Why Are Flights To Seattle So Expensive? (Are They Always?)

A few weeks ago, I was talking with friends of mine from high school in a group chat and I mentioned that it had been about 15 years since we were all in the same room together.

As everyone slowly realized that I was right, we soon agreed that we should meet up this summer since most of us have seen other members of the group individually but we’ve never actually gotten together as a group to meet each other’s wives and children.

Because most of us live in or near the Pacific Northwest, we decided that we’d go to Seattle and watch a Mariners game together.

Then, a few days later, I woke up to see 50 text messages on my phone from the group. I was a little nervous that something bad had happened but thankfully, it was just a spirited discussion about the price of tickets.

My friends from the East Coast wanted to know why airline tickets to Seattle were so expensive. The replies were mostly jokes and nobody really answered the question but since I get this question a lot, I decided to explain.

Do you know why flights to Seattle are so expensive? It’s a combination of factors but here are a few of the major reasons why.

The Six Main Drivers Of Cost (For Seattle Flights)

Reason One: Seattle Has Limited Airport Competition

Seattle is primarily served by just one major airport: Sea-Tac. Unlike larger metro areas like Los Angeles or New York, which have multiple international airports that help drive competition, Seattle doesn’t have that luxury.

There are a few smaller airports in the region (like Paine Field in Everett or Boeing Field), but they handle limited commercial traffic. That means the big airlines operating out of Sea-Tac can set prices with less pressure from nearby alternatives.

Reason Two: High Demand, Especially During Peak Seasons

Seattle may not be a sunny beach destination, but it’s a major hub for summer tourism thanks to cruise ships, Mount Rainier, and national parks like Olympic and North Cascades.

When cruise season kicks off (typically May through September), demand for flights spikes—especially from travelers coming from the East Coast, the Midwest, and international locations. With demand up and supply relatively fixed, prices follow suit.

And don’t forget fall foliage season, ski trips in winter, and the constant flow of business travelers year-round.

Reason Three: Alaska Airlines Has a Stronghold

Alaska Airlines is headquartered in Seattle and operates a huge percentage of flights in and out of Sea-Tac. While that means great route coverage, it also limits price competition.

When one airline dominates a market, it has more control over pricing. While budget carriers do exist at Sea-Tac, they’re more limited than in other cities, which can drive up the overall average ticket cost.

Reason Four: Seattle Is a Long Flight from Most of the U.S.

It’s easy to forget just how far northwest Seattle really is. It’s one of the most geographically isolated big cities in the continental U.S., and that affects airfare in a very simple way: it costs more to fly longer distances.

Whether you’re flying from Florida, the East Coast, or even parts of the Midwest, you’re likely looking at a 4-6 hour flight. That’s a lot of fuel, labor, and time.

More distance = more money.

Reason Five: Fuel and Weather Variables

Seattle’s location and climate introduce some operational complications that can affect pricing. The frequent rain and fog can increase delays, which airline companies have to build into their scheduling and pricing.

Additionally, flying into Seattle can require more complex air traffic routing, especially when arriving from certain regions like Asia or the Northeast. More complex operations can sometimes translate into more expensive fares.

Reason Six: Business and Tech Travelers Keep Prices High

With major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks headquartered in or around Seattle, there’s a constant stream of business travel keeping demand high—even outside of tourist season.

Business travelers are more likely to book last-minute flights or pay for premium seats, and airlines price accordingly. This means higher base prices across the board.

How Can I Get Cheaper Flights To Seattle?

Be Flexible with Travel Dates: Flying mid-week or during shoulder seasons (like October or early spring) can help you save.

Use Nearby Airports: Paine Field has a few commercial flights that might be worth looking into.

Book Early: Prices tend to jump sharply in the last few weeks before departure.

Set Alerts: Use flight trackers like Google Flights or Hopper to monitor price drops.

Fly Budget Carriers: Consider low-cost airlines like Spirit or Frontier—just know what you’re getting into when it comes to baggage and seat selection.

Final Thoughts

Seattle may not seem like the kind of place where airfare should break the bank, but a combination of geography, demand, and limited competition make it one of the pricier destinations in the U.S.

The good news? Once you land, the beauty and adventure of the Pacific Northwest are absolutely worth it.