Meeting an international flight
Meeting international arrivals at Seatac
International passengers come out on the baggage claim level in Gina Marie Lindsey Hall, at the very south end of the terminal near the international airlines. Search "International Arrivals Meeting Point" on SEA's interactive map for directions. The Port says clearing U.S. Customs and Border Protection typically takes 60 or more minutes, so the scheduled landing time is not when your traveler walks out.
- Meeting point
- Gina Marie Lindsey Hall
- Level
- Baggage claim, south end
- Customs
- Typically 60+ minutes
- Pass needed?
- No
Step by step
How to time an international pickup
- 01
Follow the flight status
The Port recommends tracking the flight online or in the flySEA app; its status shows whether passengers from that flight are still in customs or have just landed.
- 02
Allow for customs
The Port says clearing U.S. Customs and Border Protection typically takes 60 or more minutes, and longer at peak times when several flights land together. Passengers collect all their bags at the International Arrivals Facility first.
- 03
Meet at the right place
Go to the International Arrivals meeting point on the baggage claim level in Gina Marie Lindsey Hall, at the south end of the terminal. If you're driving, wait in the free cell phone lot until your traveler has their luggage.
The details
What the Port of Seattle says
Where international passengers come out
International passengers arrive on the baggage claim level in Gina Marie Lindsey Hall, on the very south end of the terminal near the international airlines. For step-by-step directions, search "International Arrivals Meeting Point" on SEA's interactive map.
Flights that are met at the gate instead
Passengers arriving from Dublin or from Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver have already cleared U.S. entry, so the Port says they can be met at their arrival gate, which takes an approved SEA Visitor Pass. Passengers connecting on to another U.S. city can be met at the gate of their departing flight.
Waiting with a car
The Port's cell phone waiting lot at 2623 S. 170th Street is free 20-minute parking for drivers waiting for arriving passengers. Drivers must stay with their vehicles, and there is no parking or waiting on the airport roadway shoulders. Pick your traveler up outside baggage claim once they have their bags.
Next steps
Make the pickup simple
Long customs lines and a big suitcase are the two things that turn a simple pickup into an hour of circling. Book the ride with the flight number, or plan the drive around the cell phone lot.
Bring your traveler home from Seatac
Book a private ride from the airport and add the flight number so the pickup follows the landing. One fixed fare for the whole party, shown before you pay.
Book a pickup from SeatacCell phone lot or a booked ride?
Driving yourself? The Port's cell phone lot is free for up to 20 minutes and you must stay with the car. A booked ride skips the waiting and meets your traveler at the Arrivals curb or garage level 3, as you choose.
See where each ride picks up →Track the flight
Look up the flight to see when it is due, then plan when to leave for the airport.
Look up a flight →Parking at Seatac
Garage, reserved and off-airport parking, the cell phone lot, and a calculator comparing parking with a round-trip ride.
Compare parking →Hotels near the airport
For an early departure or a late arrival, compare airport-area hotels and add the ride.
See airport hotels →Plan the whole trip
Flights, hotel, rides and what to do in Seattle, in one plan you can share with the people you're meeting.
Open the trip planner →
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Where do I meet international arrivals at Seatac?
At the International Arrivals meeting point on the baggage claim level in Gina Marie Lindsey Hall, at the very south end of the terminal near the international airlines.
How long does customs take at Seatac?
The Port of Seattle says clearing U.S. Customs and Border Protection typically takes 60 or more minutes, and can take longer at peak times when several flights arrive at once.
Do I need a SEA Visitor Pass to meet an international flight?
No. International arrivals are met at the meeting point on the baggage claim level, which needs no pass. The pass does not give access to passport control.
Where can I wait in my car?
In the Port's cell phone waiting lot at 2623 S. 170th Street: free 20-minute parking for drivers waiting for arriving passengers. You must stay with your vehicle, and waiting on airport roadway shoulders isn't allowed.
Which international flights can be met at the gate?
Flights from Dublin and from Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, because those passengers have already cleared U.S. entry. Meeting them at the gate takes an approved SEA Visitor Pass.
Official information
Checked on the Port of Seattle’s pages on November 2, 2026. Airport programs and rules can change, so confirm with the Port before you go.