Like so many of its contemporaries Seattle-Taccoma is an airport running to catch up with itself as the demand for air travel spirals upwards. The Port of Seattle Aviation Department, which operates the airport, has an ambitious expansion and renovation program in place which includes a third runway and a makeover of the main terminal as well as other upgrades.

By the year 2010 it should, theoretically, be possible for everyone to find a space in the parking garage, which will come as a relief to many of the 28.5 million passengers who used Sea-Tac in 2000. It was the 18th year in a row that passenger records were broken.

This, of course, will come at a price and the airport warns that airlines and concessions may be moved while construction work is going on. It makes sense to make inquiries before you travel.