Sports teams have them. Schools have them. Theme parks have them. And airports have them too.
The Stuck at the Airport team has encountered cute mascots at airports nationwide and around the world and is delighted that our home airport, Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA) now has one too.
Just in time for the busy holiday travel season, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) debuted Jett the SEA Otter, which airport officials say is pronounced S-E-A like the airport code.
Multiple regional mascots rolled out the red carpet for Jett during the mascot’s debut in SEA’s Central Terminal.
We’re looking forward to meeting Jett and getting a selfie.
Who better to greet travelers than an enthusiastic otter who’s always ready to lend a paw? 🦦 We’re excited to welcome Jett the SEA Otter to our team!💚 pic.twitter.com/EM0mvhVQVJ
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been screening a record number of travelers and finding lots of firearms as it does.
How many firearms?
For the first half of the year, which ended on June 30, TSA reports that it found 3,269 firearms at airport security checkpoints, an average of 19 firearms a day.
94% of all the firearms found so far were loaded.
During this period last year, TSA found about the same number of firearms: 3,251.
How’s it going now that we’re into the 2nd half of 2024?
In the first 8 days of July, TSA found an additional 166 additional firearms. So we’re off to an alarming start.
Happy 75th birthday to Seattle-Tacoma Int’l Airport
SEA easing into its 75th year
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) celebrated a milestone birthday on Tuesday with a day of festivities in the terminal and a look back at opening day.
A crowd of 30,000 came to see the completion of the administration building and passenger terminal. Northwest Airlines was the first to operate out of the new terminal. pic.twitter.com/nzE2kcEyl7
— Washington State Archives (@WAStateArchives) July 9, 2024
SEA scavenger hunt
SEA created a terminal-wide scavenger hunt in honor of its 75th birthday.
Here’s the map of where to look for the scavenger hunt items and the list of what to look for next time you’re in the SEA terminal.
Like you, airports around the country are getting ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
And a couple of our favorite airports have already shared a bit about what they have planned for their favorite passengers.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) customer service staff will be handing out airport-themed Valentines and branded chocolate kisses at the airport information booths and in the Central Terminal. Look for a photo booth and keep an ear out for the roving violinist.
And over at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Volunteer Navigators will be handing out 2,000 red carnations on Valentine’s Day starting at 10 am.
For those who need a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift, Lily Palmer Flowers and Gifts, located in PHL’s B/C Connector, will have two pop-up shops selling flowers and goodies. One shop will be near the Terminal B exit and another at the top of Terminal E.
And, as we shared earlier, there will be a temporary Marriage License Bureau set up at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas.
The Stuck at the Airport romance team is gathering up Valentine’s Day activities planned for other airports, so stay tuned.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and plans to keep the party going all year long with in-terminal events, music, entertainment, community partnerships, artwork, and other activities. As part of the anniversary kick-off, the Port of Seattle is sharing photos from the airport’s history. Here are a few of our favorites.
United Airlines plane landing at the dedication ceremony for the new administration building at Sea-Tac.
In November, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) will join the list of airports that offer post-security access to non-ticketed airport visitors.
With the Wingmate Pass, anyone will be able to accompany a friend or family member to their gate, welcome an arriving passenger as they leave the plane, or visit the airport’s restaurants, bars, shops, art exhibits, pop-up installations, and activities.
The airport also plans to offer dining and shopping deals just for Wingmate guests.
Wingmate Pass wanna-bees will need to apply for a pass online, at the PHL.org website. Requests can be entered on the day of your planned visit or up to 7 days in advance. And, if the Transportation Security Administration approves your application, you’ll get a digital Wingmate Pass via email to show at the D/E or A-East security checkpoint, along with your government ID.
What other airports offer day passes?
We’re happy to report that PHL’s Wingmate Pass program joins a growing list of other airport gate pass programs.
