Four Credential Authentication Technology units like this one will be in use at SCP 1. There are 28 additional units in use at SEA security checkpoints
SEATTLE – A new security checkpoint located at the south end of the terminal on the arrivals level at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) will open to the traveling public at 4 a.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025. The checkpoint features five standard screening lanes.
Passengers will enter the new Security Checkpoint 1 (SCP 1) from the south end of the airport. They will be greeted by electronic signage, an angular arch way and a high ceiling with ample natural light. Unique public art is on display in glass cases.
SCP1 is designed to screen up to 750 passengers per hour. It will be open daily 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.This is the first checkpoint on the baggage claim level as part of innovative designs in a space constrained terminal. This will provide a new option for travelers for convenience as well as additional queuing and re-composure space to improve the customer experience.
New security technologies in use at SCP 1 include:
Latest Credential Authentication Technology
During the identity verification process, passengers will encounter the latest version of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2). A TSA officer will scan the passenger’s photo identification and a camera will capture a real-time photo of the passenger. CAT-2 uses facial matching technology to compare the features on the photo ID against the in-person, real-time photo. Once the unit confirms a match, a TSA officer verifies it and the traveler can proceed to security screening. TSA officers can perform additional passenger verification if needed. Through a secure Internet connection, the units also verify that an individual is ticketed for air travel, negating the need to show a boarding pass.
Photos captured by a CAT-2 unit are never stored or used for any other purpose than immediate identity verification. Passengers who do not wish to participate in the facial matching process can opt out in favor of an alternative identity verification process. There are four CAT-2 units at SCP1 and 32 in use at SEA.
Passenger screening technology
SCP1 has three state-of-the art body scanners to screen passengers for potential security threats. The flat-panel body scanner features an open design. It uses millimeter wave technology, which can detect metallic and non-metallic objects that may be concealed in layers of clothing or on the body. During the scan, passengers keep their hands at their side during screening instead of holding them over their head.
This body scanner also provides corrective feedback to the TSA officer prior to scanning. This reduces incorrect positioning of the passenger, reducing the need to be rescanned. It also allows TSA officers to conduct follow-up screenings of multiple passengers simultaneously when needed, increasing the efficiency of the screening process.
Because the body scanner is not a metal detector, many passengers including those with metal hips or knee replacements prefer to be screened by it. In addition, the body scanner does not use x-ray technology and it does not generate x-ray or specific images of any traveler. Walk-through metal detectors will also be available for passengers who choose to opt out from being screened by the body scanner.
Post-screening experience
Once a passenger completes the screening process, SCP1 features a spacious re-composure area with benches along the perimeter of the checkpoint. Passengers then proceed to a landing between escalators that lead straight up to the A gates, or down to catch the SEA Underground. International travelers will find this as an easy option to get to the S Concourse or find walking access to all gate concourses upstairs.
SEA security checkpoints overview
The opening of SCP1 brings the total number of screening lanes to 33 among the five security checkpoints at SEA. TSA offers TSA PreCheck® screening at Security Checkpoints 2 and 5; standard screening is offered at Security Checkpoints 1, 3 and 4. SEA Spot Saver is offered at Security Checkpoints 3 and 4. All checkpoints lead to all gates at SEA.
TSA at SEA screened more than 20.5 million departing passengers in 2024, making it the 15th busiest airport for TSA security checkpoint screening operations last year. So far this year, TSA at SEA has screened 7.3 million departing passengers through May 31, 2025.