International Arrivals at SeaTac Airport

 If you are flying directly from an international airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA or SeaTac Airport) without a layover at another U.S. airport, then your flight may arrive at the new International Arrivals Facility. Here's an inside look at what to expect at the new International Arrivals Facility. 

Deplaning 

When you see this sign,
your walk is almost over!

Once you exit your plane, follow signs to enter the United States as you walk down the Welcome Portal. This is a long walkway, so feel free to stop and use the restroom as you make your way to baggage claim. 

Bags First

SeaTac is the first large airport in the U.S. to implement a "bags first" entrance process. In this new process, you'll pick up your bags first before going through U.S. Customs & Border Protection, and you won't need to check your bag in again before heading to the main terminal. Even though you'll have a chance to pick up your luggage before going through Customs, you should still hand-carry your Form I-20 or DS-2019 in your carry-on bag in case you need to show it to airline officials.

Baggage Claim

Passport Control

Passport Control

U.S. Customs agents are located near Baggage Carousel 18. After you've collected your luggage, head to passport control and read the screens above the checkpoints to determine which lane you should enter depending on your citizenship and visa status. Be ready to hand the CBP official your passport and I-20/DS-2019 so that they know you want to be admitted in F-1 or J-1 visa status. Once you've been approved, take your luggage and exit to the left.

In rare cases, you may be referred to secondary screening. If this happens, follow the CBP officer's instructions and answer their questions honestly. Secondary inspection may be required if you forgot your Form I-20, if your name is similar to someone on an airline watchlist, or if you are traveling with agricultural products that need to be inspected. Review information about what items you can pack in your luggage and what things you should leave home here.

Exit to Transportation

Follow the window wall on the left
to get to the main arrivals hall.

As you leave the passport control area, follow signs directing you to Ground Transportation and Exit to Seattle. This will take you to the main airport arrivals hall. 

The whole process to claim your luggage and go through passport control can take 60 minutes, especially during the summer travel season and between 10am and 3pm when multiple international flights are arriving. 

If you are arranging your own transportation from the airport to PLU, popular options include door to door van service, app-based rideshares (like Uber or Lyft), and taxis. Prices for these transportation options will vary based on the time of day. You can expect it to take 35-70 minutes to drive to campus depending on traffic.

Safe travels, everyone!  We can't wait to see you at PLU!