Multi-user, all-gender restroom opens at SEA

SEA's restroom provides traveller flexibility for all gender identities and accessibility needs. CREDIT: SEA

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) marked the opening of its first multi-user, all-gender restroom to give guests more flexibility and accessibility to restrooms that fit their travel needs. While some U.S. airports offer a single-stall all-gender restroom, the addition of this new restroom near Gate D2 makes SEA one of only approximately 10 airports across the country with multi-user, all-gender restrooms.

“This new all-gender restroom makes it clear that SEA is committed to being a welcoming space for travellers, no matter your gender identity,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Ryan Calkins. “We want all guests at SEA Airport to know they have safe and accessible restroom options when traveling through our gateway. Additionally, the ADA-friendly and family-friendly spaces in this restroom make it a great option for families or those who need to assist or care for travel companions. Thank you to our project team and community partners that have worked tirelessly to create a space that is welcoming and meets the need of all travellers.”

The all-gender restroom features stalls with full floor-to-ceiling locking doors with no gaps, including:

• 10 large single-person stalls
• Two wheelchair-accessible, ADA-compliant stalls
• One large, wheelchair-accessible dedicated family restroom with baby changing table and toddler seat
• A separate and private urinal room behind a frosted sliding glass door
• A centralised sink area, large mirrors, grooming stations, and baby changing stations
• Water fountain and water bottle refill station

During the design and implementation of the all-gender restroom, the Port of Seattle convened a group of stakeholders from the LGBTQIA+ community, faith leaders, and Port Employee Resource Groups to provide feedback and guidance to make travel easy, safe, and as comfortable as possible.

Outside the restroom is a curated salon-style wall of 22 works of art by 12 LGBTQIA+ community and ally artists, which creates an inclusive welcome for those using the restroom and those walking down the D Concourse. Artists were selected by a panel of community art critics and a Port of Seattle project team member.

The all-gender restroom also marks the completion of the fourth phase of restroom renovations taking place across the airport. The fifth and last phase will see updates coming to restrooms in the B, C, and D concourses, including a dedicated family restroom with adult changing table, a nursing mother’s room with lactation suites, a service animal relief area, and water fountains with water bottle refill stations.

The Restroom Renovation project is a part of Upgrade SEA, a set of capital projects costing a total of $4.4 billion that focuses on improving the traveller experience across the airport over the next five years. Upgrade SEA is funded by a combination of future revenue bonds and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants.