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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Rating Details »
17801 International Blvd
Seattle, WA 98158
(206) 433-5388
Seattle, WA 98158
(206) 433-5388
180 reviews for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
I like Sea-Tac. I really do. It's fairly easy to get from one concourse to another, especially if you use the tramway. The signage does a good job of telling where to go for baggage claim, ground transportation, ticketing, main terminal, etc. There are some good dining options, including an offshoot of Anthony's. Seating at most of the gates is plentiful, and an empty gate can be a nice, quiet place to relax if one's flight is delayed. I'm not crazy about the layout of the baggage carousels --- with lots of posts and walls and railings, it could be a lot cleaner and more open. Once problem I have, however, is that the layout of the security lines keeps changing. Sometimes it's hard to tell when there are additional lines open farther down, so people automatically go to the first line they see. Then there might be two lines sharing one metal detector, and the confusion increases. Overall, though, I'm happy with Sea-Tac. My satisfaction is sure to grow when Sound Transit Link light rail is completed --- no more ghetto 2-zone bus rides to downtown Seattle!
P.S. One more thing: I've noticed that the bathrooms run the gamut from spotless to absolutely filthy. You never know...
Thanks to Sea Tac, I couldn't use the internet on my laptop until my next destination which was Taipei, Taiwan.
When I thought my three hours transit time couldn't get any worse, the bar that we spent time at closed at 10 pm. My flight didn't depart until 2 am. No booze and no free wi-fi? Not a happy Ollie.
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I was here just for a bit
It was very confusing to get from terminal to terminal and I wish there was an easier way.
No special resturants or services here.
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Sea-Tac continues to suck out loud.
I got here more than two hours early, hoping to maybe catch an earlier flight. Forty-five minutes in the security maze put my optimism to rest -- they seemed to be sending every other bag back through the scanner for a closer look. Maybe thinking, if you can't tell that the 3-oz. bottle of Head and Shoulders isn't bomb-making material after the first pass through the X-ray scanner, run it through again.
I had a crappy Caesar salad for dinner in one of Sea-Tacs many awful, expensive pubs, where I had the pleasure of sitting next to some poor dude who was enjoying the company of his companion, Mr. Topper.
Dude: "I was in Alaska this past summer. We went to Denali National Park, but didn't get to see the mountain -- cloud cover the whole time. I guess only 10% of visitors to the National Park actually get to see it."
Mr. Topper: "I saw it when I climbed it. It's, like, 40,000 feet at the summit. Amazing views. We actually hang-glided off the top. It was my first time hang-gliding, and I ended up in some trees -- they had to call the fire department to get me down."
Dude: "Huh."
It went on and on like that. Mr. Topper was the most bald-faced liar I've heard in a long, long time. It was like his brain wasn't fast enough to keep up with the stupid lies that were spewing like anti-reality vomit from his mouth. He had to be either Dude's boss or Dude's big client, or else Dude surely would have told him he was a fucking idiot. I felt like pouring the last third of my beer over his head when I finally settled up.
Get me out of here.
Addendum: As I was posting this, I received a text message from Alaska Airlines. My flight is delayed 45 minutes. Just. Absolutely. Fucking. Perfect.
:::goes in search of a double Knob Creek:::
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12/20/2008
The locals appear to think highly of their airport, but from this outsider's perspective, it's a… Read more »
Another major airport that does not offer free wireless. Frustrating. 1 star.
Didnt spend much time here after I landed.
I did, however, much appreciate:
-The clean pottys
-The closeness of the baggage claim to my arrival gate
-The quickness that my bags were sent up to the carousel. Always love when that happens.
I guess we will really see how good you are on my return to San Diego! Holla!
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I've been in a couple dozen airports in my time, and this one ranks on the lower end of the scale.
Checkpoints:
The lines for the initial checkpoints are ridiculously long; there are THREE of them, and there's hardly ever any sensible direction from the staff to move things along in a timely manner. For a short while they were participating in the Expert, Family and Occasional traveler lines, and I could easily zip through in Expert. Now, everyone has to suffer all over again.
Tram and Walkways:
If you are departing from North and South terminals (N & S, respectively), you will need to take the trams; these are on-par with any other tram I've been on at other airports. One thing is quite shocking though: there are NO moving walkways at Seatac! If your gate is at the end of the concourse, get ready to hustle.
Shops and Restaurants:
The best selection of restaurants seem to be in the Alaska Airlines terminals; if you fly United or Southwest, you're looking more at simple sandwich shops and cinnabons. For Emerald City souvenirs or gifts, as soon as you pass through initial checkpoint there are some cool shops for local wares.
Baggage Claim:
I never check bags anymore; only once when I first moved across the country to Seattle did I do this, and it takes for-ever to get your bags. The handlers do not seem to pay particular attention to if you have a 'rush' tag on your items, so being an elite member on an airline doesn't mean much at Seatac.
Transportation:
It costs about $45 to get a cab to the Capitol Hill area; it's a tiny bit less if you're going to the Downtown Seattle hotel district. A few times I've taken the Express bus 194, and it's really a great value if you can stand the bus. It was really useful during the snowstorm last Xmas '08 because I definitely wasn't going to drive myself to the airport with how bad Seattle roads are in the snow.
However, the biggest disappointment of all: NO FREE WIRELESS INTERNET! It's $7.95 for 24hrs of access; what crap is that? All airports in Florida have free wireless. Get on that bandwagon! However, they do list on their website that they 'plan' to offer free wireless by January 1, 2010. We'll see how that goes.
I feel like I'm being overly negative in this review. I'm not usually like that; it's just that Sea-tac is extremely utilitarian. They make some effort with attractive art displays and sufficient stores in all terminals, but the overall look and design of Sea-tac is dated, dark, and behind the times. I yearn for an open-air, sleek-design, like Tampa International Airport, or even Reagan International in DC.
I will say I'm impressed with Seatac's efforts to stay green and environmentally friendly, as they employ bird-deterrent systems that are low-impact on the birds. And I'm anxiously awaiting the opening of the Light Rail.
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Celebrating a milestone birthday this year, I decided to pair up a West Coast itinerary with an East Coast one. Some call it madness, I call it pushing the envelope - as a sort of gay Indiana Jones, I'm eager to explore the nooks and crannies of our country for the hidden treasures. And, the sand in my hourglass is flowing noticeably from top to bottom. Of course, there are traps and perils along the way.
Rating airports is both hard and easy: hard since what are the benchmarks for a "good" airport and easy since you can rank them against each other. But, Sea-Tac made it easy for me:
Pros: Arrival was early. Departure was on time.
Cons:
(1) Baggage claim area is still under renovation since my last visit 3 years ago. Hardly the building of the Egyptian pyramids, what's taking so long?
(2) Shuttle area is a fresh hot mess. Car rental pickup requires a shuttle ride to the lot. You have to go up a level, cross a skybridge, and descend back to street level. No big deal but then the real issue is that all shuttles pick up in one area - shuttles for hotels, airline workers, parking lots, and car rental agencies all jostle in one area when there is plenty of room to spread out. Is it that hard to have zones for each type of shuttle to avoid the Chinese Fire Drill that exists now?
(3) Security screening: I've taken getting to the airport early to heart. But, it is still absurd to have 3 different screening areas with 4 screening lines each bogged down at 7 AM. It took nearly 30 minutes to clear security. I'm glad I got to the airport with plenty of time to spare.
(4) Bathrooms need a HGTV makeover a la "Divine Design with Candice Olson" - the fixtures and layout are dated and could be more user-friendly.
Summary: SEA is a serviceable airport but can frustrate a traveler. San Francisco (SFO), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), and Bush Intercontinental (IAH) may be bigger but they've got the logistics and signage down pat. San Diego (SAN) and Washington National (DCA) are more comparable in size to SEA but also have their acts together.
Since I'm on vacation, I'm not letting the gateway to the Emerald City get to me. Jade may be a cousin of the color emerald but jaded is not my personal color when there are things to explore.
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This is a pretty nice airport with some good shopping and restaurant choices.
My only beef would be they need more seating/tables in the dining area near Wendy's/Anthony's, or maybe some smaller tables as many 4 person tables only had 1 person at them, and no I do not want to interact with my fellow passengers. Flying has been made such a miserable experience that I just want to keep to myself and get through it without causing a scene.
I miss Seattle for a number of reasons, one being this gem. Aesthically, SeaTac is picturesque, inviting and probably the cleanest airport I've ever been too. If you have OCD you will probably like it. Another great perk is that this airport, while busy, is never hectic. Their security is top notch too, they find and take everything. I accidentally packed my sister's Cocoa Butter lotion, thinking it was shampoo one day when going for a trip. Security asked if I had any liquids. I responded:
Me: Yes, i have a bottle of shampoo
(guard opens bag)
Guard: Oh, you mean Cocoa Butter! Wow, that's a BIG bottle too. (awkward look)
I look back and see 3 gorgeous girls waiting in line behind me. They were weirded out too. FML. YES, I was embarrassed... not that there's anything wrong with Cocoa Butter, but having a straight guy hold up a line because he packed a 64 oz. bottle of Cocoa Butter will turn heads. Ok it wasn't that big.
Thank God he took it because my iranian ass knows 10 different ways to take a plane hostage using Cocoa Butter.
I miss you Seattle!
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This airport used to my "home port" and now it's not. *sad face*
I miss gallivanting around the shops and getting a manicure before my departure.
I miss the D terminal with the "talking" water fountain. It's pretty hilarious if you know what I am talking about. Alright fine, it's not that great... come on now, I get amused real easily otay! Damn, I need a life.
This airport is pet friendly, a pet relief station! Nuff said :).
Until my trip to the PNW... I shall return!
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As airports go, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is not the best airport in the world, nor is it the worst. When I arrived in Seattle, everything ran like clockwork. No problems getting my bags, no congestion on the concourse when I was getting picked up.
Departing was a different story. You would think they would have more than three security lines operating on the last day of Columbus Day weekend. People are going to be heading home. Maybe you should make sure you have enough employees working to accomodate these extra travellers. Just a thought.
Between work and pleasure travel, I've flown through more airports than I care to think about (71 as of this writing), and with the recent updates they've made at my home airport of Seattle-Tacoma International, it's really shaping up to be a world-class airport. Although, as with most things in life, it does have room for improvement.
The most recently expanded A concourse and Pacific Marketplace atrium are spacious and inviting, with a wide range of shops and services for travelers. They've been pecking away at improvements in the other main terminal concourses, and even some of the older spaces are showing signs of rejuvenation. I can't remember the last time I took a plane out of the north satellite, but the south satellite is the only area that really hasn't changed appreciably in quite some time.
Even if the departure drive is packed, security tends to move pretty quickly at all checkpoints, and they've even implemented a self-graded system at the main checkpoint for experienced and casual travelers, reducing the chance you're going to get stuck behind the family of six trying to corral bags, shoes, baby carriers, etc. Unless, of course you are that family of six, in which case you're not holding up the people who can get through security in 15 seconds flat.
Inside the terminal, in addition to the restaurants and shops, there are a number of art installations to appreciate, and there is a massive wall of windows overlooking the tarmac that not only let in nice natural light, it enhances the already lively environment of the Pacific Marketplace atrium. Once they get the light rail running all the way to the terminal building (tentatively by the end of 2009), SeaTac will really be one of the premier west coast airports, if not in the entire country.
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Maybe it was giddiness and sheer exhaustion, but I don't remember ever having fun at an airport. Not the gut wrenching, hysterical sobs of laughter that I suffered from and enjoyed at the SeaTac airport.
6am flight out of Vegas, connecting through SeaTac, to PDX.
We had a couple hour layover in Seattle, so wandered around the shops, ate some food (Ivars was exactly what I was craving) and then enjoyed the hilarity of the basketball or volleyball team of teenage girls sprawled out every where, that went ape-shit when "Miranda" from Sex and the City was spotted in the book store...shit, the number of cell phones and were whipped out, and the speed at which they all flew over to catch a peek...bet they never moved that fast on the court.
Ok, so my friend and I wandered over at a much more dignified pace to do some celeb stalking of our own, and wandered down a few aisles, but couldn't see her. We end up in the children's section and I state "why are we in the children's section?" We promptly turn around and leave. Yeah, she was in the children's section. More hilarity...we are tired.
Then, the wonderful little gift shop, poor clerk behind the counter thought my friend and I were nutz. Stuffed animals, dancing crabs, and sippy cups...had to be there.
Aside from all that, it really is a nice airport. Security is a breeze, facility is clean and pleasing to look at, its not freezing inside, and there is plenty of seating. Reminded me more of a mall than an airport.
Two thumbs up :)
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Four years of college in the Pacific Northwest meant that I became very familiar with this airport, and though it was always under construction when I lived there, it looks great now.
Getting out of the airport to the rental car center is really easy, and likewise dropping the car off is really simple. The only annoying thing is that Seatac is off I-5. But really, if that's the only problem, then this place is much better off than most airports. How about some free wi-fi though?
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Lots of food court choices, but also REALLY crowded!
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When the airlines tells me that my flight will be delayed 1 hour, I know I'm in for a long wait. The round number is obviously BS. If they said, "Don't worry folks, we'll be up and running in 36 minutes!" then it'd sound like they had a handle on things. 1 hour means, "We're really not even sure what's wrong yet."
Making things worse, I've got a phone-whore sitting next to me in the waiting area. The phone-whore is a girl who didn't bring a book, magazine, iPod, or ANYTHING else to occupy her time, because all she wants to do is talk on the phone. Yes, phone-whore is obviously a gender-specific term, because it refers to a female. The male counterpart is the phone-asshole, who is only slightly different in the WAY he talks on the phone. The phone-asshole will talk on his phone, down the taxiway until the flight-attendant has to pull the phone from his hands. He talks like this, because he wants everyone on the plane to know how rich and important he is: "BILL, IF THOSE GUYS AT EXXON WON'T TAKE THIS DEAL, THEN YOU THROW ANOTHER HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS AT THEM UNTIL THEY SAY YES. REMEMBER, NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN QUALITY - ESPECIALLY NOT MONEY, WHICH I HAVE A TON OF, ALONG WITH THIS $400 TIE, AND DEEP, BOOMING VOICE." As opposed to the phone-whore, who in a soft sweet voice sounds more like this: "Hi Mandy? This is Candy. Let's talk all about kittens!"
On the other side of me is a crazy-talker. He's surfing the internet, and loudly disagreeing with whatever he's currently looking at, obviously inviting conversation, trying to trick someone into talking to him. Hopefully the guy on the other side of him will fall for it while I try my best imitation of Helen Keller.
So, I'll just sit here for the next "hour" acting like a blind deaf person, while the airplane mechanic outside tries to figure how much duct-tape it'll take to fix the hole in the fuselage of my plane.
SEA, you're seriously starting to get on my nerves.
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9/23/2009
I'm not terribly obsessive about much, BUT, because of the sick people I have to touch all the time… Read more »
In a way this is like rating the post office because, unlike as in other big cities, there is no alternative. SeaTac is a monopoly (and the worst kind, a government-owned monopoly).
How do you rate an airport? By comparison to others? SeaTac is better than Detroit, but it's no McCarran or O'Hare.
I think one of the fundamental measures of any airport is ease of ingress and egress. SeaTac scores somewhere in the middle. The Port has made a lot of improvements to the interior and the security lines are pretty fast. The cell phone waiting lot helps pick up, too. But it can be a real pain to drive through here at certain times.
This airport is better than most I've flown into...
Based in my arrival, it was a relatively easy airport to navigate. A very beautiful court yard with a local tribal vibe decorating all around for the incoming/ outgoing traveler.
The amenities:
A wide variety of restaurants (for those seeking a quick bite or to satisfy an appetite for a possible lengthy stand by). An assortment of specialty shops were also accessible for those seeking 'that' last minute gift idea.
The restroom locations are abundant; especially, after a direct flight with a few stiff Bloody Mary's.
A couple faux pauxs were the non-operational escalator to get my "Phat a$$" down to baggage claim and I found it difficult to locate an ATM machine.
Thank you, SeaTac!
Next stop: Starbucks?
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It's odd... but I'll give 4 stars because I didn't really have to think about the airport as part of the trip...
1) the security lines weren't an issue
2) getting in an out of the airport was clearly laid out and not an issue
3) access to all the little shops wasn't an issue
4) finding seating even during mid-day(1-3PM) in the central area wasn't an issue
5) seating while we were waiting at the gate wasn't an issue
So... this airport, contrary to what I usually experience during travels, was simple and not an issue.... thank you!
Great airport!
The best thing about it is flying in to and out of it--the views are spectacular.
I spent a week in and out of this joint and found that their food offerings are better than average (Uwajimaya (?) has a teriyaki chicken place that is worthy of a visit).
The cutest thing of all was the pet relief station. I've never seen one of these and thought it was worth mentioning. If you have a pet with you, this is where you can let him/her out to stretch and relieve itself. It's super clean, not smelly in the least, and equipped with trash bags for your convenience.
I enjoyed the outdoorsy feel at the airport. There's one area where there is a stream and a bunch of boulders.
I had no problem with getting my checked bags in a timely fashion, and checking in for my return flight home was a breeze.
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Small-ish. Has an un-used monorail. How much was wasted on that? Fine as airports go. At least it's not Logan...
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In fact, Sea-tac probably isn't the best airport I have ever been.
However, I think the remodel in the lobby was pretty successful.
I like that they have a couple different cafes, so you can choose the one you like. (It's really Seattle like.)
Also, they serve decent food. (compare to Tokyo Airport, at least.)
They need to do something with the parking fee (expensive!)
and the tiny duty free store (too small!).
Otherwise, I don't have anything to complain.
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As pretty and PC Sea-Tac is, I'm going to have to take away a star, because I noticed on our trip out this year that they have limited the smoking area outside of baggage. Where it used to be almost the entire length outside of baggage it's now just a few areas, far and between and only a few feet long....seriously uncool...but that's just my opinion.
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2/19/2009
Okay, I've flown out of Seatac many time since the 80's. Boy have times changed.
Anyhoo. I'm… Read more »
I can't say anything for the service at Seatac, as I usually check-in through the electronic booth and only have a carry-on, but the airport itself is pretty darn nice.
Also, any airport with a full-sized Borders is okay by me. The only thing they need is free wi-fi and it's five stars babee!
Um, when the airport signs say "To ALL Gates" I just want to give you a heads up, IT"S A LIE. That does not lead to ALL gates, it leads to all gates other than the A Section. That my friends entails going through another route.
FYI.
Other than that, which thoroughly annoyed our little group of travelers, the airport was pretty modern, clean and had a reasonable amount of offerings. But I still have to dock a star for the whole sign misleading thing. When you're in a hurry to catch a flight, these things matter.
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I don't know if you can really give an airport more than three stars. Sea-Tac airport is fairly large and has lots of shops and eateries. I do find some of the negative reviews silly. I don't think people should expect too much from an airport. I understand that flights can be delayed and what not, but really, you shouldn't have to spend more than an hour and a half in an airport...
Also, I fly in and out of SeaTac fairly often, and I have never had a problem with the signage, or checked baggage, and the restrooms are cleaner than other airports I have been in.
A way better than average airport...Always have ended or started a journey here. Never ever have I done transit here. Lots of International flights and lots of local flights. Parking is easy. Rental cars are easy. Security is well planned and easy. Its all clean. Very well designed. Four Stars
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I enjoyed this airport. They had fun things to look at while I was waiting and it was very clean, especially the bathrooms. Everything was easy to find and getting through security was a breeze.
Sorry I couldn't add pictures, I was worried I would get yelled at by the security people walking around!
I was briefly here last Thursday because out Southwest flight couldn't land at PDX (due to a combination of an instrument issue and fog) and we were subsequently diverted. To Southwest's credit, they found a new plane quickly and we were back at PDX only an hour or so late. And for our short time at SEA, the gate area lounge was comfortable and adequate concessions were nearby.
I was also here at SEA a few months earlier on business. In terms of customer service, how you're treated at Security, walking distance, and available eating and shopping options, it's all good here. I just wish it wasn't so damn far and through such rotten traffic to actually get to downtown Seattle. Your Southern cousin in Portland has a leg up on you in that department.
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If I had more time to spend I may have gotten sucked into buying something at the Croc Store. But I didn't. There are quite a few cool little shops to kill time in.
Instead I went over to Wolf Gang Puck's Express to grab a turkey panini, pesto sandwich. If I wasn't completely famished I also should have kept walking because I would have seen all the other food choices like the sushi bar, Old Seattle Deli, sea food bar, mexican restaurant, a few lounges and bar stops. Ahh well the panini did the job.
There is also a massage bar and nail salon in this airport! I was pretty impressed by that. If I had a long wait or lay over I would have taken in a massage.
Security check in was also a breeze unlike our beloved San Jose Mineta airport. I didn't see one guy at this airport get the jail pat down I saw leaving San Jose.
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I've only had to fly in and out of SEA a few times but haven't ever had issues here. Straightforward layout, easy access for drop off and pick up. Didn't see too many food options but have not had to spend any long amount of time here enough for it to matter.
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On the way home yesterday my manager and I ate at Anthony's in the airport. This review is for Anthony's only.
Really good service. Our waiter was a regular old hoot. The food was very good and we got to sit right up against the window over looking planes being loaded.
We both had the Halibut Tacos. Very Good! It came with two soft tacos with a piece of Halibut. Shaved red cabbage and a pineapple, kiwi salsa type stuff. Sour cream too. They were huge we could have shared them. The side is chips and a very fresh salsa. I was shocked at how good they were.
I also had two big 22 oz Bud Lights. The one thing I would complain about is that they should serve in chilled glasses. I had a beer at another establishment in the airport and it also wasn't in a chilled glass.
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2/9/2009
Right before I landed today they claimed that it was 33 degrees and there was snow on the ground. I… Read more »
Now, I like the fact that I can run into this airport a mere 30 minutes before needing to board my flight and fly through security...trust me it's FAR better than LAX. So on that aspect, Sea-Tac is 4-5 stars cool, because I don't really have to rush or give myself 2 hours for check in.
But let's talk parking...cause sometimes you can't get a ride and the bus schedule doesn't fit your schedule and you may find yourself running very quickly out of time before you are due to board your flight. So you find yourself having to drive to the airport, frantically parking in the closest lot to the terminal and praying that you don't get ass raped in fee's because honestly, you're only going to be gone less than 48hours...how bad could it be?
Yeah, how about a week's worth of groceries for me. Oh yes, $54 dollars and some change. Wait what's happening, why am I being forced over the hood of my car-for the love of god where's the lube?! I was left feeling like a 8hour used hooker with a sore anus, leakage and the inability to sit comfortably and with a wallet not quite and thick as it should be. So the parking is less than 1 star cool, in fact, its just mean
Hmmm, all this talk of anal rape-age, leakage, butt play and colonoscopies, will probably NOT get me and ROTD, but I think Katie will forgive me
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it's not as bad as bob hope airport or JFK, but it's not as good as LAX or SFO either.
If your flight is delayed and your laptop battery dies only minutes after popping the thing open, please enjoy the complimentary game of "Where's Waldo: Electrical Outlet Edition" as you run frantically up and down the concourses, searching for place to plug in and mindlessly refresh Fark while you wait for the wings to thaw or something.
I hate paying for wireless, but I understand that not only is it a sign of the times, but nothing is free in an airport. (Except for electricity, if you're super-crafty... but if you didn't bring your cell phone charger, expect to pay up.)
Security has been relatively painless every time I've been here, but I always wear slip-on shoes. I strongly suggest not laughing if you're traveling with someone in a cast, even as they swab the cast with an Official Analytical Dustbuster and drop it into the Magical Dust-Reading Tube to make sure their leg is not full of Dangerous.
Oh, it's funny. They just don't take too kindly to it.
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This is one of my favorite airports.
They have excellent food selections - Anthony's, a wine bar, Wolfgang Puck Express...much better than your average fast food selections. They also have some great shops in here. My favorite is Firefly and I always end up spending at least $50 in here.
If I had to be stuck in any airport I would like it to be this one...
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In the last 3 months, I've been through this airport no less than 8 times. And every single time leaves me shaking my head in wonder at how an airport can be such a major hub and still not have a more efficient way of moving people.
I was primarily flying on Alaska Airlines, and they've got a super-high-tech check-in system where you use a touch-screen kiosk to check in and get your boarding pass, then you go to one of a couple dozen bag-check lines to process your luggage.
But mixed in with this futuristic experience is an inexplicably antiquated lack of mechanization in the area of moving people around. To get to and from the rental car areas, you have to get there entirely on foot, sometimes up to a quarter mile away. (Truly resorting to the original meaning of LUGgage.)
Likewise, when going from gate to gate means getting there entirely on foot. No trams, no shuttles, no people-movers. Airports all over the world that are only half as large as SeaTac have these amenties. So why not here? I've missed one flight, and nearly missed another, because of the distances that had to be traveled by foot without any form of assistance available.
There is transportation available to and from the satellite concourses, but for the rest of you, you're on your own.
So if you're going to be having to connect in Seattle and have to go for a long distance between gates, best of luck to you. And if you're the praying type, might want to do some of that as well.
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Fortunately, I've never been "stuck" in an airport so I don't have all the negative views travelers typically have.
My expectations for any airport are efficient customer service, professional security, variety of eateries and to not have to walk a country mile to get from one destination to another. Once you exit the airport even the traffic around the airport is not as one would typically expect in a major city. Sea-Tac meets all of my expectations is on my list of favorite airports.
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I hate flying. I have an unspoken, and generally unannounced ritual that I go through when I fly, especially on long flights. It involves taking a lorazepam before I leave my house, and a half of one about every 2 hours there after. It also involves a trip to Seatac (duh) where when I finally make it through security, I set my bags down at my gate, and I make my way to the bagel place. I order a toasted bagel, with just a bit of cream cheese, and a water. I return to my gate, sit on the floor propped up against the wall under the windows, and I do not eat the aforementioned bagel. I might pick at it, but rarely is more than about 1/4 of it consumed. I get on my plane, take my vacation, and I return home a few weeks later, better rested, more worldly, but still terrified of flying.
I'm rather worldly, probably more so than the average Joe, or Jane, but not as much as some, however I have been in my fair share of airports, and in my humble opinion SeaTac falls somewhere in the middle as far as overall stars. If offers decent amenities, faaaaabulous people watching, and despite what it feels like, they do do their best to get you through the neverending security lines as quickly and efficiently as possible. Overpriced food, magazines and drinks abound, typical. It's generally clean and comfortable, traffic's a lot better than some airports, even though it appears at the time to suck hard. Why is everything at the airport so expensive?
Hmm, it gets me where I need to go, I'll be back ;)
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