The Port of Seattle is piloting a new program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which allows a select number of travelers to reserve a timeslot each day for general screening at TSA Checkpoint 5 (closest general screening to the C, D and N gates). If you don’t have TSA Pre-check or CBP Global Entry, this program may be for you. There is no cost for using this program.
When Is Spot Saving Operating?
SEA Spot Saver is available daily from 4 a.m. to noon at Checkpoint 5 and Checkpoint 2. The pilot program will run until August 31, 2021.
You can book 24 hours in advance of your scheduled flight through Checkpoint 5 with Alaska Airlines flights. Time slots are limited and may book up fast, but appointments are available from 24 hours to 60 minutes before departure.
For Delta and any other airline passengers, you can book 72 hours before your flight for Checkpoint 2.
Which Airlines Are Participating?
This pilot program at Seattle Tacoma International Airport is for passengers flying either on Alaska Airlines or Delta Air Lines.
How It Works
- Visit portseattle.org/SEAspotsaver up to 24 hours before your flight to get started.
- Select Alaska Airlines, fill out your traveler details, and select a time slot.
- You will receive an email confirmation of your time slot with a QR code.
- At your designated time, head to TSA Checkpoint 5
- Look for the SEA Spot Saver sign, provide your QR code to the representative and proceed with your screening.
Keep in mind:
- Slots are limited, so don’t wait to reserve your spot.
- SEA Spot Saver offers general screening only. TSA PreCheck or CLEAR customers may continue to use those services without a time slot.
- If you arrive early, please have a seat in the lobby or grab a coffee, snacks, or magazine at one of the airport vendors until your designated time.
Final Thoughts
Just in time for summer travel, Seattle Tacoma International Airport is working to get you through TSA security screening faster. This is a pilot program that will operate through August 31, 2021. As with any pilot program, the results of the program will be measured and if the airport deems it successful, it may become a permanent offering.
If you have TSA Pre-check or CBP Global Entry, this program is not for you and you should continue to use the expedited security lanes. This program is for those passengers that have not paid for Pre-check or Global Entry and there is no cost for these passengers to use.
I will follow this story to see how successful it is and whether Seattle Tacoma International Airport will expand the program to other airlines or make it permanent.
