UPDATE: SEA Airport continues managing cyberattack, offers tips for Labor Day travelers

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) continues to manage the effects of a recent cyberattack while maintaining normal operations for flights and security screenings, ahead of what is expected to be a busy Labor Day weekend.

The attack – which has been ongoing since Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024 – has disrupted the airport’s website, WiFi, and certain communication services. However, the Port of Seattle says that most travelers are not expected to notice major delays.

“The Port isolated critical systems and is in the process of working to restore full service with the assistance of industry experts,” according to its redirected website. “We are working closely with our partners to help travelers who may be impacted. There is currently no estimated time for return.”

The Port has yet to reveal the cause of the cyberattack, now in its fifth day, but says its Comms team is back on email as they’ve had limited access returned to some staff.

In a recent update, SEA officials assured passengers that aircraft departures, arrivals, and TSA security checkpoints are running normally. Delays and cancellations remain typical for a busy summer day, with no impacts on FAA operations.

While most travelers won’t face disruptions, smaller international carriers may still experience outages, including handwritten boarding passes or bag tags due to common-use system failures. SEA staff members are on-site to assist travelers with information and directions, and many are stationed around the terminal wearing green for easy identification.

The airport’s website, normally accessible at portseattle.org, has been redirected to a temporary microsite for updates and limited information as the airport works to restore its systems.

What’s Working for Travelers:

• Reserved Parking: Still available at ReserveSEA.org, though QR code systems may be slow.
• SEA Spot Saver: Security checkpoint reservations remain functional through the CLEAR Reserve website.
• TSA Checkpoints: 93% of travelers cleared checkpoints in under 30 minutes in July, with new lanes improving wait times.

Labor Day Weekend Travel Numbers:

SEA expects to serve nearly 600,000 passengers over the holiday weekend, with the busiest days on Monday, September 2 (193,000 passengers), followed by Friday, August 30 (187,000), and Thursday, August 29 (179,000). Despite high volumes, SEA does not expect the record-breaking passenger numbers seen earlier this summer.

Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive early, especially in the morning, when over one-third of SEA’s daily passenger volume arrives before 9 a.m.

Travel Tips:

• Arrive Early: Plan to be at the terminal at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
• Traffic Solutions: Use alternative transportation options to avoid congestion or consider using the Lower Arrivals Drive for drop-offs during peak times.
• Be Prepared: Technology issues may slow down check-ins for some carriers, so travelers are advised to allow extra time.

“Try alternate ways to get to the airport, so you avoid the congested drives,” Port spokesman Perry Cooper said. “Use public transportation, airport parking, a taxi/limo, a rideshare, a scheduled airporter, a door-to-door van service, or a shuttle option. Think opposite. If driving to the curb is your only option, use the Lower Arrivals Drive to drop off during peak hours, or use the Upper Departures Drive to pick up. Or just use whichever lane is moving faster – they both go to the same building!”

Officials are working to assess and restore the systems impacted by the cyberattack while keeping passenger convenience and safety a top priority.