Whether you’re bidding the Pacific Northwest goodbye for a week abroad, or flying in to see what’s going on in the Emerald City, your Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) experience is reaching new heights.
Construction under the Upgrade SEA capital improvement plan has been underway since 2023, and a lot has already been accomplished. But travelers can expect 2026 to be a “year of wow,” with an improved experience from curb to gate.
Airport access
New lanes have been added to the airport approach roadway to address congestion, with a dedicated garage entrance lane. The shuttle load and unload area for rental car companies will shift to the north, reducing traffic for private vehicles picking up or dropping off passengers.
C Concourse
This new building will open just in time for the World Cup, adding four floors, more than 10 new dining and retail opportunities, and more than 200,000 square feet of space. You’ll find seating around “the Tree at C,” a public viewing platform, rooms for nursing, interfaith prayer, meditation and sensory calming, plus a pet relief area and a Chili’s.
Ticketing and security checkpoints
The north end of the ticketing lobby is now complete — with polished floors and major artwork alongside new baggage claim carousels, ADA ramps, better lighting, new security checkpoint lanes, and updated technology. A new checkpoint on the baggage claim level is also open, adding additional lanes and more ways to get to your gate quickly.
Behind the Scenes
You may not see some of these improvements, but you will certainly feel the impacts. For example, enhanced train software will keep the SEA Underground connections to the N and S concourses operating smoothly. Another project in progress is optimizing the 12 miles of conveyor belts in the baggage system for improved safety and smoother luggage delivery for travelers.