Port of Seattle Updates

Decorative

Update as of Monday, November 4, 2024

Early on Saturday, August 24, the Port was made aware of unauthorized activity on our systems. Our teams isolated critical systems and are working with third-party and federal partners to safely restore and test our systems. The investigation is ongoing, and the Port will provide appropriate updates as they become available. If we identify that the actor obtained employee or passenger personal information, we will carry out our responsibilities to inform them.

The Port of Seattle/Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) website is currently down as part of the system outage. Until the website is fully restored, please check this page for official statements and updates.

Please do not contact the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) with Port of Seattle and SEA Airport questions and concerns. Instead, please use the contact info below.

For corporate information (including Commission meeting announcements, SEPA/NEPA notifications, HR, Procurement, Legal/Claims/Public Disclosure, Newsroom, etc.), please see our Port of Seattle Corporate page.


SEA Airport Contact Information

The SEA Customer Care team is available to support travelers between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday.


Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Updates

Airport Construction Updates

Map of security checkpoint closures
  • Security Checkpoint 5 closed

    • Checkpoint A – Open peak days only for General Screening

    • Checkpoint 1 – TSA PreCheck, CLEAR

    • Checkpoint 2 – General Screening, CLEAR, SEA Spot Saver, Premium

    • Checkpoint 3 – General Screening, CLEAR, SEA Spot Saver, Premium

    • Checkpoint 4 – TSA PreCheck, CLEAR

    • Checkpoint 5 – CLOSED

  • Skybridge 3 closed

    • Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.

    • Use your airline app to get your mobile boarding pass and check baggage before you get to the airport. Contact your airline directly for flight reservations, baggage services, cargo, and post-security wheelchair services.

    • Certain programs and services, like SEA Visitor Pass,the Port of Seattle website, the flySEA app, and TSA Checkpoint Wait Times are currently unavailable.

    • Mobile ordering for dining throughout the terminal is available at OrderSEA.

    • Get step-by-step directions around the airport by using the interactive map.

  • Garage Rates for Reserved Parking: Available on Floor 4 of the airport’s parking garage. Reservations are required to access this floor. Reserve early for best availability at ReserveSEA.org, and experience parking that's simple, seamless, and guaranteed!

    • Daily — $47.00 per 24-hour period

    • Overstay hourly rate (up to Daily Maximum) — $10.00 per hour

    Garage Rates for Drive-up Parking: Available in General Parking (Floors 1–3, 5–8) in the airport’s parking garage, for both short- and long-term parking stays. Includes Over-Height Parking (over 6' 10").

    • Hourly — $8.00 per hour

    • Daily — $37.00 per day

    • Weekly — $222.00 per week

  • Travelers can access all gates from any checkpoint. There are currently four checkpoints available on a regular schedule at SEA Airport. Click on the checkpoint name below to get step-by-step directions to it with our interactive map.

    • Checkpoint 1Screening types: CLEAR, TSA PreCheck — Operating hours: 4 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    • Checkpoint 2Screening types: CLEAR, General, Premium, SEA Spot Saver — Operating hours: 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.

    • Checkpoint 3Screening types: CLEAR, General, Premium, SEA Spot Saver — Operating hours: 24 hours (General)

    • Checkpoint 4Screening types: CLEAR, General, TSA PreCheck — Operating hours: 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.

    • Checkpoint 5 — Temporarily Closed

    • Checkpoint A — Screening type: General — Operating hours: occasional on peak days only

    Airport staff will direct you to the best checkpoint for fast and efficient service. Wait times have been minimal, with over 90% under 30 minutes or less.

    All checkpoints are ADA-accessible. For additional assistance, please contact TSA Cares 72 hours prior to your flight. Passengers are encouraged to follow standard TSA guidelines for packing, including the 3-1-1 liquids rule. For information on TSA security checkpoints, identification requirements, and other security questions, please contact TSA directly or visit the TSA website.

    Sign up to skip the security line! SEA Spot Saver is available to TSA Checkpoints 2, 3, and 5 from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.

  • If you have a disability and need wheelchair or medical assistance, here’s how to make it happen.

    Wheelchair Assistance

    How do I get a wheelchair?

    1. For assistance from the airport entrance to ticket counters:

    • Call Prospect at (206) 246-1550 when you arrive.

    2. For assistance between ticket counters and your gate:

    Contact your airline and make a reservation before arriving for wheelchair service:

    • Between gates for connecting flights

    • From arrival gates to the baggage claim and ground transportation

    Where can I get a wheelchair taxi?

    Arrivals

    • Taxi and flat-rate vehicle services to and from the airport offer wheelchair-accessible vans. Taxis drop off at the departures level, or a location most convenient for the passenger.

    Departures

    • Taxis depart from the third-floor parking garage.

    • Passengers in a wheelchair or with limited mobility may request curbside pick-up on the Baggage Claim level by Skybridge 2 near Door 10 and Skybridge 5 near Door 22. Please state clearly to your taxi service provider that you require mobility assistance to ensure they meet you by one of these locations.

    • To request a wheelchair taxi, contact ABM Taxi Service at (206) 432-9030.

    Plan ahead

    1. Check with your airline

    Airlines offer many services for accessible travel primarily on the aircraft and post-security. Check with your airline for what policies and options are available for support before you go.

    2. Connect with TSA Cares

    TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. Contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your trip with questions about screening policies, procedures, and what to expect at the security checkpoint.

    • Get a TSA notification card to describe your condition to the TSA Security officers.

    • Request assistance online.

    • Contact them by phone at (855) 787-2227. On weekdays: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET; on weekends / holidays: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

    • Request a TSA Passenger Support Specialist; TSA has specially trained Passenger Support Specialists (PSS) to help you through the checkpoints.

    • Request this service in advance.

    • Or ask a TSA representative at the checkpoint for a Passenger Support Specialist.

    At the Airport

    1. Get a Sunflower Lanyard

    Sunflower lanyards tell airline and airport staff that you have an invisible disability and need extra assistance while traveling.

    Get your free Sunflower lanyards at any Information Desks from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. seven days a week:

    • before security between Checkpoint 3 and Checkpoint 4 (near Starbucks)

    • after security in A Concourse (near Gate A5)

    If you're traveling outside of the information desk hours, ask staff at Premium checkpoint lanes 2 or 5 for a sunflower lanyard.

    2. Visit the Sensory Room

    The Sensory Room provides a calming environment for those feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or need a break from the sights and sounds of the terminal.

    • The Sensory Room is located on the train level of the A Gates Sound Transit Station in the long hallway near the elevators.

    • Use the interactive map for step-by-step directions to the sensory room.

    3. File an ADA compliance complaint

    The ADA Compliance officer role is mandated under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (28 CFR Part 35) and the Air Carrier Access Act (Title 14 CFR Part 382) to ensure airport facilities and programs are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Cruise and Maritime Contact Information

  • Cruise passengers at the seaport general inquiries: (206) 644-1355 or call your cruise line

  • Recreational boating: (206) 601-4089 or VHF Channel 17

  • Fishermen’s Terminal: (206) 617-4898

  • Bell Harbor: (206) 462-9567

  • Marine Maintenance: (206) 321-8937

  • Terminal 91 operations: (206) 787-3751

Previous Communications

  • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Contact: Perry Cooper | SEA Airport | cooper.p@portseattle.org

    The Port of Seattle issued the following statement on the cyberattack impacting its systems

    SEATTLE — Sept. 13, 2024 — On August 24, 2024, the Port of Seattle identified system outages consistent with a cyberattack. It was a fast-moving situation, and Port staff worked to quickly isolate critical systems. Since that time, Port staff have been working around the clock to ensure that our partners and travelers who use our gateways safely and securely reach their destinations and utilize our facilities. This has included engaging with our forensics specialists and actively supporting law enforcement’s investigation of the attacker. It also has included countless hours by Port staff and volunteers to mitigate the impact of the incident. While our response and recovery are still ongoing, we wanted to share updated information about what happened, what we have been doing, and how we are further strengthening our security.

    What Happened

    This incident was a “ransomware” attack by the criminal organization known as Rhysida. The efforts our team took to stop the attack on August 24, 2024, appear to have been successful. There has been no new unauthorized activity on Port systems since that day. We remain on heightened alert and are continuously monitoring our systems.

    It remains safe to travel from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and use the Port of Seattle’s maritime facilities.

    What Was Affected

    Our investigation has determined that the unauthorized actor was able to gain access to certain parts of our computer systems and was able to encrypt access to some data. We took steps to block further activities including disconnecting our systems from the internet, but unfortunately, the encryption and our response actions hindered some port services including baggage, check-in kiosks, ticketing, Wi-Fi, passenger display boards, the Port of Seattle website, the flySEA app, and reserved parking. Our team was able to bring the majority of these systems back online within the week, though work to restore some systems like our external website and internal portals is ongoing. Our current operational status is available at our temporary website, https://www.portseattle.org/.

    The Port has refused to pay the ransom demanded, and as a result, the actor may respond by posting data they claim to have stolen on their darkweb site. Our investigation of what data the actor took is ongoing, but it does appear that some Port data was obtained by the actor in mid-to-late August. Assessment of the data taken is complex and takes time, but we are committed to these efforts and notifying potentially impacted stakeholders as appropriate. In particular, if we identify that the actor obtained employee or passenger personal information, we will carry out our responsibilities to inform them.

    What We Have Done

    “From day one, the Port prioritized safe, secure and efficient operations at our facilities. We are continuing to make progress on restoring our systems. The Port of Seattle has no intent of paying the perpetrators behind the cyberattack on our network,” said Steve Metruck, Executive Director of the Port of Seattle. “Paying the criminal organization would not reflect Port values or our pledge to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars. We continue working with our partners to not just restore our systems but build a more resilient Port for the future. Following our response efforts, we also commit to using this experience to strengthen our security and operations, as well as sharing information to help protect businesses, critical infrastructure and the public.”

    How We Are Strengthening Our Security

    While restoring and rebuilding systems, we have been taking additional steps to enhance our existing controls and further secure our IT environment, including strengthening our identity management and authentication protocols, as well as enhancing our monitoring.

    We recognize the inconvenience this incident has caused, and for that, we apologize. Thank you for your understanding and for your patience during this incident.

    The Port of Seattle remains committed to operating our aviation and maritime gateways prioritizing safety, efficiency, and security.

    For additional status information visit https://www.portseattle.org, as well as Port of Seattle social media channels, including X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and YouTube.

  • What happened?

    On August 24, 2024, the Port of Seattle identified system outages consistent with a cyberattack. It was a fast-moving situation, and Port staff worked to quickly isolate critical systems. Since that time, Port staff have been working around the clock to ensure that our partners and travelers who use our gateways safely and securely reach their destinations and utilize our facilities.

    This incident was a “ransomware” attack by the criminal organization known as Rhysida. The efforts our team took to stop the attack on August 24, 2024, appear to have been successful. There has been no new unauthorized activity on Port systems since that day. We remain on heightened alert and are continuously monitoring our systems.

    Are Port facilities open?

    Yes, Port facilities are open and operating. It remains safe to travel from Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) Airport and use the Port of Seattle’s maritime facilities.

    Was this ransomware?

    Yes, this incident was a “ransomware” attack by the criminal organization known as Rhysida. The efforts our team took to stop the attack on August 24, 2024, appear to have been successful. There has been no new unauthorized activity on Port systems since that day. We remain on heightened alert and are continuously monitoring our systems.

    Was there a demand to pay a ransom?

    The Port has refused to pay the ransom demanded, and as a result, the actor may respond by posting data they claim to have stolen on their darkweb site.

    What are the impacts to passenger operations?

    It remains safe to travel from SEA Airport and use the Port of Seattle’s maritime facilities.

    Our investigation has determined that the unauthorized actor was able to gain access to certain parts of our computer systems and was able to encrypt access to some data. We took steps to block further activities including disconnecting our systems from the internet, but unfortunately, the encryption and our response actions hindered some Port services including baggage, check-in kiosks, ticketing, Wi-Fi, passenger display boards, the Port of Seattle website, the flySEA app, and reserved parking. Our team was able to bring the majority of these systems back online within the week, though work to restore some systems like our external website and internal portals is ongoing. Our current operational status is available at https://www.portseattle.org.

    Is the Port open for business?

    Yes, business services, as much as possible, continue as normal. Enterprise applications essential to business functions, such as accounts payable services, contract management, phone service, and the public website were affected in the attack. Many of these services have been restored with temporary or workaround solutions, although some key systems remain offline.

    We appreciate your patience as we restore all services. If you need help conducting business with the Port, please find references for specific departments on our temporary website at https://www.washingtonports.org/port-of-seattle-corporate.

    What steps did the Port take once this cyberattack was discovered?

    It was a fast-moving situation, and Port staff worked to quickly isolate critical systems. Since that time, Port staff have been working around the clock to ensure that our partners and travelers who use our gateways safely and securely reach their destinations and utilize our facilities. This has included engaging with our forensics specialists and actively supporting law enforcement’s investigation of the attacker. It also has included countless hours by Port staff and volunteers to mitigate the impact of the incident.

    Was any personal or business data taken?

    Our investigation of what data the actor took is ongoing, but it does appear that some Port data was obtained by the actor in mid-to-late August. Assessment of the data taken is complex and takes time, but we are committed to these efforts and notifying potentially impacted stakeholders as appropriate. In particular, if we identify that the actor obtained employee or passenger personal information, we will carry out our responsibilities to inform them.

    What can you tell us about the investigation into this incident?

    The investigation is ongoing. Port staff have been working around the clock to ensure that our partners and travelers who use our gateways safely and securely reach their destinations and utilize our facilities. This has included engaging with our forensics specialists and actively supporting law enforcement’s investigation of the attacker.

    How long will it take to return all systems to normal and complete the investigation?

    The investigation and work to safely and securely restore all of our systems continues. There is not a timeline at the moment, but the Port will continue to provide updates as we have information to share.

    What has the Port done since this cyberattack to ensure its systems are safe and secure?

    While restoring and rebuilding systems, we have been taking additional steps to enhance our existing controls and further secure our IT environment, including strengthening our identity management and authentication protocols, as well as enhancing our monitoring.

  • Flight and baggage information displays are now showing every airline’s schedule throughout the SEA Airport terminal. Travelers are seeing their normal travel experience at SEA. Wi-Fi is back up, displays are on, and all check-in and ticketing systems are back. We appreciate all of your patience over the last few weeks. We’ll continue providing weekly updates here as our regular website is still waiting to come back online. We still have some internal systems that continue to be worked on. You can see key information options below, and we’ll post any further relevant information as soon as it becomes available.

    Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck provided an update on the systems outage during the September 10, 2024, Port of Seattle Commission meeting.

  • Your experience at SEA Airport today and in the future should feel pretty normal!  Wi-Fi is up and flight and bag information displays are operating for all airlines except United. You’ll get updates once a week in the future unless there are big changes. Thanks for your patience over the last few weeks. And have a great weekend!

  • More positive milestones for travelers at SEA:

    • Public Wi-Fi is back up and running throughout the terminal.

    • Common-use check-in kiosks are operating as normal in various locations on the Ticketing Level.

    • Flight and baggage information displays are operating with all airlines except United at this time. Please use the United Airlines or other travel apps for that airline’s gate and baggage claim information or check in with green-attired staff for direction.

    • Flight and baggage information displays are operating with all airlines except United at this time.

    In addition, all common-use check-in kiosks are back operating normally.

  • Holiday volumes are high and operations are running smoothly at SEA Airport so far today.

    Baggage claim and flight information displays are coming back on in a phased approach as our teams complete final testing.

    All airlines are listed at this time for baggage claim except for Delta, Virgin Atlantic, Aeromexico, and United. Flight information displays are also coming on with all airline information except for Delta and United. These airlines are finalizing connections to be added soon to both displays.

    Volunteers remain on the ground to help travelers. Airline and other travel apps can also be used to track locations for gates and baggage claim arrivals.

    Aircraft are departing and arriving as we remain open, and travelers are getting to and from their destinations. Delays are minimal. TSA wait times are minimal as well.

    We continue to bring up more common use monitors and systems, most recently in various locations within the S Concourse and D Annex.

  • Restoration of common use systems continues to progress.  Virtually all airlines are back to full service for ticketing and baggage management.

    Few flight delays or disruptions are occurring beyond a typical busy holiday volume period. That continues to be the main priority to get passengers to and from their travels safely. TSA wait times are minimal while dining and retail locations are operating normally. 

    Display boards for flight and bag information are still being worked on in partnership with the airlines. Port staff and volunteers have racked up nearly 4,000 hours supporting customers since Monday. 

    Monday will be the busiest day for the holiday. Please visit our travel tips to find the best ways to prepare.

  • More systems continue to return to normal this morning. Nearly all common use airlines systems for flights have returned to international and low volume carriers. Travelers will also see monitors for those carriers at their checkin counters back in operation.

    Flight and bag information displays are still down. Teams are making progress for those to return soon. Staff and volunteers in green attire continue to be available at key locations to help travelers with information. Those displays remain as the most apparent disruption to travelers. Aircraft operations have been back to normal and there have been minimal delays in departures and arrival activity.

    Please prepare with tips below as it is still a busy holiday period.

  • Today has been a very successful travel day for the start of the Labor Day weekend. The majority of travelers won’t notice disruptions in their experience as high volume carriers are back to normal operations. Flights are arriving and departing as normal with few delays. The recovery process for common use carriers, such as international and low volume, continues as we test and safely restore systems to print bag tags and boarding passes.

    See below for a full list of travel tips on how to prepare for Labor Day travel.

  • Teams continue to work on restoring Port of Seattle systems and are assisting travelers during the current outages. Labor Day travel is expected to be busy at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and the cruise terminals.

    Aircraft departures and arrivals continue to operate as normal. The biggest challenge for travelers remains viewing flight and baggage information on display monitors throughout the airport. Those systems are still down; however, you can access the information on airline and travel apps or by asking our team in green. 

    Reserved Parking and all other garage operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) are working. Guests can reserve terminal direct parking on the fourth floor at Reserve SEA.

    Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, or check with your airline for a recommended time of arrival.

  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is making progress on restoring the previously impacted elements of the baggage system. Multiple teams have implemented and are using a variety of methods to ensure bags reach their aircraft. Travelers should continue to prioritize carry-on luggage if possible.

    If you are traveling today, please check with your airline for flight and baggage information. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. See below for more information regarding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or Maritime facilities.

  • SEA Airport continues to experience system outages and is working to restore to full service. Our priority is getting customers where they need to be. To help your travel day, continue to check with your airline and review these tips:

    • International travelers are encouraged to arrive early for check in and bag check.

    • Standard TSA rules apply through security checkpoints. Follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule to get through quicker.

    • Get assistance from our Customer Care team on @flySEA social media and on Customer Care Connect.

  • The Port of Seattle continues to experience system outages. We’re continuing to work with our partners to resolve this and will provide updates when we know more.

  • System outages continue at the Port of Seattle, including at SEA Airport. Port teams continue to make progress on returning systems to normal operations, but there is not an estimated time for return. If you are traveling today

    • Check in for your flight online before you leave home and use airline apps to get your boarding pass.

    • If you do not have to check a bag, stick to just carry-on luggage. Give yourself extra time to get to SEA and to your gate.

    • In-terminal screens are experiencing technical issues showing flight information. Please check with your airline for the latest gate information.

  • The Port of Seattle maritime facilities phone systems are down as part of a system outage. For urgent matters, call:

    • Recreational boating at (206) 601-4089 or VHF Channel 17

    • Fishermen’s Terminal at (206) 617-4898

    • Bell Harbor at (206) 462-9567

    • Marine Maintenance at (206) 556-1678

    For Terminal 91 operations, call (206) 606-8152. If the call is not answered, leave a voicemail and then call the number again within 5 minutes.

  • To help get through the airport easier, use airline apps to get your mobile boarding pass for your flight and tag bags online before you get to SEA.

  • Earlier this morning the Port of Seattle experienced certain system outages indicating a possible cyberattack. The Port isolated critical systems and is in the process of working to restore full service and does not have an estimated time for return.

  • The Port of Seattle, including SEA Airport, is experiencing an internet and web systems outage, which is impacting some systems at the airport. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines for the latest information for their flights.

Media Briefings


Thank you!

We appreciate everyone’s support and patience during this time.