Don't be late! Get your boarding pass on time!

Brief
February 6, 2003

New Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures have increased the time required to obtain boarding passes and clear security checkpoints. The airlines are striving to keep their schedules and may refuse to issue boarding passes if you arrive too late to clear security and arrive at the gate before boarding is completed.

Recommendations of the major airlines regarding advance check-in vary, but it is key to arrive at the airport well in advance as the airlines may release your seat if you are not there when the plane boards.

The Port of Seattle's check-in guidelines follow:

On domestic flights, arrive at least two hours prior to departure, three hours for international flights.

Curbside check-in is available by all airlines, but you must check luggage in order to obtain boarding passes at these locations.

The center's travel agency, Navigant International/NW, has compiled a listing of the major U.S. airlines' recommended check-in times.

Because recommended advance check-in times vary by airline, the center's travel agency, Navigant International/NW, has compiled the following recommendations of the major U.S. airlines. Times listed reflect suggested arrival prior to scheduled departure time.

Alaska Airlines:

Domestic recommendations

Bags checked/boarding pass obtained: 30 minutes

Gate arrival: 20 minutes

International recommendations

Gate arrival: 30 minutes

Boarding pass available online; web address: www.alaska.com

Kiosk check-in located at ticket counter and Sky Bridge 5

American Airlines:

Domestic recommendations

Bags checked/boarding pass obtained: 30 minutes

Gate arrival: 20 minutes

International recommendations

Gate arrival: 30 minutes

Boarding pass available online; web address: www.aa.com

Kiosk check-in located around the corner from main ticket counter

Continental Airlines:

Domestic recommendations

Bags checked/boarding pass: 30 minutes

Gate arrival: 20 minutes

International recommendations

Gate arrival: 20 minutes

Boarding pass not currently available online

Kiosk check-in located at ticket counter

Delta Airlines:

Domestic recommendations

Bags checked/boarding pass obtained: 30 minutes (45 minutes for Las Vegas, Denver)

Gate arrival: 15 minutes

International recommendations

Gate arrival: 45 minutes

Boarding pass available online for frequent flyers only; web

address: www.delta.com

Kiosk check-in available and located at ticket counter

Northwest Airlines:

Domestic recommendations

Bags checked/boarding pass obtained: 30 minutes

Gate advance arrival: 15 minutes

International recommendations

Gate arrival: 60 minutes

Boarding pass available online; web address: www.nwa.com

Kiosk check-in located at ticket counter

Southwest Airlines:

Domestic recommendations

Bags checked/boarding obtained pass: 30 minutes

Gate arrival: 10 minutes

Boarding pass not currently available online

Kiosk check-in located at Sky Bridge 2

United Airlines:

Domestic recommendations:

Bags checked/boarding pass obtained: 45 minutes

Gate arrival: 30 minutes

International recommendations

Gate arrival: 45 minutes

Boarding pass not available online; web address: http://www.united.com.

Kiosk check-in available at ticket counter and Sky Bridge 5

Need help navigating Sea-Tac?

With non-stop construction, change is the norm at Sea-Tac. Even if it has only been a week or two since your last trip through the airport, you may find things have moved or even disappeared. But there is help to get you on your way:

Airport maps are available at http://www.portseattle.org/maps/default.htm#airport

Both volunteers (in royal blue shirts or jackets) and Pathfinders (in red shirts or jackets) are stationed throughout the airport to help you locate moved terminals, stores, restrooms, and services.

Signs are posted at key spots throughout the airport and in construction areas to guide and alert you of changes.

Questions? Contact Michelle Alexander, malexand@fhcrc.org , 206-667-4899.

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