Navigating Arrivals Seatac International Airport

As you exit the plane, you'll find yourself at the Seatac International Airport arrivals area. This is where you'll pick up your luggage and begin your journey home.

The airport is divided into two main terminals, North and South. The North terminal is used by most international flights, including those from Asia and Europe.

You'll need to go to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. This is located on the lower level of the terminal, and you can find the signs directing you there.

Make sure to check the airport's website or a departure board to confirm the baggage claim area for your flight.

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Upon arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, you'll need to navigate the deplaning and passport control process. International flights arrive at the S Concourse, while domestic carriers like Delta or Alaska arrive at the A Concourse.

As you exit the plane, follow the signs to enter the International Corridor, where you'll find restrooms, nursing suites, baggage information systems, and Service Animal Relief Areas. This is also where you'll check your assigned baggage claim by your airline and origin city in the overhead signage.

After grabbing your bags, head down to passport control, but first, make sure to check which processing area you need to go to. Depending on your citizenship, reasons for travel, and other factors, you'll be directed to one of the following areas: U.S. Citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, Canadian Citizens, Mobile Passport Control, Flight Crew, ESTA – First time to the USA or traveling on a new passport, ESTA – Returning or have traveled to the USA before, Visitors traveling on a VISA, U.S. Military, International Trusted Traveler Programs, or Wheelchair Assistance/Accessible.

You'll arrive at the airport at either the S Concourse for international flights or the A Concourse for domestic carriers like Delta or Alaska in a narrow body aircraft.

Make sure to check your assigned baggage claim by your airline and origin city in the overhead signage since you'll have to claim your bags before you enter Passport Control.

The International Corridor is where all passengers join up after deplaning, and you'll follow the signs to enter the United States before continuing to baggage claim and customs processing.

You'll pass through the Welcome Portal on your way to customs, where you'll find restrooms, nursing suites, baggage information systems, and Service Animal Relief Areas.

Members of Trusted Traveler Programs, such as Global Entry and NEXUS, will grab their bags on baggage claim before heading down to passport control.

After claiming your bags, you'll enter Passport Control, but if you're a member of a Trusted Traveler Program, you can skip the line and expedite your process.

As you exit the plane and make your way to the arrivals hall, you'll notice a series of checkpoints with screens above them displaying instructions. Watch these screens for guidance on where to go next.

After claiming your luggage, head to passport control near Baggage Carousel 18. There are different processing lanes depending on your citizenship and reasons for travel. Be sure to check the screens or ask airport staff if you're unsure where to go.

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The airport has designated processing areas for various types of travelers. Here's a quick rundown of where to go:

If you have Global Entry membership, you can claim your luggage at the assigned baggage claim and use the kiosks on the International Arrivals Facility's Baggage Claim level near Baggage Claim 18.

There's no need for a receipt after completing the process, and you can proceed to the dedicated Global Entry booths in passport control.

As an arriving international passenger from the United States, you have the option to opt out of facial recognition technology by telling the CBP agent.

However, if you're an arriving foreign national, you'll be required to participate in facial recognition processing.

Once you've been interviewed and approved by CBP, you can exit with your luggage to the left.

If you're referred to secondary screening, please follow the CBP Officer's directions and head to the right for further inspection and questioning.

For more information on what agriculture products are allowed into the United States, see CBP guidelines.

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After clearing customs, you'll have plenty of options to get to your destination in Seattle. If you're staying in the city, simply exit to the left after collecting your luggage.

You can choose from a variety of ground transportation options, including the Link light rail, which is a convenient and affordable way to get into the city.

If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can opt for an app-based ride share or even rent a vehicle to explore Seattle at your own pace.

If you're looking for a hassle-free option, consider using a shuttle service, which can drop you off at your hotel or other designated locations. Taxis are also available, but be prepared for potential traffic delays.

Here are some of your ground transportation options:

You can get to Sea-Tac Airport Arrivals using public transit, and it's actually quite convenient.

The bus lines that pass near Sea-Tac Airport Arrivals are 161, 560, A LINE, 124, GREYHOUND US0510S, FLIXBUS 2110, FLIXBUS N2111, FLIXBUS 2115, FLIXBUS 2120, 574, SEATAC SHUTTLE, and 156.

Here are the closest stations to Sea-Tac Airport Arrivals: Seatac Airport ACS & International Blvd, Seattle Tacoma Intl Airport, Seatac Airport Terminal - Bay 2, Sea-Tac Airport, International Blvd & S 182nd St, and Seatac/Airport Station.

You can also take the light rail, with the nearest station being Seatac/Airport Station, which is a 7 min walk away.

The 1 LINE is the first light rail that goes to Sea-Tac Airport Arrivals, stopping nearby at 4:38 AM, and the last light rail is also the 1 LINE, stopping nearby at 1:34 AM.

The 574 is the first bus that goes to Sea-Tac Airport Arrivals, stopping nearby at 3:03 AM, and the last bus is the FLIXBUS N2111, stopping nearby at 1:43 PM.

Here's a list of bus lines that stop near Sea-Tac Airport Arrivals:

Welcome to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, also known as Seatac. This busy airport is a major hub for travel in the Pacific Northwest.

Seatac is conveniently located about 15 miles south of downtown Seattle and 20 miles north of Tacoma. It's easily accessible by car, bus, or train.

As one of the fastest-growing airports in the country, Seatac serves over 50 million passengers each year. That's a lot of people!

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