Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has a bunch of airline choices, but a few really stand out for their service and routes. Alaska Airlines leads in Seattle and is especially handy for trips within the US and down to Mexico. Delta Air Lines, on the other hand, is your best bet if you need solid international connections.
These two airlines pretty much dominate most travel options out of Seattle.
You’ve also got United Airlines and Southwest, but honestly, Alaska and Delta cover more ground from this airport. Depending on your destination, your best choice might shift a bit, but these two are usually the most reliable for both domestic and international trips.
Let’s dig into which airlines serve Seattle best and what makes them stand out for your next flight.
Key Takeaways
- There are strong airline options for both domestic and international travel from Seattle.
- Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines are the main players at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
- The right airline depends on where you’re headed and what you need from your trip.
Overview of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the main airport for the Seattle metro area. It’s got a lot of flight options and is pretty well connected to the city and nearby regions.
Location and Accessibility
SEA sits about 14 miles south of downtown Seattle, tucked near SeaTac and Tukwila. It’s between Lake Washington and Boeing Field, so it’s fairly central for most travelers.
You can get there by Link Light Rail from downtown, which is pretty straightforward. There are also buses, shuttles, and highways like Interstate 5 and State Route 518.
Driving? Plenty of parking, from short-term spots to long-term garages near the terminals.
Facilities and Services
The airport has two main terminals: North and South. Both have a bunch of restaurants, shops, lounges, and rental car centers.
You can pre-book parking or grab lounge passes if you want to make things smoother.
SEA handles thirty-six airlines flying nonstop to a ton of places, both domestic and international. There’s free Wi-Fi, baggage services, and charging stations scattered around.
Heads up: Real ID enforcement started in May 2025, so make sure you’ve got the right ID to board.
Nearby Airports
Aside from SEA, there are a couple of other airports around Seattle. Boeing Field (King County International Airport) mostly serves private, cargo, and charter flights.
Paine Field, about 30 miles north, has limited commercial service, mainly for regional flights.
Both are alternatives if you want to dodge the crowds at SEA or need something specific, but SEA is still the biggest and most connected.
Major Airlines Flying from Seattle
When you’re flying out of SEA, some airlines just make more sense. Two in particular stand out for their networks and frequent flights, whether you’re staying in the U.S. or heading abroad.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is the home team in Seattle, so you’ll find the most choices for flights within the U.S. and down to Mexico. If you’re headed to smaller cities or just want a lot of direct West Coast options, Alaska’s got you covered.
They partner with international carriers like KLM, Air France, Virgin Atlantic, Aer Lingus, and Finnair. That makes it super easy to book through Alaska and connect to Europe.
They’re also part of the oneworld alliance, which opens up even more routes.
Alaska’s known for being on time and has a pretty solid loyalty program too. If you want reliability and lots of flight times, they’re a top pick out of Seattle.
Delta Air Lines
Delta is your go-to if you’re looking at international flights. Their hub in Seattle connects you to a bunch of global destinations, especially in Asia and Europe.
With Delta, you can fly nonstop to major cities around the world or connect through big U.S. hubs like Minneapolis, Detroit, or Atlanta.
They’re especially good for business travelers or anyone who wants a smooth international route.
Delta partners with Air France and KLM, so the SkyTeam alliance gives you even more options. They run a lot of daily flights, which is great if your schedule’s tight.
Delta mixes a broad reach with good customer service—hard to go wrong.
Popular Destinations and Flight Types
Seattle Airport serves up a wide range of flight options. You’ll find direct flights to tons of cities, plus one-way tickets if you need flexibility.
Both domestic and international routes hit a lot of the places people care about.
Direct Flights and One-Way Options
You can book direct flights from Seattle to over 130 destinations. Nonstop flights save you time—always a plus when you just want to get there.
Most airlines here offer these nonstop choices.
One-way flights are easy to find at SEA. You’re not locked into round-trip tickets if your plans are up in the air.
That’s handy if you’re not sure when you’ll come back or you’re continuing your trip elsewhere.
Top Domestic Destinations
Seattle connects well to a bunch of U.S. cities. Some of the most popular nonstop flights go to Las Vegas (LAS), Denver (DEN), and Chicago (ORD)—all big hubs with lots of onward options.
Flights to Hawaii are also direct from Seattle, which is great if you’re craving a beach escape with no layovers.
The airport serves plenty of folks headed to the North Cascades region too, usually through nearby airports using one-way or connecting flights.
International Routes
You’ve got nonstop international flights to places like Calgary in Canada, plus several cities in Asia and Europe.
Seattle connects directly to 23 countries, which is honestly pretty impressive.
For Canada, direct flights to Calgary make crossing the border a breeze. And for Asia, the airport’s a strong choice for both business and leisure trips.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights from Seattle
Saving money on flights from Seattle isn’t rocket science, but it does take a little strategy. The right travel times, price alerts, and fare comparison tools can make a real difference.
Cheapest Months and Popular Travel Times
The cheapest months to fly from Seattle are usually January or February. Fewer people travel, so airlines drop prices.
If you’re flying into Seattle, try late fall or early spring—flights are often cheaper then.
Try to avoid June, July, and December if you can. Those months get busy, and prices jump, especially for trips to downtown Seattle or the Pacific Northwest.
Weekdays are typically less expensive than weekends. Red-eye flights can save you cash too, though they’re not everyone’s favorite.
Using Price Alerts and Tools
Set up price alerts on Google Flights or similar sites. They’ll ping you when fares drop on your chosen route.
You can get these alerts months in advance, which is great if you’re planning ahead.
Searching with flexible dates helps you spot the best deals. Some tools even highlight the cheapest months to fly.
It’s worth checking out mobile apps from airlines and travel sites—they sometimes offer exclusive discounts to subscribers.
Comparing Airfare and Booking Strategies
Check prices on different sites—Google Flights, Skyscanner, and the airline’s own website are good places to start. It’s a hassle, but sometimes you’ll spot a deal hiding in plain sight.
If you’re not set on flying out of Seattle, try searching nearby airports. Sometimes that extra drive is worth it for a cheaper ticket.
Round-trip tickets usually come out cheaper than booking two one-way flights. Still, it’s smart to compare both just in case.
Buying tickets 6-8 weeks ahead tends to unlock the best fares. If you’re flexible, look at flights with longer layovers or red-eye options—they’re not glamorous, but they can save you some cash.