SEA braces for post-Thanksgiving travel with 180,000 passengers expected

Post-Thanksgiving rush at SEA

Thanksgiving is over, but busy travel days at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are still ahead, with some of the heaviest passenger traffic yet to come. Airport officials say Sunday after Thanksgiving is expected to be the peak day, with around 180,000 travelers moving through SEA.

Passenger volumes and timing

On Sunday, about 180,000 people are projected to depart or arrive at SEA, making it the busiest day of the holiday period. Monday is forecast to be nearly as busy, adding to the pressure on airport operations and regional transportation.

Traveler strategies

Many passengers deliberately schedule flights to avoid the peak crowds and traffic on Sunday. One traveler, Maurice Sands, explained that his family chose to return to Seattle from Boston on Saturday instead of Sunday, noting that “everything worked out” and they were grateful for the smoother experience.

Airport operations and staff focus

Large holiday crowds around Thanksgiving and Christmas are considered key tests for the SEA team. Airport spokesperson Perry Cooper said these periods highlight the focus on customer service, with staff preparing specifically for the heavy travel demand.

Recommendations for travelers

SEA advises passengers to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure to allow time for check-in, security, and potential congestion. The airport also recommends avoiding pick-ups and drop-offs during peak hours when possible, as traffic is heaviest before 9 a.m., from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Parking and congestion relief

To ease roadway backups in front of the terminals, SEA is offering 90 minutes of free parking in the airport garage for people picking up or dropping off travelers. This temporary measure is intended to move traffic away from the curbs and encourage drivers to use the parking structure instead of idling outside the terminal.

Author’s brief summary

SEA expects record post-Thanksgiving crowds, urging early arrival, off-peak travel times, and short-term free parking use to keep traffic, check-in, and security flowing as smoothly as possible for holiday passengers.

MyNorthwest — 2025-11-30