How early? July 5th SeaTac to Frankfurt departure

Carla, I am so excited that your trip is finally here for you!

Do you have TSA pre-check? If not, you may want to sign up for the free "spotsaver" program which can be a real time saver in security.
https://www.portseattle.org/SEAspotsaver

I would arrive at SeaTac 3 hours before your flight. That should give you plenty of time and you will probably end up sitting around a bit. Are you coming from Sequim the same day? I definitely encourage you to drive around and don't even think about the ferries right now. I spent hours in line at Kingston earlier this week. (fortunately I had packed a lunch and a good book). Be sure to build a "Hood Canal Bridge Opening" time buffer into your day.

We all look forward to hearing about your trip.

Three hours is what the airlines tell you for an international flight, and it's good advice. In general, SeaTac is most crowded early in the mornings when transcontinental flights leave, less so at mid-day when overnights to Europe usually leave. But give yourself plenty of time if driving from Sequim that day.

Carol now retired — thanks! I believe you’re in Lynnwood. I grew up in Bothell, worked 26 years in downtown Seattle, and loved living in Edmonds until moving to Sequim. I bet we’ve crossed paths at some point!

I don’t have pre-check. I’ll check to see how quickly it would process for my son and I, since we’d need it next Tuesday. I wouldn’t dream of showing up less than 3 hours prior. And fortunately, my husband is driving my son & I to the airport, so that’s one less thing to worry about. (I sit at the Kingston ferry terminal often. I kept all of my doctors and specialists and best friends in Edmonds, Seattle & Stanwood.)
I hope, hope, hope the trip goes well. I appreciate the well wishes!

Dick — my flight is a mid-day overnight. Thanks for the tip!

Carla, follow the link in my post above to spot-saver. It will put you to the head of the security line.

Carol, this may be a silly question, but if my flight departs at 2:20 pm do I still qualify? Can’t tell if the text below strictly means departures from 5 am-1 pm only. Or does it mean you qualify if you happen to be there physically from from 5 am-1 pm?

“SEA Spot Saver includes advanced reservations and onsite appointments at TSA Checkpoints 2, 3, and 5 for all departing passengers from 5 a.m. and 1 p.m. on any airline…”

What times can I use SEA Spot Saver?

SEA Spot Saver is available daily from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Checkpoints 2, 3, and 5 for all flights departing between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. Appointments are available from 240 to 60 minutes before departure. Slots are limited and may book up fast so we recommend booking up to 72 hours in advance of your flight.

Got it! Thanks Joe.