Getting around downtown Seattle's nightlife and attractions

Security
Ever since the tragic events from September 11th occurred in New York City, airlines around the world upped security, especially American ones. The heightened security has made flying a lot less worrying and a lot more relaxing, but the downside to all the additional screening is the fact that you’ll most likely have to wait in a long line. But don’t worry; with these quick tips, you’ll have easy access.

→ Undress; Digress: Before stepping into the line, make sure that you remove anything that might set off the metal detector. That means shoes, belts, cellular devices, and anything else you could think of have to come off – the quicker, the better. For travelers who have some sort of metal insert in their body, be sure to tell an agent before or after you walk through the detector.

→ Don’t Pack No-No's: Like your person, your luggage has to be safe and clear to go, so be sure to avoid packing contraband. This means drugs without prescription, anything that can be conceived as a weapon, and liquids over 4 ounces. After security, however, you can purchase as much liquid as you want.

→ Comply, Comply, Comply: Random screening can sometimes be an arduous process, especially because it’s so unexpected. The best way to help yourself on time in situations like this is not to prevent suspicion, but to comply with everything the officers ask of you. You can speed the process along beforehand if you pack your bags in a neat and orderly manner so that the search can fly by.

Accommodations
With plenty of restaurants to grab a bite at and an array of shops made perfect for I-miss-you gifts or belated birthdays, Seattle’s premiere airport is a surprisingly delightful place. That may sound like a lot for something as simple and mundane as an airport, but ask anyone who’s traveled through the facility and they’ll tell you it’s the real deal.

→ Shops: Whether you’re interested in getting a neck pillow from convenient stores like PLANE WEAR or want to see the exclusive bags at the COACH Shop by the Central Terminal. There are also countless Hudson News stands across the airport, each one holding a variety of different papers from all over the country.

→ Restaurants: With culinary menus from around the globe, Central Terminal is home to some delicious eateries. You can grab some fresh Northwestern seafood at Ivar’s Seafood Bar or have some authentic sushi from Maki of Japan. There are also more familiar places like Qdoba Mexican Grill, Wendy’s, and McDonald’s.

→ Services: For anybody looking for cash, ATMs are in practically every corner of every gate, but there are a few niche services offered in isolated areas. Shoeshine and a customer service are located by the C Gate, as is a relaxing massage bar. Central Terminal is home to a Children’s Play Area as well as a Pet Relief Area, two great amenities that are thankfully separate from one another.

Time Management
There are countless things that can go wrong at the airport, from small mistakes like not taking your shoes off on time to huge impositions like a 3-hour layover. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent the woes of Chaos Theory, allowing yourself to have an easy transition by actively managing your time.

→ Check-In Early: Due to the fact that smartphones went from being a luxury to a household item, almost every major airline has created an app that makes check-in as easy as it’s ever been. Many of these apps allow customers to check in so early that reserved spots at front of the line get taken in mere seconds - so be sure to have your app open and ready to go at the time of check-in.

→ Leave Early: It’s customary to leave at least two hours before your flight is scheduled to leave, but staying within an hour to an hour and a half should be fine as well. With so many screenings, check-ins, and drop-offs to do, it takes a while to finally get to you departure gate. To save time, have a friend or local taxi drop you off, allowing you to head straight to the boarding process.

→ Prepare: Try not to do everything at once by waiting until the last minute to pack your bags – save time by preparing the night before as well as making sure that your transportation is reliable and on time. You can do this by making sure all your priorities are in order with an old-fashioned checklist. Prepare the list early on so you can make any random additions you think of as the trip draws nearer.