What are TSA wait times at SEA?

Current TSA security wait at SEA is About 11-17 minutes right now. The fastest time to go through security is 10 PM (about 3 min). The busiest time is 6 PM (21-27 minutes). Wait times are similar throughout the week.

How busy is Seattle-Tacoma International right now?

Current TSA security wait at SEA is About 11-17 minutes right now. Check the live conditions, weather, and FAA delay status above for a full picture of how busy SEA is right now.

What is the average delay time at Seattle-Tacoma International?

When flights at SEA (Seattle-Tacoma International) are delayed, the average delay is about 43 minutes. Overall, 80% of flights arrive on time. About 2.3% of flights are cancelled.

What causes the most delays at Seattle-Tacoma International?

The most common reason for delays here is the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding). At SEA, 80% of flights are on time, and when delays occur they average 43 minutes.

Is it safe to book a tight connection at Seattle-Tacoma International?

SEA is fairly reliable, so a 60-minute domestic connection is usually fine. For international flights, allow at least 90 minutes.

What's the best time to fly from Seattle-Tacoma International?

Early morning flights (before 8 AM) tend to have the best on-time performance at most airports, including SEA. For shorter security lines, aim for 10 PM (about 3 min). Midweek flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) also tend to see fewer delays than weekend or Monday departures.

SEASea-Tac

Seattle-Tacoma International — Seattle

Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) has an on-time arrival rate of about 80%. When flights are delayed, the average wait is around 43 minutes. The most common reason for delays here is the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding). Roughly 2.3% of flights are cancelled. The typical taxi-out time from gate to takeoff is about 13 minutes. TSA security wait is currently About 11-17 minutes right now. The fastest time through security is 10 PM (about 3 min). The busiest period is 6 PM (21-27 minutes).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, FAA NASSTATUS. Updated March 2026.

Last updated: March 2026

Checking conditions so you don't have to...

Flights here are on time most of the time. About 80% arrive within 15 minutes of schedule.

The most common reason for delays here is the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Planes usually taxi out in a reasonable time. The typical wait from gate to takeoff is about 13 minutes.

This airport frequently foggy (~9 fog days/month), rainy (~15 precip days/month).

Among major airlines, F9 has the most complaints (23.2/100k) while WN has the fewest (1.5/100k).

How Busy Is SEA Right Now?

Checking live status...

SEA on-time performance by month

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TSA Wait Times at SEA

TSA Security Wait — Our Model

About 11-17 minutes right now

Fastest

10 PM (about 3 min)

Busiest

6 PM (21-27 minutes)

Wait times are similar throughout the week.

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Popular routes from SEA

SEA → SFO SEA → LAS SEA → ORD SEA → DEN SEA → LAX SEA → AUS SEA → DFW SEA → PHX SEA → PDX SEA → SLC

Airlines at SEA

Delta Air Lines81% on time

Southwest Airlines79% on time

Alaska Airlines79% on time

American Airlines78% on time

United Airlines77% on time

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TSA FAQ — SEA

Source: TSA official guidelines and r/tsa community