Practical Travel Safety Issues - SEA tips

Anyone got tips for clearing security easily? Preferably how to get a WTMD? I will be flying on American and am eligible for PreCheck, if that helps.

While I'd love to take a stand at every airport I fly out of, SEA is a little too far from home for me to rent a car and drive home.

Anyone got tips for clearing security easily? Preferably how to get a WTMD? I will be flying on American and am eligible for PreCheck, if that helps.

While I'd love to take a stand at every airport I fly out of, SEA is a little too far from home for me to rent a car and drive home.

All the way at one end of the ticketing area (as I recall, it was to the left as you face the counters), there's a smaller security area. It was WTMD only (two lines feeding a single WTMD machine).

Only reason I know it was there was they sent us down there because of a longer line at the other security spot.

That would be checkpoint 5 according to tsastatus.net? And stay as far left as possible? Or just go through the elite lane and you're fine?

I've never been to SEA, so the info on the site is a little confusing.

Anyone got tips for clearing security easily? Preferably how to get a WTMD? I will be flying on American and am eligible for PreCheck, if that helps.

While I'd love to take a stand at every airport I fly out of, SEA is a little too far from home for me to rent a car and drive home.

If you're eligible for the magic lane for Uebermenschen, stop worrying. TSA CP 5 - quickest way to get there is stop at the Alaska ticket counters, go to the first opening to the CPs, go right. The Uebermenschen lane is over to the right of CP 5. The sign is clear and tells you where to go. Go in and go all the way down until you see somebody, present your boarding pass and get the magic triple beep and go. There's no NOS in the Uebermenschen lane.

Make sure you have entered your magic number. I don't know what happens if you don't get the magic triple beep, I've been through three times and always gotten it.

It is to the far RIGHT. DON'T go to the regular Elite lane. That just gets you to the ordinary experience faster.

If you're eligible for the magic lane for Uebermenschen, stop worrying. TSA CP 5 - quickest way to get there is stop at the Alaska ticket counters, go to the first opening to the CPs, go right. The Uebermenschen lane is over to the right of CP 5. The sign is clear and tells you where to go. Go in and go all the way down until you see somebody, present your boarding pass and get the magic triple beep and go. There's no NOS in the Uebermenschen lane.

Make sure you have entered your magic number. I don't know what happens if you don't get the magic triple beep, I've been through three times and always gotten it.

It is to the far RIGHT. DON'T go to the regular Elite lane. That just gets you to the ordinary experience faster.

Not getting the beep worries me (I'm assuming that's associated with LLL - never heard beeps at DFW)? I am 6/6 at DFW, so I'm sure my luck is about to run out, and soon.

I guess what I'm asking is, is tsastatus.net wrong about the elite line leading to a WTMD? My husband is not PreCheck eligible and it would be nice to stay with him if possible - although I have no problems leaving him to fend for himself with the naked scanner if it really comes down to that.

I do not mind taking off my shoes and removing liquids and laptops in this case - I am really aiming for a WTMD.

Edited to delete questions that you already answred - need more coffee!

As of last month, far left at CP 5 was still WTMD only (open to all, not just elite), middle line(s?) had NOS (forget which type) but was turned off and far right was Pre-Check (couldn't really observe what the pre-check "rejects" were doing). From what I saw, most of the other CPs only had one NOS operational, very easy to SDOO.

Ok, sounds like left lane of checkpoint 5 is the winner. I'll wait in a longer line to avoid getting groped (I don't do backscatter, which is appears is what SEA has), just wish my flight wasn't so early in the morning.

I have zero experience doing SDOO, so this is all very helpful. My "other" home airport is MMW only, with the WTMD always blocked off. Maybe other airports are better about it?

Self directed opt-outs are pretty easy at Seatac. I'm not Pre-check eligible yet, so I can't speak for what would happen if you don't get the beeps. But at all the checkpoints, you can pick your own line after document-check. And, since the security lines move slowly, you'll have plenty of time to see which lines lead to WTMDs. Usually at checkpoint 5 that's the far left lane, though occasionally it's blocked off. The good news is that all the checkpoints are within a minute or two's walk, and all connect to any gate.

Seatac is my home airport--I fly out of there two or three times a month. It's an easy SDOO almost all the time, which is just as well, since the TSOs tend to be among the most 'bark-and-bite' prone I have ever encountered.

Ok, sounds like left lane of checkpoint 5 is the winner. I'll wait in a longer line to avoid getting groped (I don't do backscatter, which is appears is what SEA has), just wish my flight wasn't so early in the morning.

Before Pre-Check started in SEA, I tried to SDOO to that lane at checkpoint 5, but was thwarted by a TSO saying "go there" to the other side of the checkpoint. I just turned around and used a different checkpoint.

If you wander around the airport and look, you'll find a few lanes here and there that have the NoS turned off. In fact, a few weeks ago when passing through, all the NoS were turned off and had "maintenance request forms" on them at checkpoint 4.

Before Pre-Check started in SEA, I tried to SDOO to that lane at checkpoint 5, but was thwarted by a TSO saying "go there" to the other side of the checkpoint. I just turned around and used a different checkpoint.
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Unfortunately we have a 6 am flight, so I'm not sure how long we can wander around.

I wonder what happens if you ignore them...

Don't worry about the 6 am flight time, it'll still be pretty busy at Seatac at that hour. Give yourself a few minutes to check out the security checkpoints--other than the northern most one, all of the lines of the others are fully visible before you get into the line for document check. (The north checkpoint's far right lane is usually WTMD only, but I don't use it unless I can't find a WTMD open lane at the other checkpoints, since you can't actually see if it'll be safe before you get in line and commit to that checkpoint.)

The others are easy to scope out first. If you feel self conscious, just put a cellphone to your ear and pretend you're on the phone as you stroll by the checkpoints and check them out. No problem... After the document check, you are free to pick your own security line, so pick the one with the WTMD and you're home free.

I'm connecting through SEA arriving on an AA flight and on to a Horizon flight with about a 2 hour layover.

Will I (1) have to leave the secure arrival area and re-enter (2) if so, is there a Pre-check entry point available and (3) have time to use the AS Board Room?

I'm connecting through SEA arriving on an AA flight and on to a Horizon flight with about a 2 hour layover.

Will I (1) have to leave the secure arrival area and re-enter (2) if so, is there a Pre-check entry point available and (3) have time to use the AS Board Room?

All gates at SEA are accessible airside. No need to reclear security.

I wonder what happens if you ignore them...

The guy physically blocked the lane off and shooed us to the other side. Other airports it's possible to ignore the TSA people directing traffic (SJC comes to mind).

I'm connecting through SEA arriving on an AA flight and on to a Horizon flight with about a 2 hour layover.

Will I (1) have to leave the secure arrival area and re-enter (2) if so, is there a Pre-check entry point available and (3) have time to use the AS Board Room?

No need to re clear security and you should have plenty of time to visit the BR. Remember: QX flights board 20-25 minutes before departure, unlike the 30-40 minutes that is printed on the BPs.

Thanks for the advice!

I have a flight out of SEA at 7:15 on a Sunday morning later this month. I don't have Pre-Check but I can use elite lines if Delta has it set up there.

I will have to check in luggage (again, using the FC line). What is the latest I can get to the terminal and still be 100% certain of boarding at 6:45 am?

Thanks tusphotog and SEA1K4EVR!

Odd, people keep talking left lane only for checkpoint 5, I honestly don't even remember seeing anything but a WTMD there. Had two x-ray machines, and then one WTMD between them. Not sure if it's really checkpoint 5, on the SEA map here:
http://www.portseattle.org/Sea-Tac/Maps-and-Directions/Pages/Main-Terminal.aspx
It was the one on the top end of the map, behind the checkin counters labeled 1 on the map.

All the way at one end of the ticketing area (as I recall, it was to the left as you face the counters), there's a smaller security area. It was WTMD only (two lines feeding a single WTMD machine).

I honestly don't even remember seeing anything but a WTMD there...Not sure if it's really checkpoint 5...It was the one on the top end of the map, behind the checkin counters labeled 1 on the map.Correct. It's a smaller security area, at the south end of the building (top of the airport map, behind Ticket Counter #01).

Odd, people keep talking left lane only for checkpoint 5, I honestly don't even remember seeing anything but a WTMD there. Had two x-ray machines, and then one WTMD between them. Not sure if it's really checkpoint 5, on the SEA map here:
http://www.portseattle.org/Sea-Tac/Maps-and-Directions/Pages/Main-Terminal.aspx
It was the one on the top end of the map, behind the checkin counters labeled 1 on the map.

I think you have it flipped around backward in your head. Checkpoint 5 is by the counters labeled 7, where it says to D and N gates and access to all gates. When you go through it, you are right at the top of the escalator to the train that goes to the N gates. You can take it to the N gates (obviously) or back to the rest of the terminals if you don't want to walk there.

I have a trip to/from SEA from SNA this Thurs/Fri. I'm elite precheck on AA (it worked once, and didn't work once so far at LAX), my question is if anyone knows if I'll be eligible for the precheck line leaving SEA if I'm on Alaska but ticketed on a AA codeshare?

Also on this trip, I need to get back ASAP, anyone had luck getting earlier stand-by from SEA-SNA on Alaska? Does AA elite status help?

I have a trip to/from SEA from SNA this Thurs/Fri. I'm elite precheck on AA (it worked once, and didn't work once so far at LAX), my question is if anyone knows if I'll be eligible for the precheck line leaving SEA if I'm on Alaska but ticketed on a AA codeshare?

Also on this trip, I need to get back ASAP, anyone had luck getting earlier stand-by from SEA-SNA on Alaska? Does AA elite status help?

AS participates in PreCheck however if you're using your AA number on your ticket I doubt it will work. It's a good question though.. I wonder if partner airlines will eventually share information with each other to extend PreCheck invites to those traveling on partner carriers. I don't think the code share makes any difference in this case..just the fact that you're using an AA # and not an AS #.

AS participates in PreCheck however if you're using your AA number on your ticket I doubt it will work. It's a good question though.. I wonder if partner airlines will eventually share information with each other to extend PreCheck invites to those traveling on partner carriers. I don't think the code share makes any difference in this case..just the fact that you're using an AA # and not an AS #.


So AA doesn't participate at SEA yet? Or you think the codeshare will mess it up?

So AA doesn't participate at SEA yet? Or you think the codeshare will mess it up?

Yes AA participates, but you're flying on AS and you'll get your boarding pass from AS..that's the problem. I can't really say with 100% certainty that you won't be eligible.. it's all going to depend on the communication between AA & AS and if there's reciprocity there for each airlines elites when traveling on the other airline.

Yes AA participates, but you're flying on AS and you'll get your boarding pass from AS..that's the problem. I can't really say with 100% certainty that you won't be eligible.. it's all going to depend on the communication between AA & AS and if there's reciprocity there for each airlines elites when traveling on the other airline.

Gotcha, thanks for the info!

I think you have it flipped around backward in your head. Checkpoint 5 is by the counters labeled 7, where it says to D and N gates and access to all gates. When you go through it, you are right at the top of the escalator to the train that goes to the N gates. You can take it to the N gates (obviously) or back to the rest of the terminals if you don't want to walk there.

Hmm, when we went down, we were right at the train that went to the S gates, which from the map I linked, would have it behind the counters labeled 1 there. We were going out of the S gates, and I know I definitely didn't have to go back to the other end of the terminal to get that train. So no idea what number check point it is, but whatever it was, all I saw was WTMD, which really surprised me.

Hmm, when we went down, we were right at the train that went to the S gates, which from the map I linked, would have it behind the counters labeled 1 there. We were going out of the S gates, and I know I definitely didn't have to go back to the other end of the terminal to get that train. So no idea what number check point it is, but whatever it was, all I saw was WTMD, which really surprised me.

There are 2 trains at SEA. One goes to N, and makes 2 or 3 stops in the main terminal, I forget how many. The other goes to S. To get from N to S, you have to take 2 trains - take the N train to the transfer point and switch to the S train. I use checkpoint 5 because it has the magic lane for Übermenschen and I'm an Übermensch. I fly on Delta, which usually leaves from S. So I go in at 5, take the N train (could walk if I wanted, but the train is right there) and transfer to the S train. You are describing checkpoint 1, which is close to the S train.

There are 2 trains at SEA. One goes to N, and makes 2 or 3 stops in the main terminal, I forget how many. The other goes to S. To get from N to S, you have to take 2 trains - take the N train to the transfer point and switch to the S train. I use checkpoint 5 because it has the magic lane for Übermenschen and I'm an Übermensch. I fly on Delta, which usually leaves from S. So I go in at 5, take the N train (could walk if I wanted, but the train is right there) and transfer to the S train. You are describing checkpoint 1, which is close to the S train.

A small correction.. there are 3 trains at SEA.. .

-The S loop (which stops at main terminal south, the B gates, and S gates)
-The N loop (which stops at main terminal north, N gates, C gates),
-The connector train linking the main terminal north and south train stations.

Checkpoint 5 is indeed the furthest north checkpoint..and from there it is 2 trains to the S gates where DL flies out of. You were riding the connector train..not the N loop train.

I have a trip to/from SEA from SNA this Thurs/Fri. I'm elite precheck on AA (it worked once, and didn't work once so far at LAX), my question is if anyone knows if I'll be eligible for the precheck line leaving SEA if I'm on Alaska but ticketed on a AA codeshare?

Also on this trip, I need to get back ASAP, anyone had luck getting earlier stand-by from SEA-SNA on Alaska? Does AA elite status help?

SEA is pretty efficient on the whole so even regular lanes aren't painful. Elite checkpoint for D/N gates is BKSX equipped, so if that's an issue stick with the regular lanes (and stay left at the D/N checkpoint). Wife has pre-check, but didn't really do her any good last two flights at SEA (the 9 & 15th). Once the lane was closed, other time the scanner was busted.

For California flights standby can be hit and miss, as those flights are usually packed with AS elites, especially at peak business travel hours. If you have a discounted ticket, AS has a same day change policy, and for $25 it's well worth it to have a confirmed seat. If no seats are available, it's no charge to same day standby on Y/F fares. Full details here:

http://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/at-the-airport/same-day-flight-changes.aspx

Arriving on LH and connecting to UA form an international flight -surely I will have to clear security again after rechecking my luggage??? By the way how easy is that in SEA?

Arriving on LH and connecting to UA form an international flight -surely I will have to clear security again after rechecking my luggage??? By the way how easy is that in SEA?

Immigration and customs is done in the south satellite terminal. After clearing customs, you'll drop bags, then there is a split. Passengers that are ending their trips in Seattle just get on the non-secure side of the south loop train and reclaim their bags at the main terminal without reclearing security. If you are connecting, you clear TSA after rechecking your bags. The checkpoint is pretty much immediately outside of customs. Once you clear that you will be on the secure side of the south loop train. This will drop you at the south side of the main terminal. UA primarily operates out of the north satellite. Once you reach the main terminal you can go up the escalators and walk to the north side of the main terminal (the best food selection is in the middle section of the main terminal) or take the shuttle train to the north side of the main terminal. In either case you will then need to get on the north loop train, which will drop you at the north satellite for your United flight. There is a secure connection between all gates, so regardless of what you choose you should only need to clear security once.


Map here:
http://www.portseattle.org/Sea-Tac/Maps-and-Directions/Pages/Terminal-Overview.aspx

OK so I guess we had better plan for a longer stop here.... Current flight plans give us 2h15 min that should be doable unless immigrations is a time consuming item in SEA. german passport with ESTAS

OK so I guess we had better plan for a longer stop here.... Current flight plans give us 2h15 min that should be doable unless immigrations is a time consuming item in SEA. german passport with ESTAS

I think you should be ok - the satellites and terminal are in a fan shape so the distances are small, and the train system is very efficient and frequent (similar system as TPA/MCO but underground). Customs is pretty fast there most times (I'd be surprised if it was 1hr), and I would only show up to check in (with bags) to the airport 90 mins ahead of a domestic flight, and I always have time to get a meal and a few minutes to check emails. Though customs is always a wildcard, and the lines are longer for non-U.S. citizens, I don't foresee any problem at all with a 2h15m connection time.

Thnaks 16A I was starting to wonder if perhaps we should debate using another hub but Seattle is simply the best hub for flights to Anchorage and besides it leaves us the option of a friend from SEA meeting us there if he has time....

Thnaks 16A I was starting to wonder if perhaps we should debate using another hub but Seattle is simply the best hub for flights to Anchorage and besides it leaves us the option of a friend from SEA meeting us there if he has time....
Seattle is a great airport - there are lots of restaurants/services and it is really well kept. If you are traveling to ANC it is the stop I'd recommend. This time of year you should have great views on the way in (usually left side of the cabin is best for approach views of the mountains and volcanoes). Meeting up might be pretty short if you have to go out to the public area of the terminal (you'll want to head through security no more than 60-75 minutes before your flight, since it usually takes 20-25 minutes (non-elite lanes) and United calls boarding 30-40 mins before departure. Note that Seattle traffic can be quite terrible, so it may not be practical for your friend to get down there if it is rush hour (a 15 min trip can be 1hr+ at certain times of day). If you go outside security, the D/N checkpoint is the fastest way in (if backscatter machines are a concern stay in the left general security lane as it is metal detector only) and that is also the checkpoint nearest the train (once through the checkpoint, turn right and you should see a set of escalators to your right). That will take you to the train to the north satellite.

Have a great trip to Alaska and enjoy your stay in the U.S!

Note that Seattle traffic can be quite terrible, so it may not be practical for your friend to get down there if it is rush hour (a 15 min trip can be 1hr+ at certain times of day).

There is light rail to the airport that can be taken from downtown Seattle. I have not taken it to the airport, but I have taken it in that direction, just not as far as the airport, and been happy with it. It is cheap, and definitely worth thinking about. If you're coming in and going to downtown, it may be worth thinking about too. Trains come pretty frequently and there's plenty of room for luggage.

http://www.soundtransit.org/Rider-Guide/SeaTac-Airport-Station.xml

There is light rail to the airport that can be taken from downtown Seattle. I have not taken it to the airport, but I have taken it in that direction, just not as far as the airport, and been happy with it. It is cheap, and definitely worth thinking about. If you're coming in and going to downtown, it may be worth thinking about too. Trains come pretty frequently and there's plenty of room for luggage.

http://www.soundtransit.org/Rider-Guide/SeaTac-Airport-Station.xml

Yeah the light rail system is great for getting to and from the airport from downtown. The station is a bit of a walk (through the parking garage and across a skybridge). Traveling downtown with a 2h15m connection time would not be a good idea, but it is great for doing some quick sightseeing downtown if you have a longer stop (or if people are meeting you at the airport during heavy traffic times). Note that once you are downtown, there is a fairly extensive ride free zone on the Metro bus system (at least until September 29th) that you can use as well.

Details here:

http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/bus/ride-free-area/

Ahh no he may join us on the rest of the trip and meet us in SEA to fly to ANC with us:D if we use another hub we will only meet in ANC. I am however really leaning towards SEA

Ahh no he may join us on the rest of the trip and meet us in SEA to fly to ANC with us:D if we use another hub we will only meet in ANC. I am however really leaning towards SEA

Ah that makes sense! Alaska Air also has probably about 20 non-stops to ANC from SEA each day if your friend isn't able to get on your United flight.

There is light rail to the airport that can be taken from downtown Seattle. I have not taken it to the airport, but I have taken it in that direction, just not as far as the airport, and been happy with it. It is cheap, and definitely worth thinking about. If you're coming in and going to downtown, it may be worth thinking about too. Trains come pretty frequently and there's plenty of room for luggage.

http://www.soundtransit.org/Rider-Guide/SeaTac-Airport-Station.xml

NB: FWIW, it makes *many* stops between downtown & the airport light rail station. It took us approx 40 minutes the time we tried it. Also, there is a long walk, mostly thru a parking garage, from the rail terminal to the actual airport. Conclusion: it's a reasonable alternative if you're going to/from a downtown hotel, but not particularly efficient timewise if you're a Seattle resident (as we are) & first have to get downtown from home which adds additional time.