Travelling through busy airports, especially during peak hours when security lines are long and unpredictable, can be stressful. However, to make things easier for passengers, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) offers a free service called SEA Spot Saver. This program allows passengers to book a security checkpoint time in advance, helping them avoid lengthy queues. By reserving a spot online, travellers gain more control over their airport experience, saving both time and stress.
What is SEA Spot Saver?
SEA Spot Saver is a free virtual queueing system offered at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Passengers can book a spot online, arrive at a dedicated security checkpoint lane at their chosen time and move smoothly toward their gate, instead of waiting in the regular security line. Seattle Spot Saver is designed to make travel easier by saving time and reducing stress. At the same time, the system helps the airport manage the flow of passengers and keep wait times more predictable.
At SEA Airport, SEA Spot Saver is currently available at the TSA checkpoints 2, 3 and 5.
Who Can Use SEA Spot Saver?
SEA Spot Saver is available to all departing passengers at SEA Airport. However, there are a few important details:
- Airlines covered
- Passengers with a valid boarding pass
- Not required for TSA PreCheck members
Passengers can book an appointment for SEA Spot Saver as early as five days before their flight or even after arriving at the airport on the day of travel.
How Does SEA Spot Saver Work?
Here is a step-by-step guide to how Spot Saver Seattle works.
- Step 1: Book a Reservation: Travellers can book their spot in advance online up to 5 days before flight departure or at the airport. Next, passengers need to enter their airline, destination, flight number, number of travellers in their group, and contact details to reserve their spot.
- Step 2: Choose a Time Slot: Passengers pick a time window that works best for them. It is recommended to arrive a little early to avoid missing the slot.
- Step 3: Receive a Confirmation: After completing the SEA spot saver reservation process, travellers will receive a confirmation email or text message with a QR code.
- Step 4: Show Up at the Dedicated Lane: Travellers head to the SEA Spot Saver entry lane at their scheduled time. TSA agents scan the QR code, and the passenger is directed through security.
Flyers can use the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport map or follow the signage to locate the dedicated lanes.
How Can a Passenger Use Seattle Airport Spot Saver?
The service is available for departing flights between 4 am and 10 pm at select TSA checkpoints. To use SEA Spot Saver:
- A passenger can go online and schedule an appointment for security screening.
- Travellers need to book a reservation a few days in advance, especially during busy travel periods, since slots may fill quickly.
- Passengers must have a valid boarding pass.
- Flyers should carry the confirmation email or QR code handy for smooth entry.
What if SEA Spot Saver is Not Working?
Sometimes passengers face issues like not receiving confirmation emails, QR codes not scanning, or slots being full. In the SEA Spot Saver not working case, travellers need to:
- Double-check the email’s spam/junk folder.
- Try refreshing the booking site or using a different browser.
If the system is still not working, the best course of action is to simply go through the regular security line. It is a free, optional service, so there’s no penalty for not using it.
SEA Spot Saver Alaska and International Flights
A person flying on Alaska Airlines domestically and internationally can use it just as easily as a person flying on another airline to an international destination. The key is that the flight must be departing from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
- Seattle Housing Authority: Save My Spot vs. SEA Spot Saver Some people mix up SEA Spot Saver (airport security reservation) with “Save My Spot” (Seattle Housing Authority program), but both are different programs.
- Save My Spot Seattle Housing Authority: A housing assistance program that allows applicants to save their place in line for affordable housing opportunities.
- SEA Spot Saver: A travel program for reserving a place in the TSA security line.
SEA Spot Saver vs TSA PreCheck
The key differences between SEA Spot Saver and TSA PreCheck are:
| Features | SEA Spot Saver | TSA PreCheck |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | $78 for 5 years |
| Availability | SEA Airport | At most of the US airports |
| Screening Process | Standard TSA screening | Expedited |
| Reservation | Reserve a time slot | No reservation required |
Is SEA Spot Saver Worth It?
It’s a simple and effective way to save time and avoid the stress of long security lines. While it doesn’t offer the same benefits as TSA PreCheck, it can significantly reduce the SeaTac security wait time for general screening passengers, making the airport experience much more pleasant. It’s particularly useful during busy travel days or peak hours.
Sum Up!
SEA Spot Saver is a free program that makes travel through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport easy and quick. It works for both domestic and international passengers, supports major airlines including Alaska, and is worth using for anyone without TSA PreCheck. By booking a time slot in advance, travellers can skip the unpredictability of long lines and enjoy a smoother start to their journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
SEA Spot Saver is a free, optional reservation system for the regular security line at SEA-Tac. TSA PreCheck is a paid federal program for expedited screening that allows travellers to keep on their shoes and jackets.
It is available for all departing flights at certain TSA checkpoints between 4 am and 10 pm.
You can book your time slot directly on the Port of Seattle’s official website. After that, you will receive a QR code in your email that you need to show at the SEA security lane.
Yes, it can be used for any departing flight from SEA-Tac, whether it’s domestic or international.
Yes, it is completely free.
Check your email’s spam folder, try rebooking, or simply use the regular TSA line.
Yes, groups and families can reserve together under one booking.
Dedicated lanes are available at Checkpoints 2, 3 and 5.
No, they are completely different. “Save My Spot” relates to housing assistance, while Sea Spot Saver is for airport security.