GEMSTONE/NORTH SEATTLE AIRPORT

Before You Leave for the Airport

• Make sure you know current security regulations (www.tsa.gov)

• Check current security and road delay information on this websites homepage.

• Visit your airline’s website to check-in for your flight online.

• Call (360) 424-3488 for parking space availability.

• Be sure to check with your airline if you are traveling with pets or have unaccompanied minors.

 

Getting to the Airport

• Gemstone Airport is located about 5 miles from Downtown Gemstone, 50 miles from Seattle, or 90 miles from Vancouver. It is accessible by car, shuttle bus, public transport, or taxi.

• Airport Boulevard is the primary route into the Airport Area. It is accessible mainly from I-5, but also on N 12th Street from Northern Blvd. 

 

Passenger Drop Off

• If you are dropping off a domestic travelling passenger at curbside, follow the "Departures" signs to Terminal A/T. Airline ticket counters are just inside the doors and overhead roadway signs indicate which airlines operate the terminal. You may drive through and drop your passenger at the curbside location designated for his or her airline. Some airlines offer curbside luggage check-in service. Checking luggage at curbside may be faster than checking bags at the ticket counter.

• For international travelling passengers, follow signs for "International Terminal". Other signs will guide you to departures. There is only one bank of doors for all airlines on the international side of the terminal. Please move efficiently to keep lanes clear.

 

Parking

• Short-term parking is available. If you want to park and enter the facility to pick up or drop off travelers, park in the garage or economy lot. You will be charged the hourly rate if you stay under 24 hours in the facility.

• The $11-per-day Economy lots usually fill up first. Get updated information on available parking spaces by visiting our Parking page or by calling (360) 424-3488.

• Gemstone's least expensive parking is the $7-per-day Rocky Cliffs Remote Lot. The Holiday Lot is also open during peak travel times. Call (360) 424-3488 to find the condition of these lots. Allow an extra 20 to 30 minutes to get to the lot and catch the free shuttle bus to either terminal. Free shuttle buses leave for the terminals every 5-10 minutes.

• Last-minute travelers should be able to find space in the terminal parking garages, which cost $18 per day. 

• Overhead digital electronic signs and variable message boards on inbound Airport Boulevard display parking availability.

• For your safety, parking or stopping along any airport roadway is prohibited. Violators are subject to ticketing. Curbside parking at either terminal is prohibited

• The free Cell Phone Waiting Lot also is available about a mile outside of the airport. Signs will be present directing you to the lot.

 

Checking In

• The airport recommends that you be in the ticketing lobbies at least 90 minutes before departure, with international travelers allowing at least two hours. This will give you ample time to check in, pass through security screening and get to your departure gate. Add extra time if you plan to use one of Gemstone's shuttle parking lots.

 

Ticket Counters

• You can save time by using self-service check-in kiosks, but if you are checking luggage, you may still need to stop at the ticket counter.

• You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, etc.) to check in at the ticket counter. Ask your airline what its ID requirements are for minors.

• Allow more time if you are traveling with infants, young children, elderly passengers or people with disabilities.

• Never leave your luggage unattended, and never accept any objects from strangers.

 

 

Checked Luggage

• Checking luggage at curbside may be faster than checking bags at the ticket counter.

• Check as much luggage as possible to minimize carry-on bags and to speed up security screening. Many airlines charge fees for checking bags.

• Ask your airline how long before departure it stops accepting checked luggage.

• The TSA screens all checked baggage. Unlocked bags can be examined quickly. Locked bags will be opened, if necessary, and then resealed. This process could result in a delay or damage to your bag if it is locked.

• Put identification on the outside and inside of all bags.

• Leave gift packages unwrapped.

 

 

Carry-on Luggage

• You are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (purse, briefcase or laptop, etc). Airlines are enforcing this rule more strictly. A carry-on bag must fit under your seat or in the aircraft's overhead bin.

• Carry-on bag dimensions should not be more than: 9-inches by 14-inches by 22-inches (length by height by width) or 45 linear inches (the length, height and width added together).

• Check with your airline to learn which items may be exempt from the one-piece limit. Some examples are:

  • Child safety seats for ticketed children .

  • Assistive devices (canes, crutches, etc.) .

  • Outer garments (coats, hats, etc.).

• Pack medicines (insulin, needles, prescription drugs), diapers, baby food and other essentials in your carry-on luggage. Remember that all carry-on bags are subject to random search.

 

Passenger Pickup

• The free Cell Phone Waiting Lot is located along the north side of Airport Blvd. approximately 1.4 miles from the Central Concourse. Travelers inbound on Airport Boulevard should take a left at the Bisque Dr. traffic light. There are many signs directing you towards the lot. This location is ideal for people who are waiting to pickup arriving travelers and do not want to park and enter the facility. You may park in this waiting area until your party arrives and calls you, then drive to the terminal to meet them at a pre-arranged door on arrivals.

• NOTE: Public telephones are not available in the Cell Phone Waiting Lot.

 

Curbside Pickup 

• Arrivals (level 1 of Central Concourse) is designated for curbside passenger pickup. Arriving passengers collect luggage, then exit doors to the street where private automobiles drive through and pick up passengers. Drivers are not allowed to park and wait for passengers to arrive. Passengers must be at curbside waiting for their rides. Any unattended vehicles will be towed immediately.

• Drivers should follow the signs on Airport Blvd to the Terminal A/T Arrivals, or follow the signs to International Terminal Arrivals on the other side of the airport.

 

Meeting Passengers Inside the Airport 

• Only ticketed passengers may go to the airline gates. If you need to accompany a traveler who is a minor, an elderly person or an individual with special needs to or from a gate, contact the airline they are traveling with to make special arrangements to allow you to go through security and escort a passenger to their gate. This must be arranged in advance with the airline and not the airport.

• Domestic Travelers - After parking in terminal garages or parking lots, we suggest meeting domestic travelers at the appropriate baggage-claim carousel.

• International Travelers - To meet passengers who are arriving on a flight from an international destination, go to the International terminal. International passengers will exit from the Customs and Federal Inspection Services facility here. They will have already claimed their bags before going through Customs.

 

Airport Information and Assistance

• Directions and information are available from the airport’s terminal and concourse information booths. Guest Services can be reached calling the airport’s toll-free line, (800) FLY-GEM1 or (800) 359-4361

• Please consult your airline if flying with pets or unaccompanied children.

 

THANK YOU AND HAVE A GREAT TRIP!