— from Susan Harris-Huether, WSF —

For the first time in Washington State Ferries’ history, passengers can bypass long waits and guarantee vehicle space to the San Juan Islands during our busiest winter and spring travel weekends, including Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Mother’s Day and more.

Vehicle reservations westbound from Anacortes and eastbound from Friday Harbor and Orcas Island are now available through June 13.

During Presidents’ /Valentine’s day weekend, the highest volume of traffic is expected westbound from Anacortes on Friday, Feb. 13, and eastbound to Anacortes on Monday, Feb. 16. Travelers are encouraged to book their vehicle reservations as soon as possible.

Ninety percent of every sailing is available for vehicle reservations; however reservations are released in three, 30 percent tiers. Releasing available reservations in tiers helps meet the needs of customers planning far in advance and those making travel plans closer to the sailing date. The remainder of un-reserved spaces is set aside for emergency vehicles, customers with medical loading priority (WAC 468-300-700) and standby customers.

Equal portions of reservations are made available up to two months before the start of our four seasonal sailing schedules, two weeks prior to a specific sailing within the seasonal schedule and again two days before each sailing departs. Customers may book a reservation up until three hours before the scheduled published sailing.

There is no fee to make a reservation as long as travel is completed within the same service day from the same terminal. For more information, please visit our Save A Spot Vehicle Reservations informational website: www.TakeAFerry.com.

Customers can make book a vehicle reservation 24/7 online (https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/reservations) or by calling 1-888-808-7977. The call center is available 4 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., 7 days a week.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact me at SHarris@wsdot.wa.gov or (206) 515-346.