Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, often shortened by locals to Sea-Tac Airport, is Seattle’s primary airport situated around 19 kilometres south of Downtown Seattle. The airport is the largest in the Pacific Northwest and capable of handling over 42 million passengers each year. Although passenger traffic at the airport is predominantly for domestic flights, the airport does fly to various international destinations including Seoul, London, Dubai and Beijing.
The airport offers a wealth of facilities and amenities on site for travellers including many great restaurants alongside extensive shopping opportunities. Eateries that are available at the airport range from fast food outlets and cafés such as Burger King and Starbucks to lively sports bars and restaurants for those looking for a more substantial meal. The airport is also known for its live musical performances where local musicians perform within the airport.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport serves over 30 airlines and operates as a hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta Airlines, providing flights to destinations both domestic and international. The airport is comprised of a Central Terminal with additional North and South Satellite Terminals to boost its capacity. It is linked to the city of Seattle by numerous public transport networks including by rail, Metro bus and Sound Transit Light Rail. Alternatively, taxis are readily available outside the airport, and many car hire companies operate at the airport for those wishing for their own vehicle.
The airport was first constructed in 1944 during World War II and first started operating scheduled flights in 1947. It has undergone extensive renovation and expansion work over the decades and continued to undergo upgrades and expansion work to boost its capacity. The busiest air route from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is to Los Angeles, shortly followed by routes to San Francisco and Anchorage.