Sleepless in Seattle – What does Gate N7 look like today at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport?
How has the iconic Gate N7 at Sea-Tac Airport, of Sleepless in Seattle fame, changed over time?
Gate N7. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan fans worldwide will instantly recognize the name and remember the scene in the 1993 romantic comedy movie “Sleepless in Seattle” when Hanks’ character, Sam Baldwin, along with his young son Jonah Baldwin (played by Ross Malinger), take a trip to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA). It is there, at arguably one of the most iconic filming locations to ever exist at an airport, that Baldwin (Hanks) is mesmerized by a deplaning Annie Reed (played by Meg Ryan) at gate N7.
A screengrab of the iconic Gate N7 scene at Sea-Tac Airport in Sleepless in Seattle (1993), featuring Tom Hanks, Ross Malinger, and Meg Ryan (off-screen)
Image: TriStar Pictures
The famous airport scene from Sleepless in Seattle
The famous gate and its surrounding backdrop, located in the North Satellite at Sea-Tac Airport, had largely remained unchanged from the film’s production in the early 1990s through the late 2010s. Sure, fashion, the hair styles, and technology have certainly changed over the years, but many of the components that made the scene so distinct and recognizable, such as the green patterned carpet, doorway, banner signage, and jet bridge remained virtually the same over 20+ years. This has allowed many Sleepless fans to recreate the exact camera angle of the original scene for social media and internet posts.
However, Sleepless fans traveling to Seattle to see the original filming location may be surprised to learn that Gate N7 no longer exists in its iconic look, location, or configuration.
Gate N7 and North Satellite Renovation
Gate N7 in May 2019, shortly before its permanent closure.
Image: The Window Flyer
In June 2019, the airport bid farewell to the “old” gate N7 as part of an approximately $700 million renovation and expansion project of the North Satellite. The phased renovation has completely transformed the original 1973 building, bringing it up to modern-day building standards, aesthetics, and creature comforts. Gone are the low ceilings, dark finishes, and green carpet, replaced with vaulted roofs, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, additional gates, premium airline lounge, and light and airy materials.
The renovated North Satellite fully opened to passengers in spring of 2021, along with a “new” gate N7.
The new Sleepless in Seattle Gate N7 (2021)
So what does Gate N7, of Sleepless in Seattle fame, look like today, in the 2020s? Check it out below!
The new Gate N7 in 2021, slightly relocated, after the completion of the North Satellite Renovation
Image: The Window Flyer
The gate still exists near its original location on the southern corner of the North Satellite terminal, however its boarding door and passenger boarding bridge (commonly called a jetway or jet bridge) have been moved about 40 feet to the southeast and onto a different wall. The original doorway seen in the film was located just to the right of the current N7 customer service podium and to the left of the Gate N8 boarding door.
Finding Gate N7
Still want to visit Seattle and see the spot where Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan walked? Be sure to check out our travel guide for Sea-Tac Airport if you’re interested in learning more about the airport in general.
Now, how do you get to gate N7? If you’re flying Alaska Airlines, there is a chance you might arrive at one of the N gates. If so, just find N7 in the same terminal. But if you arrive at one of Alaska’s other concourses, or are flying a different airline entirely, you’ll want to follow the signage to the N Gates. You’ll be sent down to the underground satellite train system. Once you step off the train in the North Satellite (N Gates) and ascend the escalators, take a right. Gate N7 will be located at the very end of the building, about a 300-foot walk, tucked away in the right-hand corner.
Where to Stream and Watch Sleepless in Seattle
Want to watch Sleepless in Seattle? There are several options to watch the full movie depending on whether you want to stream it, or outright purchase it.
Streaming Sleepless in Seattle (Rent or Buy)
The 1993 film is available on a number of streaming services, including Amazon. We’ve included a link below for Amazon (just click the image). If you aren’t a member of Amazon Prime, you can also join here.
Purchasing Sleepless in Seattle (DVD)
If you prefer to purchase a DVD of Sleepless in Seattle instead, Amazon has it available too.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this article, and be sure to share with your fellow Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, and Sleepless in Seattle fans!
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