Popular Airport Security Shortcut at SEA is Disappearing Just After Thanksgiving
Travelers flying out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will soon lose a popular way to avoid long security lines. SEA Spot Saver, a free program that lets passengers reserve a place in the TSA screening queue, is being discontinued after more than five years.
The program will officially end on Nov. 30, just days after Thanksgiving. Passengers traveling through Nov. 29 can still use the service, though, making the busy holiday travel period one of their final opportunities to take advantage of it.
According to the Port of Seattle, which operates the airport, the decision comes after major security checkpoint improvements significantly reduced passenger wait times.
In fact, airport officials say the improvements have worked so well that travelers are increasingly finding it faster to use the regular security lines than to wait for their reserved appointments.
Why Seattle Airport Is Ending SEA Spot Saver
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While Spot Saver is going away, it’ll forever be a great part of our story and many travelers’ stories. Whether you used it for a holiday trip or just to make a busy travel day a little easier, we want to hear about it. Tell us your favorite Spot Saver memory. 🫶
— Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport (@flySEA) September 10, 2026
Introduced in 2021, SEA Spot Saver was designed to help manage growing crowds at one of the nation’s busiest airports. Passengers could make free reservations for security screening without purchasing a membership or enrolling in an expedited screening program. The Port of Seattle notes that Seattle-Tacoma had been the first U.S. airport to introduce a free reservation program of its kind.
The system proved itself quite popular. In fact, in June 2023, the Port of Seattle celebrated its one-millionth user.
However, airport renovations changed the landscape literally and figuratively.
2025 saw the introduction of a new Checkpoint 1 and a redesigned Checkpoint 6 as part of the airport’s UpgradeSEA improvement program. That expanded screening capacity helped reduce congestion. The airport now reports that more than 94% of travelers clear security in 20 minutes or less.
“Because lines are moving so well, people are using the program less,” the Port of Seattle explained in its online announcement. So, with passengers increasingly choosing regular screening lanes, the airport has decided the reservation system is no longer necessary.
What Travelers Need to Know Before Nov. 30
For now, SEA Spot Saver remains available daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. at TSA Checkpoint 4. Passengers can reserve an appointment up to five days before their flight or check for available slots after reaching the airport. Reservations are free and intended for travelers using general security screening.
All reservations scheduled through Nov. 29 will be honored, according to the Port of Seattle. Beginning Nov. 30, passengers who previously relied on the program will need to use the airport’s other available security screening options.
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR will remain available for eligible travelers, alongside the regular security lanes.
Passengers can also monitor checkpoint wait times through the airport’s security information page, the free flySEA mobile app, or digital signs inside the terminal.
Although the program is ending, its influence extends beyond Seattle. Other U.S. airports have since introduced similar reservation systems, following the approach SEA pioneered in 2021.
For travelers flying during Thanksgiving week, though, there’s still time for one last free reservation before SEA Spot Saver disappears on Nov. 30.
