Washington State Ferries have made a few positive changes to the Ferry reservation system for the upcoming Winter sailing season (Dec. 31 to March 23, 2024). The goal is to enhance the reservation experience, and better accommodate emergency and standby vehicles, while also reducing travel disruption caused by vessel or crew shortage that can cause a sailing to be canceled.

Here’s a rundown of what’s new:

Shift in Reservation Release Time

They have shifted the reservation release time from the traditional 7 a.m. to a new slot of 10 a.m., starting Tuesday, Nov. 7. for the initial season release. The adjustments came as a recommendation from the San Juan Islands Ferry Advisory Committee to separate the high traffic demand (both online and call-ins) of the two-month release from those looking to make a reservation during the two-week and two-day release, which will remain at 7 a.m. daily.

Altered Vessel Capacity Allocation

They also revisited the allocation of vessel capacity for reservations. Whereas previously 90% of the vessel capacity was open for reservations with a 10% reserve for standby and emergency vehicles, this ratio is changing. Starting this winter season, 75% of the vessel space will be up for reservations, with the remaining 25% held for emergency and standby vehicles. This change aims to ensure a smoother sailing experience for all, with a dedicated and increased space for unforeseen circumstances and last-minute travels.

Phased Release of Reservations

Similar to previous, there will continue to be a phased release of reservations, with the new capacity limits for each sailing. They will be:

~2 months before the season start date (he Winter will be 1 week later than the normal 2-month)

25% of standard vehicle space is released.
All 75% of tall, non-standard vehicle space is released.

2 weeks before each sailing date at 7:00 a.m. PT

Additional 25% of standard vehicle space is released.

2 days before each sailing date at 7:00 a.m. PT

The final 25% of standard vehicle space is released.

This phased release shifts total reservations to 75% of capacity (down from 90%) previously, which aims to provide added standby space (25% versus only 10%). The goal is to help provide additional standby travelers (ie- those without a reservation) and also to help ensure reservation holders make sailings during service disruptions if there are vessel or staffing constraints that cause a sailing to be canceled.

While it’s not a perfect system, we appreciate the updates and changes as the WSF continues to address vessel and staffing challenges to help make island travels smoother.

More information can be found on the WS Ferry website at:
https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries