Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    South Satellite Terminal

    3.0 (25 reviews)

    South Satellite Terminal Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - South Satellite Terminal

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    90s retro vibe.
    Jennifer J.

    Who needs time travel? The South Satellite is like a trip back to SeaTac in the 90s. With its low, dark ceilings, unintentionally retro furnishings, and complete lack of interesting food and shopping options, the SS is a good reminder of why SEA decided to undergo major remodeling projects that started decades ago and continue to impede passengers to this day. (Someday, in the year 2046, these improvements may reach the South Satellite.) The underground train ride to the SS is something akin to a pre-apocalypse suspense film. Unwitting passengers look around nervously, their eyes darting fun sign to sign, wondering if they've inadvertently ended up on a trip to the Other Side. Why, you may wonder, was I even in the SS on the first place? I'm asking myself that question, too. I guess all the zillions of well-lit gates at the other Satellites were taken up by other, more important travelers. So the gate scheduling computer decided "Hey, I'm sure those Sacramento-bound pax wouldn't mind a trip back in time to the South Satellite to await their flight. Remind them to bring their flashlights." Really, though, it's not all bad on the SS. There's a retro 1970s duty free shop, and none of those pesky fun gift shops that temp you to buy cute, unnecessary things while you await your flight. I'm looking at you, North Satellite.

    South Satellite Terminal
    Jon L.

    The South Satellite Terminal is where the majority of international flights at Sea-Tac Airport fly out of. Though the flights are not exclusively international as some domestic flights to destinations like Hawaii use this terminal. To reach this terminal, you need to take the people mover system to reach it. Make sure to take the right one as one heads in the other direction towards the North Satellite Terminal. From the Central Terminal, it is a two stop train ride to the South Satellite Terminal. If you need to make a connection from the South Satellite to the North Satellite, this would mean taking one train to the Central Terminal and switching to the other train as the people mover trains only go back and forth. The facilities here are similar to those at the North Satellite Terminal which is to say the number of eateries and shops here are limited. If you are looking for a bite at the airport, you are better off getting something at the Central Terminal. As this terminal is where international flights fly out of, there is a duty free shop here though it pales in size to the duty free stores in other cities. It feels quite small considering Sea-Tac is currently the 9th largest airport in the US. I have taken several international trips out of Sea-Tac, most recently on my trip to Germany a little over a month ago. I have found the US customs process upon return to be relatively quick compared to LAX. This is because you enter your customs info using a computer upon arriving at Sea-Tac which speeds up the process even though there might be a line. Also you collect luggage for international flights at South Satellite, as opposed to having to go to the baggage claim area at the Central Terminal. If you have a connecting flight, you will need to check it in again before heading to your gate. If that is the case, make sure to book a flight that gives you enough time. I don't think a 45 minute or 1 hour layover at Sea-Tac is enough if you are connecting from an international flight, but I think 2 hours is sufficient. While the facilities at this terminal could be improved, I like flying out of South Satellite when I am traveling internationally. The customs process at Sea-Tac is significantly quicker than at LAX. So if you have the choice between connecting from an international flight to one of these airports, I would choose Sea-Tac. It is smaller and faster.

    Airport is the slowest I've ever seen. Actually a lot nicer.
    Jonah R.

    It's a terminal. Nothing special. Not too many seats. Close to a couple shops for last minute items, has a couple bathrooms. Water fountains were off because of the 'Rona. About 8 gates total down at the end. It's a terminal. Blah

    Andrew S.

    Arrived to a new section of SeaTac. Very clean, well lighted, and of course a small crowd here. Signs are well posted to navigate the traveler to other gates or to the baggage claim. Restrooms are near and convenient. No major complaints from this traveler.

    Looking back at the main terminal from the S gates
    Byron B.

    In the process of being rebuilt so it's hard to give it a fair rating. It will B nice and clean but I do wonder about food and drink options as it seems to be lacking those in the construction phase... stay tuned and get food before you come over here as of now

    South Satellite Terminal needs more places to eat or grab snacks, only one sit down restaurant and always crowded.

    See all

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 4
    Love this 7
    Oh no 2

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shani H.
    936
    1379
    2420

    8 months ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 3
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jon L.
    878
    2561
    43246

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Had a flight from gate S15. great. Had power outlets too. Also had no delays. (Singapore Airlines 27)

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chet B.
    108
    3
    0

    5 years ago

    Red eye flights and every business closes before 6pm. Only thing open later is Peets. Make sure you don't get on the train before you eat.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark O.
    306
    421
    3408

    8 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Linda M.
    26
    32
    86

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris S.
    351
    1151
    2184

    7 years ago

    I'm usually happy when I roll through here because I'm on my way somewhere interesting. AS far as airport terminals go, it's just fine...

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - South Satellite Terminal

    Review Highlights - South Satellite Terminal

    Dominated by Alaska Airlines, SeaTac features excellent restaurants and a handful of nice-enough shops.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport - SEA - 12.10.25

    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport - SEA

    3.2(3.8k reviews)
    0.8 mi

    I don't think I've even labeled an airport "fun" but this one I will! It's very big, fun and…read moreaesthetically pleasing! My layover was long enough to explore, rest and take my time to enjoy different restaurants, gate areas and bars!! The airport was clean, easy to navigate and someone from any staff organization willing to help!

    Arrival May 2, Saturday evening. Alaska Airlines $ALK from…read moreSan Francisco. from Gate to Baggage, took the internal train, then went to the Shuttle Islands to notify my hotel that I had arrived and was ready for a pickup. It was helpful that there was a directory at the shuttle pickup islands indicating where each destination did pickups. But the signage and maps were initially confusing, and it had not been clear what level lead to hotel shuttles. Departure May 10 $ALK heading back to San Francisco. Arrived via Norwegian $NCLH port to airport shuttle $30, purchased at the port entire bus unloaded near Alaska Airlines, where $ALK $DAL both had luggage tagging available, you could also request mobility assistance but the waiting area on the lower level was jammed on this Sunday morning. this was the start of the Alaska cruising season so numerous ships were loading and unloading guests. Lots Alaska cruisers have mobility assistance needs so Sundays will be significantly impacted during the Alaska cruise season Months I would suggest if able to skip the mobility and bag tagging on the lower level , and just continue to the upper level if able and if you have priority status. Security was not bad but remove laptops, iPads from bags. if your shaving kit has bottles that are large containing liquids pack them into a checked bag. FYI, if flying Alaska $ALK, and you pay for your ticket with the base fee credit card you can check one bag at no cost, 1st class you get 2 checked bags per flight. Bag fees can justify the Credit Card Fee or enhanced Fare Seat Purchase. TSA was on my day painless, I present a passport when flying or cruising. Movement within the terminal was easy via the internal rail. Needed to use the toilet near my gate, and all of the toilets had their rolls of tissue Exhausted, I Pack a roll of tissue in my carry bag in addition to wipes just in case of situations like this. Terminal felt slightly claustrophobic, and gate lounges were full with barely enough seating. The positive was that you walk less, but the spaces feel full. SEA and SFO move near equal number of passengers, but SEA felt far more crowded on my departure days.

    Photos
    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport - SEA - The Club at SEA

    The Club at SEA

    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport - SEA - Our haul from Dilettante Mocha Cafe

    Our haul from Dilettante Mocha Cafe

    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport - SEA - From the delta skyclub

    See all

    From the delta skyclub

    North Satellite Terminal - Central area of N Gates

    North Satellite Terminal

    3.8(27 reviews)
    0.7 mi

    " N GATE " aka North Terminal is the best of the best @ SeaTac Airport. Totally upgraded during…read moreCovid19 epidemic and now this Death Star is fully operational now. After a gritty over crowded underground train ride the doors open and a mad rush of human waist head for the escalators. I'm included in that afterbirth of people but I'm special. I skip the shops and head for "THE LOUNGE"! Alaska Airlines has their premium lounge for people who pay to be pampered and of coarse I pay for that privilege... I enjoy the spectacular view of planes taking off while having unlimited tasty beverage ( sometimes alcohol ) and typically morning goodies. This refuge allows me to hide out from the scourge of humanity waiting for a plane to somewhere... Ok, there are plenty of dining and beverage places to wet your whistle including a Wendy's can you believe it... In fact grabbing a chili for my flight is a wonderful idea. It will keep the travel people away from me as I'll donate some of myTreblinka fumes into the ozone layer... Moving onto the shopping well many opportunity's to purchase candy or clothing and maybe even a silly souvenir of our local sports team. Enjoy your experience and have a wonderful flight! And please folks one reminder DO NOT WHISTLE while you walk around, it's annoying!

    Date of visit: July 22, 2025…read more The concept of the different "pods" of gates to help control traffic (likely both people and planes!) is a nice one, but the biggest issue I have with it is that you are unable to walk everywhere you need to go and have to rely on the trams to get you where you need to be if you have a connecting flight. I wish all airports would let you stretch your legs and strut from one end of the terminals to the other, like Atlanta does. All that being said, SEA and the North Satellite Terminal are in overall good condition and the letter/numbering system is straightforward and easy to follow. Like most airports, stairs are an after-thought yet all of the escalators and aforementioned trams were in good condition.

    Photos
    North Satellite Terminal
    North Satellite Terminal - View of North terminal from C gates

    View of North terminal from C gates

    North Satellite Terminal - Wooden sculpture

    See all

    Wooden sculpture

    TSA Checkpoint Charlie - Seattle/Tacoma International Airport

    TSA Checkpoint Charlie - Seattle/Tacoma International Airport

    2.8(9 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    Lately, I would have to say on average I am here at-least 2-8x a month before heading for work. The…read moreline is either long or short, but moves quickly. The TSA Agents for the most times are friendly, they are quick and sometimes personable. There are multiple TSA checkpoints in SeaTac and you have many option of entering to get to several of the terminal's many concourses. Word of Advice for savy travelers. Get yourself TSA Pre-check, CLEAR, or Global Entry to bypass regular TSA. Don't forget that the Wifi is also free at SeaTac!

    Seattlites are some of the friendliest people and the nicest people that I've ever met...but their…read morecheckpoint at their International airport needs some work... Got stuck here a while back due to some weird delay and there were lots of people that missed their flights...luckily the girl standing in front of me was from L.A. and we had a great time talking about k-pop stars, k-soaps and of course plastic surgery! So I can't give you tips on how to by pass the line but here are a few things I suggest you can do while you're waiting in line... 1. Where is Waldo....here is an interactive game of finding Waldo https://www.sporcle.com/games/Stanford0008/wheres-waldo 2. Find the invisible cow https://findtheinvisiblecow.com/ 3. The Useless Website https://theuselessweb.com/ (This is the google of useless websites. You're welcome!) 4. Hacker Typer http://hackertyper.com/ Remember the dark black computer screen with green letters in The Matrix...oh ya, we did! 5. Wikipedia list of dog names https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_individual_dogs

    Photos
    TSA Checkpoint Charlie - Seattle/Tacoma International Airport - Waiting in the TSA-Precheck Line.

    Waiting in the TSA-Precheck Line.

    TSA Checkpoint Charlie - Seattle/Tacoma International Airport - MoPoP and Mo' Lines at SeaTac...maybe clear next time...

    MoPoP and Mo' Lines at SeaTac...maybe clear next time...

    TSA Checkpoint Charlie - Seattle/Tacoma International Airport - TSA checkpoint

    See all

    TSA checkpoint

    The Club SEA - Seating area

    The Club SEA

    3.2(266 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    it's always easy to drop by the club SEA! i usually try to allocate some time before departing to…read moregrab some drinks and food. although the food offering is limited to soup / salad bar but it's always being refreshed and the food really isn't bad. does the job. and the little self serve soft drink beverage fridge is great. alcohol is also unlimited. i finally got a glass of wine this visit and it was a generous pour. the lounge is a little small and seating can feel a little crammed but manageable. it's quite a walk from terminal A train so make sure you build in some time for walking to gate A4... and walking back to A train to monorail to other terminals.

    This club has improved since my last visit where it felt dark, dingy, smelly, and wildly crowded…read more They are also apparently working on a remodel or some kind of addition according to the signs, which would be very welcome. Currently it looks and feels pretty run down and beat up. Interestingly they've clearly done a remodel in the past 10 years or so because the bathroom has a totally different vibe than the rest of the place - I wish they had kept the old vibe, the bathroom is bright, clean, and modern - while the rest of the place is going for a "cozy" vibe I think, but it just doesn't hit. I'm looking forward to seeing what the remodel/extension turns out to be and hopefully improving my rating. This time through they did have cookies and chips alongside the small soup bar which was an improvement as last time they only had some odd soups and pastas which I wasn't into.

    Photos
    The Club SEA - Snacks

    Snacks

    The Club SEA
    The Club SEA - Bar

    See all

    Bar

    South Satellite Terminal - airportterminals - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...