Seatac: time enough to catch flight

Cheri, I think this is very do-able. It should not take more than 15-20 minutes from a long term lot to get to the airport. Your check in time will all depend on how busy the airport is. If you all have only carryon luggage, it should be smooth sailing. You didn't say what time of year this trip is, but driving up from Portland on I-5 at that hour of the morning, traffic should be pretty good. Now, if it's snowing or icey that is a whole nother story. Smart travelers that have light luggage, use the Light Rail for easy travel to/from downtown Seattle/SeaTac. I take the Link Light Rail from the Tukwila Station to downtown Seattle and it is quite efficient. The Tukwila station is just one stop North of SeaTac (end of the line going South). If you can find long term parking in the area around the light rail station, I would just hop on the Light Rail (unless the long term parking lot has a shuttle for you-that would be even better). Happy travels!

Thanks. I am going in June and we are only taking carry-ons. I am the type that likes to have time to spare, just in case.
Cheri

We park in Masterpark Lot C and are usually walking into the Seatac terminal 10 minutes later. Discount coupons are available on their website and through AAA.

Cheri, Since we are so close to SEA, we often get a ride from family or neighbors and go from there. Like Lola, more than once we have used Master Park (http://www.masterparking.com/), preferring Lot C (and once Lot B) over others. It is convenient if following the map directions offered on the web site, and perhaps discounts as well. A little less accessible but maybe a bit better priced is another spot SW of the airport, which we used once some a few years back. It, too, was quick and easy, maybe a bit less "pretty" than some sites, but entirely satisfactory. I can look up the info if $$$ is a consideration.

You will have plenty of time if you don't fool around or get distracted. Just follow the signs.

It may be more cost-effective, and far less stressful, to get a " park sleep fly" package at one of the airport hotels instead of paying for parking. I did this a few years back when we had a morning flight to Japan. $89 got us a hotel room, breakfast, shuttle to the airport, and two weeks of parking.

What Lola said about an airport hotel that offers shuttle and parking for the week is a smart move. I just looked on the MasterPark website and it was $84 or so, just to park the car. Might be worth a try to get accommodation and don't worry about it. Hope you have a wonderful trip.

Thanks all. I am now looking into "sleep, park, fly".
Cheri

Actually I think your original plan is a better idea. Getting up at 2 to 3 AM puts you closer to functioning on European time. That way you will have a better possibility of sleeping on the plane. The day we depart we are always up around 3 or 4 AM and eat meals on that schedule. Helps a lot with jet lag adjustment.