SEA is a mess
Jul 26, 2018, 10:44 am
#31
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Anchorage AK
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 99
Having to run from the end of the earth (A13) to the N gates for a SFO-SEA-ANC connection was a TON of fun thanks to getting out of SFO nearly an hour late. What was going to be an enjoyable hour in SeaTac turned into "Good Luck".
At least our FAs were accommodating, letting the handful of us making the dash line up even before F to deplane.
Will the N terminal upgrades allow Alaska to keep their planes in N/D/C?
At least our FAs were accommodating, letting the handful of us making the dash line up even before F to deplane.
Will the N terminal upgrades allow Alaska to keep their planes in N/D/C?
Jul 26, 2018, 11:12 pm
#33
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: BUR/LAX
Programs: AS MVP
Posts: 300
The last two times I'm flown out on a Monday evening, arriving around 6:15-6:30PM the north security check point has been closed.
Of course, I've got an N gate flight so I ask to be dropped off at the north end of the drive.
Walk down to the center checkpoint and there are hundreds of people in line. Both times I've walked all the way to the south checkpoint, found it basically empty, and made my flights because I was able to get through quickly.
For certain two weeks ago I would not have made my flight with the line at the central checkpoint.
Why are they keeping such short hours at the north checkpoint these days? It's awful when you're flying Alaska.
Of course, I've got an N gate flight so I ask to be dropped off at the north end of the drive.
Walk down to the center checkpoint and there are hundreds of people in line. Both times I've walked all the way to the south checkpoint, found it basically empty, and made my flights because I was able to get through quickly.
For certain two weeks ago I would not have made my flight with the line at the central checkpoint.
Why are they keeping such short hours at the north checkpoint these days? It's awful when you're flying Alaska.
Jul 26, 2018, 11:23 pm
#34
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon or Costa Alegre take your pick
Programs: AS MVPG,
Posts: 1,066
We nearly missed an international connection on BA due to ATC delay a couple months ago. You would think 3 hours in advance of the flight PDX- SEA would be enough domestic to international connection leeway? Not at rush hour in SEA. Nail biting.
Jul 26, 2018, 11:36 pm
#35
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
The consolidated garage is a joke... was soo much easier when one could walk across the skybridge.
So when you see hundreds of people in line at the North Car Rental busing point, consider walking to the South location. This 5 minute journey very well may yield zero people in line. The POS has a serious issue with this.
Jul 27, 2018, 8:16 am
#37
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 116
Speaking of messes, I cant wait for the E expansion to be complete at PDX and Southwest gets kicked out of C. It's amazing seeing the difference in the number of people between the two sides of the airport.
If I remember correctly it will only be American and Alaska in C once E is complete.
If I remember correctly it will only be American and Alaska in C once E is complete.
Jul 27, 2018, 8:18 am
#38
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: LAX
Programs: AS MVPG, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 1,445
Jul 27, 2018, 9:13 am
#40
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUS/PDX
Programs: WN CP/A-List, AS MVPG75K
Posts: 5,798
Pro tip: Same thing applies to the rental cars.
The consolidated garage is a joke... was soo much easier when one could walk across the skybridge.
So when you see hundreds of people in line at the North Car Rental busing point, consider walking to the South location. This 5 minute journey very well may yield zero people in line. The POS has a serious issue with this.
The consolidated garage is a joke... was soo much easier when one could walk across the skybridge.
So when you see hundreds of people in line at the North Car Rental busing point, consider walking to the South location. This 5 minute journey very well may yield zero people in line. The POS has a serious issue with this.
I'm also extremely thankful for Clear at SEA.
Jul 27, 2018, 10:17 am
#41
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: HH Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 10,458
The last two times I'm flown out on a Monday evening, arriving around 6:15-6:30PM the north security check point has been closed.
Of course, I've got an N gate flight so I ask to be dropped off at the north end of the drive.
Walk down to the center checkpoint and there are hundreds of people in line. Both times I've walked all the way to the south checkpoint, found it basically empty, and made my flights because I was able to get through quickly.
For certain two weeks ago I would not have made my flight with the line at the central checkpoint.
Why are they keeping such short hours at the north checkpoint these days? It's awful when you're flying Alaska.
Of course, I've got an N gate flight so I ask to be dropped off at the north end of the drive.
Walk down to the center checkpoint and there are hundreds of people in line. Both times I've walked all the way to the south checkpoint, found it basically empty, and made my flights because I was able to get through quickly.
For certain two weeks ago I would not have made my flight with the line at the central checkpoint.
Why are they keeping such short hours at the north checkpoint these days? It's awful when you're flying Alaska.
Jul 27, 2018, 1:19 pm
#42
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUS/PDX
Programs: WN CP/A-List, AS MVPG75K
Posts: 5,798
No idea about the arrangement in Seattle, but CLEAR doesn't pay the TSA. They pay the airport.
In Phoenix, it's 10% of gross sales or a minimum of $200,000/year, according to this article by the Arizona Republic.
In Phoenix, it's 10% of gross sales or a minimum of $200,000/year, according to this article by the Arizona Republic.
Jul 27, 2018, 8:07 pm
#43
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
Don't the same busses stop at both locations? I remember doing this and getting stuck on a packed bus. If I rent a car in Seattle, I now go with Silvercar and walk over if it's not raining or offsite in Downtown SEA or Bellevue. Haven't picked up a car at SEA in about three years. It's an awful experience.
I'm also extremely thankful for Clear at SEA.
I'm also extremely thankful for Clear at SEA.
Jul 27, 2018, 8:10 pm
#44
Moderator Hilton Honors, Travel News, West, The Suggestion Box, Smoking Lounge & DiningBuzz
Join Date: Jun 2000
Programs: Honors Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, National Exec Elite
Posts: 36,026
IF it worked more consistently, I would quite agree.
But of all the CLEAR airports I've been through, I find SEA's machines consistently the worst for quickly identifying me. The last time I had EIGHT attempts and then the machine crashed.
It depends on loads. I've certainly been there when the rental car bus stopped at both north and south stops.
But of all the CLEAR airports I've been through, I find SEA's machines consistently the worst for quickly identifying me. The last time I had EIGHT attempts and then the machine crashed.
It depends on loads. I've certainly been there when the rental car bus stopped at both north and south stops.
Jul 27, 2018, 8:17 pm
#45
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: BUR/LAX
Programs: AS MVP
Posts: 300
Of the airports I pass through regularly, SEA's TSA operation is the worst. The staffing seems to have no basis in actual/expected passenger loads.