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TSA Wait Times at Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Plan ahead and minimize your wait at Seattle Tacoma International Airport security checkpoints. The data below shows historical maximum wait times by day and hour to help you choose the best time to arrive.

Peak Wait Time

34 min

Thursdays at 5 AM

Best Times to Go

Under 5 minutes

30 time slots with minimal wait

Morning Wait Times (AM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Seattle Tacoma International Airport for morning hours (12 AM - 11 AM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 AM 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m
1 AM 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m
2 AM 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m 1m
3 AM 20m 10m 5m 9m 12m 20m 12m
4 AM 25m 24m 7m 20m 25m 13m 25m
5 AM 25m 22m 10m 34m 30m 25m 28m
6 AM 27m 23m 17m 34m 28m 30m 25m
7 AM 30m 27m 18m 25m 18m 19m 14m
8 AM 25m 24m 15m 25m 15m 23m 15m
9 AM 25m 22m 16m 23m 15m 22m 19m
10 AM 22m 25m 20m 19m 15m 20m 12m
11 AM 15m 10m 18m 14m 12m 15m 14m

Afternoon & Evening Wait Times (PM)

Historical maximum TSA security wait times at Seattle Tacoma International Airport for afternoon and evening hours (12 PM - 11 PM), organized by day of week
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
12 PM 12m 14m 14m 14m 13m 12m 15m
1 PM 10m 14m 10m 16m 15m 11m 15m
2 PM 14m 14m 14m 16m 9m 10m 20m
3 PM 16m 14m 16m 14m 8m 7m 20m
4 PM 14m 12m 16m 14m 10m 10m 20m
5 PM 10m 6m 14m 16m 14m 10m 20m
6 PM 12m 8m 12m 16m 14m 10m 10m
7 PM 10m 8m 12m 12m 16m 10m 7m
8 PM 20m 15m 15m 17m 16m 15m 25m
9 PM 34m 20m 20m 17m 17m 25m 25m
10 PM 15m 5m 9m 11m 14m 20m 12m
11 PM 2m 3m 3m 3m 5m 3m 2m

Wait Time Legend

- No data ≤5 min 6-10 min 11-15 min 16-20 min 21-30 min 30+ min

Tips for SEA Security

  • Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights
  • Consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR for expedited screening
  • Check peak times above and plan to arrive during lower-traffic periods when possible
  • Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the checkpoint
  • Remove laptops and liquids from bags if you don't have TSA PreCheck

SEA TSA Wait Times FAQ

How long are TSA wait times at Seattle Tacoma International Airport?

TSA wait times at SEA vary by day and time. Peak waits can reach 34 minutes on Thursdays around 5 AM. The best times to go through security are early morning or late evening, with 30 time slots showing waits under 5 minutes.

What is the best time to go through security at SEA?

The best times to go through TSA security at SEA are typically early morning (before 6 AM) and late evening. Our data shows 30 time slots with wait times under 5 minutes. Avoid Thursdays around 5 AM when waits are longest.

Should I get TSA PreCheck for SEA?

TSA PreCheck can significantly reduce your wait time at Seattle Tacoma International Airport. PreCheck members enjoy expedited screening with shorter lines, and don't need to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. If you fly more than twice a year, the $78 fee (valid for 5 years) is usually worth it.

How early should I arrive at SEA airport?

For domestic flights at Seattle Tacoma International Airport, arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours early. During peak times (like Thursdays at 5 AM), consider arriving even earlier as waits can exceed 34 minutes.