SeaTac pickup after an international flight
How passport control, customs and baggage affect your pickup time at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and how to book a driver so nobody waits too long or leaves too early.
How do customs and baggage affect pickup at SeaTac?
After an international flight you clear passport control, collect checked bags and pass customs before you can meet your driver. That can take from about 30 minutes to well over an hour, depending on the number of arriving flights and whether you use expedited programs such as Global Entry. Book with your flight number so your driver tracks the landing, add meet and greet ($50) for a name sign, and message your driver when you clear customs.
From the gate to your driver
The order of steps after an international arrival at SEA.
- Passport controlHave your passport and any arrival forms ready. Expedited programs can shorten the line.
- Collect checked bagsInternational passengers collect checked bags before customs.
- CustomsHand in or answer your customs declaration, then exit.
- Message your driverText your driver when you clear customs.
- Meet and rideMeet at the texted meeting point, or with the name sign if you booked meet and greet.
How long it takes, and how waiting works
Plan for the realistic range, not the best case.
Typical range
Expect about 30 to 90 minutes from landing to exit, sometimes more when several international flights land together.
Free waiting
Our free waiting is 30 minutes from the actual landing time. Extra waiting is charged after that.
International allowance
Extended free waiting for international arrivals: to confirm.
Connections
If you are connecting to a domestic flight, you recheck bags and do not need a car.
Delayed bags
If bags are missing, report it at the airline desk and message your driver.
Book a buffer
Tell us your flight is international so the pickup is planned for customs time.
Tips for international arrivals
Make the first hour easier.
Meet and greet
A name sign is the easiest way to find your driver after a long flight.
Phone service
Make sure your phone works on arrival, or connect to airport Wi-Fi, to message your driver.
Choose by bags
Long trips mean big suitcases. Choose the Mini Van for 4 people with luggage.
Booking for a guest
Add the visitor's name and the number they will use in the US.
Save our number
(206) 788-8851, 24/7.
SeaTac Pickup After an International Flight questions
More answers on the full FAQ, or call us any time.
(206) 788-8851How long does customs take at SeaTac?
It varies with the number of arriving flights. Expect about 30 to 90 minutes from landing to exit, sometimes longer.
Will my driver wait while I clear customs?
Your driver tracks the flight. Free waiting is 30 minutes from the actual landing time, and extra waiting is charged after that.
Should I book meet and greet for an international arrival?
Often yes. For $50, your driver waits with a name sign, which is easier after a long flight.
Do I collect my bags before customs?
Yes. International passengers collect checked bags before customs.
What if my bags are lost?
Report it at the airline's baggage desk, then message your driver so they know you are delayed.
Can I book a pickup for an international visitor?
Yes. Add their name and the phone number they will use on arrival.
More from Seattle Airport Taxi
Book your international pickup
Add your flight and we track it from departure.