Airport guides · Seattle, WA

Flying into SEA: what to expect

Seattle-Tacoma International, Seattle, WA. Live conditions in plain words, plus what's normal on arrival and departure.

Airport codeSEA / KSEA
Runways (FAA)3
Elevation430 ft
Longest runway11,901 ft
Flying to or from SEA?Get a free briefing: weather at both ends, the turbulence outlook and what to expect.Open My Flight

Weather at SEA right now

Mostly cloudy around 23,000 ft; wind 7 mph; 12°C / 54°F. That means good visibility and no low cloud deck.

Forecast: wind around 9 mph; possible mist, fog at times.

Source: NWS Aviation Weather Center METAR, TAF and pilot reports for KSEA. Updated every few minutes.

Runways and which way you'll land

SEA has 3 runways in FAA data: 16C/34C (9,426 ft), 16L/34R (11,901 ft), 16R/34L (8,500 ft).

Runway numbers are compass headings divided by ten (runway 27 points roughly west, 270°).6 Airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the direction you take off or land at SEA changes with the weather.5 That's normal.

Flying into SEA: common questions

Which runway will my flight use at SEA?

It depends mostly on the wind: airplanes take off and land into the wind where they can, so the runway in use changes with the weather. FAA data lists 3 runways at SEA (16C/34C, 16L/34R, 16R/34L); the longest is 16L/34R at about 11,901 ft.

Why might my flight circle before landing at SEA?

Holding is a normal way for air traffic control to space out arrivals when it's busy or the weather changes. Airplanes carry extra fuel for it. You can check current delay programs on the FAA's National Airspace System status page.

Is it normal for the landing at SEA to feel bumpy?

Yes. Low-level bumps are common on approach, especially on windy or gusty days, and a firm touchdown is often deliberate. The airplane is designed for it; keep your seat belt fastened while seated.

What can I bring through security at SEA?

TSA rules apply at every US airport: liquids in your carry-on must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, all in one quart-sized bag. TSA's 'What can I bring?' tool covers specific items.

Before you go

  • Liquids in carry-on: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, in one quart-sized bag.1
  • Not sure about an item? Check TSA's "What can I bring?" tool.2
  • Need help at security because of a disability or medical condition? TSA Cares can help.3
  • Delays and ground stops across the US are shown on the FAA's airspace status page.4

Official SEA website

Calm reading for your trip

Nearby airport guides

PDX

Portland International

SFO

San Francisco International

SLC

Salt Lake City International

LAS

Harry Reid International

Sources

  1. TSA, Liquids, aerosols and gels rule (3-1-1)
  2. TSA, What can I bring?
  3. TSA Cares / passenger support
  4. FAA National Airspace System status (delays and ground stops)
  5. FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (takeoff and landing into the wind)
  6. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (aircraft performance and density altitude)
  7. FAA airport data via the NWS Aviation Weather Center airport API
  8. Holding patterns, explained (SafelyAboard)

Runway and elevation data: FAA, via aviationweather.gov, baked 2026-10-17. SafelyAboard doesn't rate airports.