Is TSA Precheck suggested for SeaTac

Yes, it would.

OMG yes, SEA is a nightmare without it!

For one trip? don't bother. Usually you allow enough time to deal with security, getting through faster only means waiting longer at your gate.

Yes, if you travel several times a year, it is handy, you get to do things like keep your shoes on, leave electronics and liquids in the bag, and usually you just go through the metal detector, rather than the scanner. It is quicker most times, but oddly not always.

If you do not already have TSA Pre, or Clear, it is probably not worth trying to get it for one trip. At SeaTac you can sign up with SpotSaver, mentioned above, and you have a reserved place in a special line. It is regular TSA, so you will have to remove your shoes, liquids, etc., but it does save a lot of waiting in line. Even the PreCheck lines can be long in the mornings during summer here.

https://www.portseattle.org/SEAspotsaver

The spotsaver program listed above is a huge gamechanger. You get an appointment and can show up within a 30 minute window (15 min before and 15 min after- usually pretty generous beyond that as well). You are whisked to the head of the general security line, bypassing those without appointments. It is free!

Note, it is not for people with precheck. If you do have TSA precheck, you are expected to go through that line. It usually takes about 30 minutes when really, really busy.

Every traveler should have Global Entry, which includes Precheck. Many premiere credit cards cover the $100 cost. As Mr. Malden used to say, don't leave home without it. And be sure to add it to your airline profile so it's automatically printed on your boarding pass. But ... if you get to the terminal and the non line is shorter, just use it.

One oddity about SEATAC, if you have precheck you are directed way, way across the terminal to a special checkin area. Never had that happen before. And yes, everyone in CLEAR will be told to cut ahead of you in line.

I used the SpotSaver program at SeaTac last summer. It was SO efficient! I usually avoid flying out of SeaTac but it's back into the mix as long as I can use this program.

Having TSA Pre Check and then Global Entry has been a travel game changer!

As others have said, yes. It is really helpful. But if you don't we have https://www.portseattle.org/SEAspotsaver. I've used this before I had TSA Precheck and it worked great.

Global Entry is a great thing to have, but if one doesn’t already have it, they might have to wait a long time for the required interview. We have been hearing tales of months of waiting for an interview appointment close to some cities.

As for having to go “way across the terminal” for PreCheck at SeaTac: we have 5 TSA checkpoints here, and generally 2 of them (Check;points 1 or 2, and #4) have PreCheck. That is one at each end of the airport. There were times right after the pandemic when staff shortages meant only one was open, but lately they have always had one PreCheck line open at each end. So you can choose, depending on your airline.

I wouldn't get Precheck for just one trip, but if you travel much it's worth it. I haven't used Spotsaver, it may be a better choice for a single trip. BTW, there's no "Victoria Island." The city of Victoria is on Vancouver Island, west of the mainland city of Vancouver, B.C. It looks like a great itinerary and I hope you have time to appreciate each place.

Don, I hope you have a wonderful visit to the Pacific Northwest, including my birthplace, Vancouver. Victoria is a delightful city on Vancouver Island. (The city of Vancouver is on the mainland, however.)

Edit: I see Dick beat me to it! Got distracted before clicking reply. Victoria Island is in the Arctic.

Oh yes--you should definitely have Pre-Check and Global Entry for SEATAC. It would help your trip getting back tremendously. Love Vancouver, and Vancouver Island. Olympic is my favorite national park here in Washington. Be sure to get off the beaten path and into the backcountry.

TSA PreCheck can indeed be a great asset for travelers looking to streamline their security screening process, especially at busy airports like SeaTac. While SeaTac is known for its efficiency, morning flights can see a surge in passenger volume, leading to longer security lines. TSA PreCheck typically means shorter lines, less waiting, and not having to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets, which can significantly ease the process.

Given your return flight is at 10:30 am, a peak time for departures, having TSA PreCheck could certainly make your experience smoother and less stressful. It's also worth considering if you'll be flying frequently in the future, as PreCheck's benefits apply across many airports in the U.S.

Applying for TSA PreCheck involves a background check and an in-person appointment, which can be completed at various locations, not just airports. The fee is $85 for five years, which many frequent travelers find worthwhile for the convenience it offers.

For more information and to apply, you can visit the official TSA PreCheck page: TSA PreCheck.

In summary, if you're looking for a more relaxed start to your journey home and plan to fly more in the coming years, TSA PreCheck is definitely worth considering. Safe travels to you and your travel companions on your adventure through Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria Island, and Olympic National Park!

Thank you all for the very worthwhile information. We are getting together Sunday and I'll pass it along. And regarding the Victoria Island phrase, I should know better by now but it just seems to come out that way more often than not. Thanks again.