The SEA Gateway Project took a key step forward this week, as the Port of Seattle Commission approved its final phase of construction.
The commission authorised $159.5m to help update the north end of the main terminal, with a focus on Alaska Airline’s check-in, ticketing, and baggage areas. This is a major milestone for Upgrade SEA, a suite of capital projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
The Port and Alaska Airlines are working together to modernise the space, with a face lift, increased passenger throughput, a reconfigured Security Checkpoint #5, and new and innovative technology.
“SEA is our hometown hub, and we’re thrilled to partner with the Port of Seattle to invest in our guests and reimagine what the airport lobby experience can be,” said Shane Jones, Alaska Airlines vice president for real estate and business development. “In addition to transforming it into a bright, open, and beautiful space, we’re looking forward to utilising new technology and processes that will streamline how guests navigate the airport. We’re confident our guests will love the new SEA Lobby.”
Project progress update
Phase A of this two-phase project is currently underway. The visible construction for this project kicked off at the beginning of 2023, with scaffolding and barricades installed on the Baggage Claim Level. This created space for crews to begin preparing the Promenade Level for build out. The Promenade Level, which is across the skybridge on the Main Terminal side and between the Ticketing and Baggage Claim Levels, is not being utilised to its full potential, the commission said. This work will add approximately 24,000 sq ft for new tenant and operational spaces.
The barricades will remain up for the majority of this project, to maintain safe workspaces for the construction crews, and to keep passengers safe on the Baggage Claim Level. As the project gets closer to completion and those barricades come down, updated lighting and natural light will fill the space and create a more natural but modern area.
The newly approved second phase (Phase B), will focus primarily on the overhaul of the Alaska Ticketing Lobby on the Ticketing Level. The approval of the Phase B funds will enable work to start on preparing the Ticketing Level for the work to move up there from the Baggage Claim Level. When construction on Phase B begins later this year, Alaska will reconfigure to still allow efficient check-in and bag-drop areas while the work is underway. This project is currently scheduled to be completed in 2026.
Image: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
