the time. Public trans is weak that time of nite so you'll need taxi cash. I think you'd have at least 2 hours to hang out. (land at 8, get landside by 8:20, get taxi to wherever by 9, hang out until 11:30, get taxi to apt arrive by 12:00, get airside by 12:35, have time to breathe and make it before final)

Sunsets are 9:30-ish lately, and have been spectacular. You should be able to catch this on the waterfront. I would either head to the downtown waterfront (Tell Taxi driver to take you to the aquarium) or to Alki Beach, which gives you views of sunsets and of downtown. It's a little slower paced, and there will be beach fires and the like. Difficulty about going there might be getting a taxi to take you home. I'd watch that variable.

Alki really isn't a nite-spot per se, I think things generally shut down there at 10ish. But the sunset would be great. I would then taxi into downtown.

The space needle is a good area generally, there is a lot to do in that area.

Security lines are notoriously SHORT for redeyes as of late. Not sure if AA you have to ride the train or not, but that adds on an extra +/- 12-15 minutes to your getting to the gate.

Have fun.


here is the Mariners schedule for August:
http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/sea/schedule/sea_schedule_calendar.jsp?m=8&y=2003

I agree with the above posters - go downtown and see the sites. Whatever you do - do NOT hang around the airport as it will be the longest four hours of your life if you do...

Jennifer

Thanks for the suggestions..I'll definitely head downtown. Anyone know if there are lockers at SEA to stow my luggage?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by DFWFlier:
Thanks for the suggestions..I'll definitely head downtown. Anyone know if there are lockers at SEA to stow my luggage?</font>

There are no lockers as lockers are considered a risk in a post 9/11 world. But there's a place called Ken's Baggage Storage that will accept your bags for what I view as an extortionist's fee. Still, sometimes you'll pay anything not to carry around your luggage.

http://www.portseattle.org/maps/air/java/baggage/default.htm

It's on the baggage level right in the center of the terminal and is called out in the above diagram.

In the tradition of the "___ hours in ____" series of threads: I've got 7 hours in seattle. I've never been before and don't know what to expect. Be there from around 3-10pm on a saturday. Any hints, good eats, good drinks? Any airport club preferences? Are there showers available?

Thanks for your help.

Get out of the airport! :D

There's local bus service right to downtown Seattle on the 174 and 194 routes (the 194 is the express route).
http://transit.metrokc.gov/

If you take the local bus (route 174) it goes right by the Museum of Flight, and you could visit there before heading into the city, or consider it a destination on its own.
http://www.museumofflight.org/

7 hours gives you plenty of time to explore. Seattle is one of my favorite places to weekend. Pleny of shopping downtown, or you could go walk along the waterfront and do a quick ferry trip over to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton and back around. There's nothing quite like seeing the Seattle skyline by ferry. You have unlimited options once you get down there. With all the FTers that are Seattle based, I'm sure you'd find someone to join you for dinner.

In the tradition of the "___ hours in ____" series of threads: I've got 7 hours in seattle. I've never been before and don't know what to expect.

I'm not sure Seattle is there anymore.

According to NBC on Sunday there has been a massive earthquake in Seattle and the Space Needle has fallen down, nearly crushing a boy on a bicycle.

;)

Just looked out the window, sadly it's still standing.

My preferred non-taxi transportation between SEA and downtown is actually the Grey Line airport-to-hotels bus. Buy a $15 roudtrip ticket (just hold onto the return stub & you can use it anytime), and get on the bus at SEA, it will stop at about 8 hotels downtown.

If it's a nice day, a ferry ride to Bremerton and back (you can just stay on the ferry if you don't want to get off and explore) is always nice. And check out Pike Place market for snacks for the flight back- Le Panier and Piroshky Piroshky (both along the main strip of the market) should be able to load you up with lots of amazing food. :D

Just looked out the window, sadly it's still standing.

My preferred non-taxi transportation between SEA and downtown is actually the Grey Line airport-to-hotels bus. Buy a $15 roudtrip ticket (just hold onto the return stub & you can use it anytime), and get on the bus at SEA, it will stop at about 8 hotels downtown.

I'll second that. The King County Metro 194 is cheap and almost as quick, but the Gray Line is more comfortable, faster (if you getoff at the first hotel on the circut in downtown, and board at the last one for the trip back to SeaTac), plus the drivers monitor the traffic and will take I-5 or 99/509 depending.

If you have the time at the airport, check out the new terminal on the south end, near the soon-to-openA concourse/pier:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/167075_seatac31.html?searchpagefrom=7&searchdiff=35

It seems like that new terminal has been under construction forever. Is it going to be entirely international flights out of there?

It seems like that new terminal has been under construction forever. Is it going to be entirely international flights out of there?

Not at all. Those will still go to the south satellite.

All great ideas, Thanks! The aviation museum sounds cool, I've been on a couple of MR's to SFO and the museum in the airport has always been closed :( Ferries and good eats will suit me fine, though I thought I heard they drink some beer in the great NW...maybe I was mistaken ;) ...any hints on friendly local pubs?

Get out of the airport! :D
If you take the local bus (route 174) it goes right by the Museum of Flight, and you could visit there before heading into the city, or consider it a destination on its own.


This is what exactly I did last summer when laying over at SEA for about 5 hours before heading to Anchorage. I took the local bus (~$3 for a round trip), passed by the Museum of Flight (is that just next to Boeing Field Airport), went to downtown ; wandered around the downtown area ; went to needle building; bought some postcards and some drinks; then headed back about 80 minutes before my flight took off. I would say that Seattle is beautiful if it does not rain (like my day); I can't wait to go there again this Independence day. :)

Six Arms (very walkable from downtown, a bit to the east along Pike) and Elysian Brewery (a bit further east, about 14th and Pine) are pretty good for food & they have their own beer. There are nice places out further in Fremont & so, but that would be a stretch if you only have a few hours. Or downtown on Post Alley across from the ferry terminal, Owl & Thistle is a Irish bar- don't know if they serve any microbrews there, as I've stuck to Guinness on the beer front there.

All great ideas, Thanks! The aviation museum sounds cool, I've been on a couple of MR's to SFO and the museum in the airport has always been closed :( Ferries and good eats will suit me fine, though I thought I heard they drink some beer in the great NW...maybe I was mistaken ;) ...any hints on friendly local pubs?

There's a ton of good places to drink beer in Seattle. If you're going to take a ferry, the building I work in across from the walkway to the ferry terminal (800 block of 1st Ave) has two good Irish pubs (Owl & Thistle and Fado's) and a more trendy spot (Contour).

If you take the ferry, go to Bainbridge Island, not Bremerton. Bremerton is an hour o/w; Bainbridge is only 30-35 min. Also, the Bainbridge run has newer ferries, and is a _much_ nicer town if you have the chance to leave the terminal. I believe they make everyone get off on both ends of the runs now, for security sweeps.

Museum of Flight is on a par with the National Air and Space Museum - you could spend your whole time there.

As for beer, you might go to the Pike Place Brewery at the market.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Kells Irish pub, in Post Alley, which is the unofficial pub when we have FT get togethers in Seattle ^

Bainbridge is much better than Bremerton if you're going to set off walking on foot. It has a nice walkable city center with shops and a pretty decent local bookstore with travel section. It's only a couple blocks long. Also plenty of places for something to eat or drink before you turn back around. You do need to be careful of ferry schedules to make sure you're back on time. Last time I was there they were having an outdoor festival in a park near the ferry pier, so you might run across something like that.
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/

If this is your first time in Seattle, though, I'd stay in the city and visit the Space Needle and shops around Westlake Center (the monorail will connect the two), or Pike Place marketplace. PLENTY to stay occupied for a few hours in that vicinity.

I would say that Seattle is beautiful if it does not rain (like my day); I can't wait to go there again this Independence day. :)

Keep in mind there is an annual FT get together there in August. I've made the last few, sort of like an annual pilgrimage to visit MissyDarlin, who does an excellent job putting this together. See her post in FT Community.

Sadly, I'll miss out this year. :( I do have a good excuse, though: I'll be in Athens to see my friend's daughter Natalie bring home a stack of gold medals in swimming events.

Seattle Times has been doing a series of articles on ~1.5 hour long walks around Seattle neighborhood. If you can make it up Queen Anne Hill, I highly recommend the Queen Anne one. And for those interested in a ferry ride, check out the Winslow, Bainbridge Island one.

These are very well written, with maps, photos, notes on bakeries and cafes along the route, and so forth. :)

Seattle City Walks (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/news/traveloutdoors/links/citywalks/)

Seattle Times has been doing a series of articles on ~1.5 hour long walks around Seattle neighborhood. If you can make it up Queen Anne Hill, I highly recommend the Queen Anne one. And for those interested in a ferry ride, check out the Winslow, Bainbridge Island one.

These are very well written, with maps, photos, notes on bakeries and cafes along the route, and so forth. :)

Seattle City Walks (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/news/traveloutdoors/links/citywalks/)

Thanks for the great link. I spend as much leisure time in Seattle as an easternern possibly can. Not sure if I'll have time to do any of these walks this weekend, but I've got it bookmarked. Oh, and I thought it was in the bylaws that you residents were to discourage outsiders from falling in love with your city. ;)

Izzik and I are doing a similar mileage run this weekend and meeting a group of FT'ers at the Buenos Aires Grill downtown for dinner at 6pm. Check the thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=352913) in community. Stop by and say hello.

The aviation museum sounds cool, I've been on a couple of MR's to SFO and the museum in the airport has always been closed :( Ferries and good eats will suit me fine, though I thought I heard they drink some beer in the great NW...maybe I was mistaken ;) ...any hints on friendly local pubs?

If it's not too late to help you, I'd suggest the Elysian Brewing Co. brewpub on East Pike Street (www.elysianbrewing.com) to see why the place was just named "Large Brewpub of the Year" at the Great American Beer Festival.

Thanks for the great link. I spend as much leisure time in Seattle as an easternern possibly can. Not sure if I'll have time to do any of these walks this weekend, but I've got it bookmarked. Oh, and I thought it was in the bylaws that you residents were to discourage outsiders from falling in love with your city. ;)

:D It might be for the locals, but I'm a Jersey girl just out here for a job. That's funny, I spend too much time in NJ, so we are flipped.

Since it doesn't look like this is going away, I'm going to move it over to the Destination: West (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=456) forum. Discussion of activities at a destination as part of an overall mileage run discussion is okay, but focusing on a destination isn't really what Mileage Run is about.

Please continue to follow this discussion in the new forum.

Thanks,

Dave, a.k.a. dmfriedman
Moderator, Mileage Run

Izzik and I are doing a similar mileage run this weekend and meeting a group of FT'ers at the Buenos Aires Grill downtown for dinner at 6pm. Check the thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=352913) in community. Stop by and say hello.

Thanks for the invite, but I'll actually be in Portland Saturday. Maybe next time.

At the end of the month I have a 4.5 hour layover in SEA. If my memory if right SEA doesn't have much in the airport, so I'd like to head downtown for lunch.

Should 4.5 hours be enough time (late morning/noonish) to be able to get downtown for lunch? Can someone recommend a good seafood resturant downtown and near the airport (in case of Irregular Ops or if 4.5 hours is too little time)?

You can take the Express bus #194 from the south end of baggage claim right into downtown. Takes about a half hour and $1.25/$2.00 each way (depending on time of travel)

There are a ton of seafood options. Anthonys at Pier 66, or you can pop into Ivars, Steamers, or Elliotts at various places along the waterfront. If you want your seafood more asian style, get off at the International District stop. Otherwise, the University stop will put you in the middle of downtown, just a few blocks from the water.

For near the airport dining, there is 13 coins, Roasters (not really seafood though), and various hotel restaurants.

Help! I would like some suggestions for a hotel in SEA, would like a nice one please, up to say $500/nt in a good location so that it is easy to get around to see the sights. And speaking of sights, what do we take in? Looks like the stay will be for an arrival Dec. 5 and out the next morning. We are considering taking the A.O.E. up the coast from LAX. It's a splurge of a trip, but what a great itinerary and inclusions for the price...fare includes a one-night stay at the St. Francis in SFO while en route to SEA! If you reply, please PM me that you have replied here as I don't frequent this board. Or if you just prefer to PM the info that would be great as well.

If you plan on staying downtown, I would suggest the Inn at the Market, the Fairmont Olympic (formerly Four Seasons), and the W Seattle.

There are some good boutique hotels on the Eastside but I'm not sure what your are interested in. If $500/night is your budget, you should be able to do well with any choice.

Arriving in SEA at 11:03 am on NWA

Flying out the same day at 5:30pm on NWA, so not quite 6 and 1/2 hours.

I would be willing to rent a car, or take the train (if there is one)

Could I drop my bag at the Club, exit the airport, rent a car/hail a taxi/catch a train, see the Needle - preferably go to the top, and get back to the airport, get though security and catch my flight?

Would I have time to eat? Any suggestions near or on the way?

I went to the Space Needle a couple of weeks ago, midweek and at about that time. It was a good 45mins from joining the queue to being at the top. Depending on how much you like being high up about 15-20mins is enough to take it all in IMO. I spent longer up the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building etc.

I'd say presuming you arrive on time it could pan out like this:
11.00am - Arrive
11.45am - Into Seattle. There is parking near the EMP (Experience Music Project and it is a short walk from there to the Space Needle)
12.30pm - Top of Space Needle.
1pm - Bottom of Space Needle.

As for eating, well depends on what you like. There are plenty of takeaway seafood places on the waterfront area but it is a bit of a walk from Seattle Center down there. Personally I wasn't so keen on the deep fried cod etc (even as a Brit :D) but there are plenty of small cafe type places around Pikes Place Market. You can take the monorail (if it is working) or perhaps even a bus to downtown from Seattle Center. Parking in Seattle is plenitful but can be pricey compared to what I'm used to on the East Coast (up to $10 for 3hrs or so) but can be avoided if you cab it.

I'd say you can easily do the Space Needle and more in your layover, certainly Pikes Place Market as well ^

With your limited time, here's my suggestion (I did this too): Make a reservation for lunch at the restaurant at the top of the Space Needle (SkyCity). The minimum charge is $25 per guest, and during lunch all the entrees are around $25-30. With tickets to the observation deck only costing $14, you're essentially paying $11 for a pretty good meal with a view and great service. Another advantage: Access to the observation deck is included, and once you're done you can go up immediately. ^

Warning... lunch is M-F only, last reservation is 3:30pm.

IceTrojan, good thinking ^ Had forgotten about the restaurant, although TBH I've heard the food is overpriced, however, including the $14 for going to the top it is much better value ^^

With your limited time, here's my suggestion (I did this too): Make a reservation for lunch at the restaurant at the top of the Space Needle (SkyCity). The minimum charge is $25 per guest, and during lunch all the entrees are around $25-30. With tickets to the observation deck only costing $14, you're essentially paying $11 for a pretty good meal with a view and great service. Another advantage: Access to the observation deck is included, and once you're done you can go up immediately. ^

Warning... lunch is M-F only, last reservation is 3:30pm.

So to clarify, at trip to the top is included with your lunch which will run 25-35 per person?

Seems like that would be the way to go.

So to clarify, at trip to the top is included with your lunch which will run 25-35 per person?

This is confirmed. Link to lunch menu: http://www.spaceneedle.com/restaurant/menus/lunch.asp

FYI - It takes 1 hour for the restaurant to complete its rotation. I found the view there to be better, since it's pane windows and therefore unobstructed for the most part. Also more relaxing. The advantage to the O deck is that you get to step outside. Disadvantages: Fencing ruins the pictures, as well as the unwashed masses.

Thank you for all your help!

If only light rail were finished all the way to SEA.....

You can take the 194 express bus downtown, and easily get over to the Space Needle by monorail (from Westlake Center) or connecting bus.
http://transit.metrokc.gov/tops/bus/schedules/s194_0_.html

You can take the 194 express bus downtown, and easily get over to the Space Needle by monorail (from Westlake Center) or connecting bus.
http://transit.metrokc.gov/tops/bus/schedules/s194_0_.html

IF the monorail is actually working, it would be a good idea.

If only light rail were finished all the way to SEA.....

Light Rail - that would cool!

What day of the week is this?

Heading to SeaTac around 5:30 could take a bit longer if it is during the week (and if there's a Mariner's game...)

BUt I say- DO IT!!! It beats hanging out at the Airport! :D

Arriving in SEA at 11:03 am on NWA

Flying out the same day at 5:30pm on NWA, so not quite 6 and 1/2 hours.

I would be willing to rent a car, or take the train (if there is one)



Coming soon! (Well, December 2009 hopefully)

http://www.soundtransit.org/x234.xml

Could I drop my bag at the Club, exit the airport, rent a car/hail a taxi/catch a train, see the Needle - preferably go to the top, and get back to the airport, get though security and catch my flight?

Make sure this is OK with the club (it wasn't at the old Terminal C DL Crown Room in BOS for example)

And if you are using the SEA WorldClub, make sure it is open after 5pm!

Would I have time to eat? Any suggestions near or on the way?

There is but one place to eat in Seattle:

Dick's Lower Queen Anne!

http://www.ddir.com/store_queen_ann.html

The monorail is working now. The bus takes a long time to get from the airport to downtown. If you have a lunch reservation I would ake a cab or rent a car. I don't know if you have to be local to do it but "Flexcar" is an option to rent a car for just a few hours. www.flexcar.com

The monorail is working now.Actually, if you are basing this on the fact that you can see it working, it is incorrect. They are still testing it, so it is not open for passenger use.

Also confirmed here... (http://www.seattlemonorail.com/)

There are plenty of buses to get from Seattle Center (where the Space Needle is) to downtown. Rtes 1, 2, 13 off the top of my head.

There are plenty of buses to get from Seattle Center (where the Space Needle is) to downtown. Rtes 1, 2, 13 off the top of my head.Easy Guide for Downtown Bus Service (http://transit.metrokc.gov/tops/bus/neighborhoods/dtsea-easyguide-06a.html)

I'm stuck with a 4-hour layover in SEA on Sunday before continuing on to FAI. Anyone have a recommendation of what I can do to fill those 4 hours? Arrival into SEA is 11:30AM.

I don't know that I'd leave the airport with that short window.

You can buy a day pass to the Alaska Airlines Boardroom (providing that you are flying them to FAI) for $25-$30 and hang out there, or there is the Pacific Marketplace between the B and C concourses. There are several places to eat, some shopping options, and lots of chairs and benches to people and plane watch.

Might I put in a plug for Vino Volo? I grew fond of the
Dulles location and was pleased to find them sprouting
up various places, including the B/C terminal here.

Or, you could hike out to Spencer's, where I hear the
steaks are good but pricy (I didn't care for the one I
had in Spokane, though), or 13 Coins (mixed reports), or
Sharp's Roaster (have heard nothing about the place).
These places are a short walk off premises - just follow
the auto road at arrivals level - there's a good sidewalk -
and down to the traffic light at International Boulevard,
or Pacific Highway, or whatever they call it.

[I'm looking at an MR on Tuesday coming with a 3 1/2 hr
layover and will do some or all of the above.]

Depending on the time of day, security lines could be short or long, so if it were me, I'd stay inside security. I definitely wouldn't leave the secure side if I didn't have access to an elite line coming back through security. I frequently have 3 or 4 hour lay-overs waiting for one of the four daily flights to EAT from SEA, and never have trouble filling the time. There's free Internet access, free wine, beer, and vodka drinks, and an assortment of free snacks in the Alaska Board Room. You can easily make back the cost of a day pass if you use all of the above. There's also a decent (for an airport) Borders book store and Anthony's Restaurant is pretty good. Both are in the Pacific Marketplace in the center courtyard of the airport.

If you do decide to leave the airport, you won't have time to do much. Certainly not enough time to go into Seattle. Roasters is just to the right as you leave the airport, 13 Coins is across the street. Both get mixed reviews. Spencers is in the Hilton, across the street and to the left and is expensive. All are within walking distance.

If it were me I would NOT leave the airport with only 4 hours.

SEA has "street pricing" which means you can shop in any of the shops or dine at any of the restaurants (some nice, like Anthony's) for the same price as outside the airport.

Go to the Pacific Marketplace (in the airport and inside security), there is a beautiful view and some shopping and dining.

If it were me I would NOT leave the airport with only 4 hours.

SEA has "street pricing" which means you can shop in any of the shops or dine at any of the restaurants (some nice, like Anthony's) for the same price as outside the airport.

Go to the Pacific Marketplace (in the airport and inside security), there is a beautiful view and some shopping and dining.

Welcome to FlyerTalk Adrienne!

Thanks to you all for the recommendations. Shop, eat and work in the lounge is what I'll do!

Hi,

I have a 6 hour (all afternoon) layover on Tuesday, July 3 before a transatlantic flight out of SEA. Any suggestions on what to do with the time? Seems like too many hours to kill at an airport.

Appreciate any advice!

Thanks,

Dave
Healdsburg, CA

The Boeing Musuem of Flight is about a 15 min. drive from the airport. Don't konw the cab fare but most likely reasonable. The tour cost about $8.00 per person (a little less w/AAA discount). Lots of planes are on exhibit and several outside you can walk thru (a very old Airforce I & a Concord). Really a great way to spend a couple of hours and a decent gift shop as well if you need it. Have fun!

Pick up a rental car and head to Tacoma. Freighthouse Square (by the Tacoma Dome) coffee shop has Peggy's cinnamon rolls - an awesome warm heart-attack-on-a-plate. :D
And on out to Point Defiance Park - small zoo, gorgeous roses, wonderful views of Puget Sound from the drive through the park. Just allow enough time for traffic, rush hour there is as bad as most anywhere.

I really wouldn't want to go play on the freeway the afternoon before a national holiday.

The Museum of Flight is a good idea - www.museumofflight.org.

Or a taxi to the Pike Market downtown is also fun.

Or both - cab to the market for a late lunch, then cab or bus to the MoF, then to the airport for quality time in the security queues.

You can also take the Grey Line hotel airporter downtown for $10 or so, vs. $30 for a taxi downtown (probably $20 to the MoF.)

I would rent a car. Probably cheaper then a cab. At SEA I prefer Avis to Hertz. 6 hours really is a long time so you probably have enough time to go downtown. On transatlantic flights such as BA when they say at least two hours they mean two hours but maybe you will already be checked in. I would not go near Tacoma since freeway traffic in South Puget Sound is terrible. Traffic between downtown and SEA on I-5 is typically not bad. It is just bad:
1) Getting on the freeway during rush hour.
2) Contruction on the airport roads makes for a bottleneck of traffic coming into SEA during peak holiday travel. Nothing like OAK or anything but allow some extra time.

Thanks, everyone. I'll definitely do the Museum of Flight. Sounds like the less time on freeways, the better.

Dave

Will be doing a mileage run Feb 9th, and have from 4:30 PM until 11:00 PM at SEA.

Anything close by that would be a good time waster? I've only been in the United terminal; anything to see in the others? Restaurants?

Thanks in advance!

I'd take the 174 or 194 bus downtown for a few hours.
http://transit.metrokc.gov/

Sadly, the Museum of Flight, which is along the way, closes at 5pm.

I agree with what Tom said - as long as you're back at the airport by 9:30 PM you'll be fine to make your flight.

Since you're really only going to be in town when it's late (and dark) I'd recommend you just head to the Belltown area. It has lots of restaurants and bars (good happy hour places - read this month's Seattle Metropolitan magazine for Happy Hour bar suggestions).

Unfortunately, the market is closed at the time you're going to be in town and so are things like the Underground Tour.

You could also post in Community asking if other FTers want to meet you for dinner!

Personally, I would not waste that much time at the airport since downtown is, at most, 30 minutes away. Get out of the airport and go downtown ASAP to have as much time as possible. Returning at 9 pm should be cake. The 194 Express Bus leaves downtown at 9:04 pm and gets to SEA at 9:35 pm. Maybe leave a bit earlier just to be safe. Taxi to airport would be your emergency if something happens with the bus. Otherwise RT Taxi will cost $60 - $80. Now downtown from 4:30 to 6:30 pm on weekdays will be a madhouse so walking around will be your best option. I will have to think of some 6 to 9 pm ideas for you.

thanks to all for the responses...

I'm convinced I will be heading downtown, but it will be on a Saturday, not midweek.

Don't take the 174, if you use the bus. It makes many more stops into Seattle than the 194 does.

I have a meeting mid-day on 2/9, but maybe we can round up other folks in Seattle for drinks/supper someplace? I still haven't met the folks up here as I just moved up in November.

Post something in the Community forum if you want to meet other FTers. Depending on what you actually want to do with your time, you could also post more about what you would do in your time up here and folks can make more suggestions!

thanks to all for the responses...

I'm convinced I will be heading downtown, but it will be on a Saturday, not midweek.

Have a great time! But beware of these things concerning Seattle that I learned on other threads:

1. It will be dark all day
2. You won't make any friends while you are here
3. If you stay too long you'll be contemplating suicide

Otherwise enjoy yourself ;):p:D

Unfortunately, the market is closed at the time you're going to be in town and so are things like the Underground Tour.

I'm doing a travel article on Seattle for an Irish newspaper - and I'll be there in 2 weeks time.

I have permissions to photograph inside the market - but can someone please enlighten me about the "underground tour" and where I'll get more info and contacts?

Thanks for any help.

Stephen

I'm doing a travel article on Seattle for an Irish newspaper - and I'll be there in 2 weeks time.

I have permissions to photograph inside the market - but can someone please enlighten me about the "underground tour" and where I'll get more info and contacts?

Thanks for any help.

Stephen

http://www.undergroundtour.com/

I'm doing a travel article on Seattle for an Irish newspaper - and I'll be there in 2 weeks time.

I have permissions to photograph inside the marketI did not know that was something that required permission.

I did not know that was something that required permission.

Westcoastman Yes, it does - depending on what you are doing there - and how you will use the photos. Generally, all privately owned areas require "property releases" for publication (again, depending on the type of use), and as a professional photographer , I ALWAYS make advanced contact with the press offices to check on this, and this usually provides me with increased access.

Stills photography at Pike Market usually is OK (in my case it is) but filming needs permission, and you sometimes have to hire security personnel ($30 an hour at Pike market).

The neon sign and the clock tower are both copyrighted by Pike Market (I found this out after making contact) and they can be used for newspaper work but not for other paid publication without a contract - and anyone trying to do so, could be in legal hot water!

Woodway Thanks very much for the link. I'll look into it.

Best wishes,

Stephen

If you're a real music fan you may want to go to the EMP (Experience Music Project) down by the Space Needle. Haven't been there for a few years now but it sure was memorable.

Landing just before 3pm, leaving just before 1am. September 2008

I would think this would be enough time to leave the airport, eat dinner, visit the top of the Space Needle, make it back to the airport, clear security and be on my way.

Is there public transportation to and from the airport, and at those hours?
Is there something else I should do?

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Landing just before 3pm, leaving just before 1am. September 2008

I would think this would be enough time to leave the airport, eat dinner, visit the top of the Space Needle, make it back to the airport, clear security and be on my way.

Is there public transportation to and from the airport, and at those hours?
Is there something else I should do?

Any suggestions would be welcome.

The last direct city bus leaves downtown at 10 PM, so probably your best bet is to bus into town, and either return on the 10 PM bus, or the last Gray Line Airporter from one of the major hotels around 11, or else a cab (around $35 from downtown.)

http://transit.metrokc.gov/tops/bus/schedules/s194_0_.html
http://www.graylineseattle.com/airportexpress1.cfm

You'll have tons of time to do most anything downtown. Space Needle, Pike Market prowl, dinner, movie, ferry ride to Bainbridge, Museum of Flight (not downtown but between downtown and Sea-Tac) or any number of distractions.

Twice the last month I've been able to priceline a car in Seattle for $8. Worth a try if you have a bunch of running around you want to do.

If a taxi is ~$35 each way, and the bus is irregular, I don't see why I wouldn't get a car.

So, with that knowledge, what should I not miss?

It looks like the museum of flight is only open till 5pm

http://www.museumofflight.org/Display.asp?Page=VisGetHere

As much as I'd like to explore the Concorde, and visit some of their cool displays http://www.museumofflight.org/Display.asp?Page=GreatGallery I think I'm going to save that for another visit.

the 194 metro bus leaves baggage claim every 15 minutes or so. Its express and goes on the freeway right downtown. It runs all nite, much faster than 174 bus. Costs about $2 or less each way. You could take that or Grayline bus r/t should be about $18. If Grayline take to Westin and walk to Monorail for ride to space needle etc.

I think you need consider the hassle of parking if you have car and pick up and return.

I think you need consider the hassle of parking if you have car and pick up and return.

Agreed but also consider where you will be going. Even if you fork out $10 (almost definitely less) for parking in downtown seattle shopping district or Pike's market, it's still going to be cheaper or about the same as taking a cab. Difference is, cabs are not as easily available in our city compared to say NYC.

One important point is the day you will be in town. If it's a weekday, personally, I'd just stay at a club lounge at the airport or crash at a local hotel (there are a bunch around SEATAC). Traffic is usually horrible during weekdays rush hour so you'll be burning anywhere from 1-3 hours (total) just driving to and from downtown depending on your luck. If it's a weekend, definitely good idea to head to town. More than enough time for the space needle and EMP or hit pioneer square for the underground tour. There's a really nice bookstore (Elliot bay?) and some nice restaurants there too.

You'll have tons of time. The bus downtown is great or you can cab it if you want to save the time. You can visit the Experience Music Project while you visit the area with the space needle. Skip the science fiction place as it sucks. You can eat in the space needle if you want. They'll give you free admission to the needle if you do. I'd say hit downtown, go to Pike Place Market, go to EMP, SAM (if time allows), space needle, eat dinner airport.

Agreed but also consider where you will be going. Even if you fork out $10 (almost definitely less) for parking in downtown seattle shopping district or Pike's market, it's still going to be cheaper or about the same as taking a cab. Difference is, cabs are not as easily available in our city compared to say NYC.

One important point is the day you will be in town. If it's a weekday, personally, I'd just stay at a club lounge at the airport or crash at a local hotel (there are a bunch around SEATAC). Traffic is usually horrible during weekdays rush hour so you'll be burning anywhere from 1-3 hours (total) just driving to and from downtown depending on your luck. If it's a weekend, definitely good idea to head to town. More than enough time for the space needle and EMP or hit pioneer square for the underground tour. There's a really nice bookstore (Elliot bay?) and some nice restaurants there too.

Gosh- where are you parking that it's <$10 downtown during the day? :)

Read through the thread, but it didn't specifically address this. 7 hour layover, arriving at 10:30 pm, departing 6:00 am. Even with downtown so close, seems like my best option would be to hang out in the airport, or grab a hotel room. I'll be traveling with an infant.

What cheap options are out there to catch a few hours of sleep?

I don't have access to any of the airport lounges.

What cheap options are out there to catch a few hours of sleep? I'd probably just Priceline an airport hotel.

I'd probably just Priceline an airport hotel.

I've ended up in the Holiday Inn Seatac twice with Priceline with bids of $40 and $45. The hotel isn't exactly a stellar property and parking is a ugly $12, but it's not bad if you can get it for less than half the rack rate.