United States Holiday Travel Hits Record Highs as Millions Rush Through SEA Airport, Creating Packed Terminals and Long Security Lines for Christmas and New Year

Published on December 24, 2025

SEA Airport holiday travel is moving into its most intense stretch of the season, and the energy inside Seattle’s main airport reflects it. Families hauling gifts, couples juggling carry-ons, and solo travelers rushing between terminals are all part of the familiar holiday scene now playing out at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Airport officials say passenger volumes are climbing steadily as Christmas and New Year trips overlap, creating packed terminals and long security lines throughout the day. While the crowds are undeniable, the mood remains largely upbeat as travelers focus on where they’re going rather than how busy it feels getting there.

A Single Day That Shows the Scale of the Rush

One of the busiest travel days so far saw roughly 159,000 people pass through the airport. Nearly 63,000 of them were departing, a key reason security lines stretched longer than usual.

That departure-heavy split matters. When close to 40 percent of travelers are heading out rather than arriving, checkpoints feel the pressure fast. Officials say this pattern explains why early mornings and late afternoons are especially crowded.

This surge is part of a broader rise in SEA Airport passenger traffic, driven by tightly packed holiday schedules and strong demand for domestic travel.

Millions Expected Over a Short Holiday Window

Airport leadership estimates that more than 2.5 million travelers will move through the airport between December 18 and January 4. That’s a 3 percent increase compared to the same holiday period last year, confirming that air travel demand continues to grow.

The most crowded days during this stretch are expected to be:

• Friday, December 26 with about 154,000 passengers
• Friday, December 19 with roughly 157,000 travelers
• Tuesday, December 23, topping the list at 159,000 passengers

Spreading those numbers across departures, arrivals, and connections means congestion shows up everywhere—from security lines to gate areas.

Why Security Lines Feel Especially Long Right Now

Holiday travel compresses a huge number of trips into just a few days, and that creates visible stress points. Longer airport security wait times are most common when multiple departure banks overlap, particularly during morning and evening peaks.

Airport officials say staffing levels are adjusted for these surges, but the volume alone can slow things down. Travelers are strongly encouraged to arrive earlier than usual, especially on peak dates, to avoid last-minute stress.

TSA Reminders That Can Save Time at Checkpoints

As part of seasonal guidance, officials continue sharing TSA holiday travel tips aimed at keeping lines moving.

Some reminders catching travelers off guard this year include:

• Wrapped gifts in carry-on bags may be opened during screening
• Gift bags or wrapping items after arrival are safer options
• Solid foods like baked goods, meats, fruits, and vegetables are allowed
• Liquid-style foods such as gravies, jams, jellies, and cranberry sauce must meet liquid limits

Items that don’t comply may be discarded, which slows screening for everyone behind you.

The Human Side of the Holiday Rush

Behind the numbers are personal reasons for travel. Airport staff say many passengers are flying to see elderly relatives, reconnect with family they haven’t visited in years, or bring a partner home for the holidays for the first time.

These moments are part of what defines the US airport holiday rush—it’s busy, loud, and sometimes frustrating, but it’s also deeply emotional. For many travelers, the journey itself is a small price to pay for time with loved ones.

How the Holidays Compare to SEA’s Busiest Season

Despite the crowds, airport officials note that the holiday period still isn’t the airport’s busiest time of year. That title belongs to summer.

Key differences include:

• Summer peak season runs from June through August
• The busiest single day this year occurred in August, with 206,000 travelers
• Holiday travel is intense but concentrated into fewer days

This seasonal contrast helps airport planners decide where and when to allocate resources.

Managing the Final Weeks of the Year

As the year winds down, SEA Airport holiday travel continues to test airport operations. Winter weather risks, packed flights, and high passenger volumes leave little room for error.

Officials say coordination between airlines, security teams, and airport operations remains critical. Travelers are also encouraged to stay flexible, keep an eye on flight updates, and build extra time into their schedules.

A Familiar Scene as the Year Comes to a Close

For all its challenges, SEA Airport holiday travel remains a familiar end-of-year tradition. The terminals may be crowded, but they’re also filled with reunions, anticipation, and the shared understanding that everyone is trying to get somewhere that matters.

As millions move through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in the final days of the year, the holiday rush once again proves that air travel—busy as it is—remains central to how people stay connected.