‘We’re proud’: SEA celebrates ranking 6th least stressful major airport in U.S.

A recent report ranked the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) as the sixth-least-stressful “mega” airport in the U.S.

Mega airports are defined as those with 33 million or more passengers per year.

SEA spokesperson Perry Cooper joined “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio to echo some of the major upgrades SEA has made in recent years and what to be excited for in the short term as the reimagined Concourse C nears completion.

“A lot of different things that we’ve been getting some good notice for, including less stress, wonderful coffee, and shopping selections out here at SEA,” Cooper said. “We’re proud of everything that we’ve got going on here.”

SEA unveils plans for ‘stunning’ Concourse C with observation deck

KIRO host Gee Scott asked what tricks SEA has up its sleeve to further improve the traveler experience at SEA. Cooper noted a change that will ease congestion on the expressway and a “stunner” of an expansion to Concourse C.

“A lot of folks don’t realize that we just opened two new lanes in our expressway as you’re coming into the terminal. That’s a big deal for us to help try and relieve the congestion that’s on the drive,” Cooper said. “And we are just weeks away, honestly, end of May, early June, for the new C concourse expansion to open. This is going to be something that’s going to be a stunner for a lot of people. People don’t even realize it’s behind this construction wall, four stories of new space that’s going to be in there.

“This is going to open up into a big, wide open space with light wood paneling and what we call a tree at sea that you’re going to really be amazed with a big grandstand of seating space, as well as 10 new dining and retail spaces, lots of local spaces,” Cooper continued. “It’s really going to be stunning, and even an overlook where you can look out onto the airfield if you want to be an aircraft watcher. Suddenly, you’ve got this wide-open, airy space that’s going to be a comfort space to relax in between flights.”

As SEA prepares for the busiest travel day of the year, Cooper offered some advice to travelers on how to navigate the airport from start to finish like a seasoned pro.

“This is one of our busiest times of the year, and a mix between business and leisure travel. Our garage right now is really packed,” Cooper said. “If you’re coming here to park in the airport garage, expect to take a little bit more time to find a spot. If you can come in here by an alternative way, especially with the new light rail open, I think, from the east side as well, too, and toward the south, park and use one of those spaces, and then come in. That’s a great opportunity as well.”

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.