Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to end SEA Spot Saver program

The Port of Seattle has announced that the ‘SEA Spot Saver’ program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will end on November 30, 2026. The free service, which allowed travelers to reserve a time slot to bypass long security lines, was originally launched in 2021 to manage congestion.

Officials cited the completion of checkpoint expansions as the primary reason for the program's retirement. Following the upgrades to Checkpoint 1 and Checkpoint 6 under the ‘UpgradeSEA’ program, security processing has become significantly more efficient. Data shows that over 94% of travelers cleared security in 20 minutes or less this year, an improvement from 93% in 2025, while 99% of passengers have cleared within 30 minutes over the last two years.

Due to these faster general screening lines, the airport noted a decline in the use of the reservation system. All reservations made through November 29, 2026, will be honored at TSA Checkpoint 4. Travelers are encouraged to use the ‘flySEA’ app or the airport’s website to monitor live estimated checkpoint wait times as an alternative.