Seattle Cruisers - flight home time

[robertmartha]

Is a 11am flight OUT of seattle to early if we are returning from an alaskan cruise? Mapquest says it is 11 miles - 18 minutes and I would think if we are off by 9 - we should be okay

any thoughts - experiences?

[ricker]

My advice would be to give yourself a little more time. Traffic in Seattle can be bad, and depending on the airline, you may have to take the little "train" to a satellite terminal. If all went perfectly you could do it, but if you're ulcer prone I'd shoot for a later flight.
Rick

[Randyk47]

Would have to agree with Rick. I haven't lived in Seattle for a few years but still go up there for business and to visit family. Not sure I'd count on an 18 minute trip from the terminal to the airport. Traffic in Seattle has gotten horrible and it isn't going to get any better any time soon.

[terrascape]

Norrthwest & United both fly out of the satellite terminals at Sea-Tac. It really doesnt take much longer to get to those, as it is a quick underground shuttle train from the main terminal. Takes about 3 minutes. Your biggest delay is in security screening. Traffic in the Seattle metro area is the pitts. Under good conditions 20 minutes is fine, but you never know around here. I would probably not book a flight until early afternoon to be on the safe side.

[travellady]

I live in Redmond, about 15 miles East of Seattle and a little more distance-wise to Seatac. We always leave our house 2.5 hours prior to a flight to account for traffic, and airport delays. I have yet to miss a flight and often have time to grab a snack and use the restroom before we board.

We do take a different route but one equally congested as I-5 (the route you'll take from Seattle to SeaTac).