Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your October journey
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) follows the carrier-specific baggage rules for checked and carry-on luggage. For October travel from SEA to Quad City International Airport (MLI), check your airline’s website for fees and size limits—Alaska, Delta, American and United each have different policies. Arrive 90–120 minutes before domestic flights to allow time for bag drop during busier fall travel days and use the airline app to prepay bag fees and save time.
October in Seattle often brings rainy, overcast weather that can cause gate or taxi delays but rarely shuts down SEA entirely. Expect heavier traffic during early morning and evening peak periods; fog or wind on rare occasions may lead to wave-based delays. Monitor airline updates and the Port of Seattle’s SEA flight status page the day of travel and sign up for flight alerts to stay informed.
From downtown Seattle, use Link light rail to SeaTac station plus a short shuttle, ride-share services, airport shuttles, taxis, or drive and park at covered long-term lots at SEA. October rain makes covered parking and shuttle frequency desirable—book in advance for off-site lots. If you’re coming from Bellevue, Tacoma or Everett, allow extra time for highway congestion during fall events.
October can offer shoulder-season savings on SEA to MLI routes—watch for midweek, early-month discounts and flash sales from major carriers. Use fare alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, or airline websites and consider flexible dates (Tues/Wed departures) for lower prices. Booking 3–8 weeks in advance often yields competitive fares for October travel on connecting itineraries via Minneapolis (MSP) or Chicago (ORD).
Small, packaged seasonal goods like bottled cider or packaged baked goods are generally allowed in checked luggage; fresh pumpkins may be restricted depending on size and airline policy. If you plan to transport agricultural items into Illinois/Iowa area served by Quad City International Airport (MLI), check USDA/Illinois/Iowa state agricultural import rules and pack items securely to avoid damage. Call your airline ahead to confirm oversized item policies for October fall festival shopping.
Most lounges, shops, and restaurants at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) are fully operational in October, though hours can vary with demand and weekdays. Expect busy food and retail areas during Seahawks home games and fall events—use lounge access or pre-order apps to skip lines. Check specific lounge access policies for partner airlines and day passes to maximize comfort before connecting flights to Quad City International Airport (MLI).
Quad City International Airport (MLI) offers rental cars, on-site shuttles, taxis, and ride-share pickups to reach Moline, Davenport, Rock Island and nearby towns. In October, demand spikes during fall festivals—reserve rental cars in advance and confirm shuttle times. Regional buses and private shuttles can connect you to downtown Davenport and Quad Cities attractions.
Travel times from Quad City International Airport (MLI) to downtown Moline or Davenport are typically 10–20 minutes by car, depending on traffic and weather. October road conditions are usually clear, but fall events or riverfront festivals can increase travel times—plan for extra time during weekend events. Use local navigation apps for real-time traffic and parking options downtown.
October in the Quad Cities (served by Quad City International Airport (MLI)) brings crisp mornings, cool afternoons and the potential for light rain—average highs are in the mid-50s to low-60s °F. Expect autumn foliage along the Mississippi River and pack layered clothing for fluctuating temperatures. Check local forecasts the week of travel for any early-season cold snaps or windy conditions affecting ground transport.
Direct nonstop flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Quad City International Airport (MLI) are uncommon; most itineraries require one connection, typically in Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) or Chicago O'Hare (ORD). October schedules can include additional seasonal frequencies on connecting carriers—compare multi-airline itineraries and allow generous layover time for weather-related delays.
After arriving at Quad City International Airport (MLI), visit Moline’s John Deere Pavilion, downtown Davenport’s riverfront, the Figge Art Museum, and nearby LeClaire for its antique shops and Buffalo Bill Museum. October highlights include fall foliage drives along the Mississippi River and local Oktoberfest and harvest events—check event dates for Davenport and Moline when planning your stay.
Quad City International Airport (MLI) maintains core services year-round, including car rental desks, a small selection of dining options and TSA screening. October schedules can see higher passenger counts during fall events but facilities remain open—call ahead to confirm specific airline desk hours and rental car desk closing times, especially for late-evening arrivals.
October is a lively month for events on both ends of the SEA → MLI route. In Seattle, enjoy Seahawks NFL games at Lumen Field, local Oktoberfests, haunted tours and seasonal markets. In the Quad Cities served by Quad City International Airport (MLI), October highlights include Oktoberfest celebrations, harvest markets, art walks and riverfront fall festivals in Davenport and Moline. Plan flights around festival dates to secure lodging and lower fares when possible.
The best time to fly from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Quad City International Airport (MLI) in October is midweek (Tuesday–Wednesday) to capture lower airfares and fewer crowds. Early October often has lower demand and better prices than late October when fall festivals and college events boost travel. For best balance of price and convenience, book flights departing mid-morning or early afternoon to reduce the likelihood of cascading delays tied to early-morning weather at SEA.
Direct nonstop flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Quad City International Airport (MLI) are rare—most travelers will book connecting flights via Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) or Chicago O'Hare (ORD). Connecting flights often reduce cost and increase schedule options, while direct flights (if available seasonally) cut travel time and simplify logistics. For October travel, prioritize longer layovers to account for weather variability in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest.
Major carriers that commonly serve one-stop SEA to MLI itineraries in October include Delta (via MSP), United (via ORD), and American (via ORD). Alaska Airlines can be competitive on the Seattle-origin segment when paired with partner connections. Compare total travel time, baggage fees, change/cancellation policies, and loyalty program benefits when deciding. For October travel, prioritize carriers with robust rebooking policies and frequent hub operations to reduce risk of missed connections.
October travel between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Quad City International Airport (MLI) requires preparation for mixed weather—rain and wind on the West Coast and crisp, variable conditions in the Midwest. Pack waterproof outerwear, layered clothing, and sneakers or boots suitable for wet sidewalks. Consider allowing extra connection time for weather-related delays, book refundable or flexible tickets where possible, and use mobile boarding passes and airline apps to receive real-time updates.
Typical SEA to MLI itineraries in October are one-stop and range from about 5.5 to 8 hours total travel time including gate-to-gate segments and layovers. Common connections are Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) on Delta and Chicago O'Hare (ORD) on United or American. Flight schedules vary by carrier; daytime and evening departures are available with fewer red-eye options. Check weekday vs weekend frequency—weekdays may have more reliable business-oriented connections.
Find cheap flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Quad City International Airport (MLI) in October by searching flexible dates, midweek departures, and one-stop itineraries via Minneapolis (MSP) or Chicago (ORD). Set fare alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, and airline sites, and compare bundled options (car + hotel) for savings. Consider alternative nearby airports such as Chicago Midway/O'Hare or Des Moines for lower fares and drive-in options to the Quad Cities. Use reward points, off-peak times and red-eye alternatives for the cheapest SEA to MLI flights.
