Provided is a method, computer program product, and system for handling seek commands for a tape drive. The method includes receiving a seek command for moving tape in the tape drive to a target position. The method further includes moving the tape from the current position to a high water mark (HWM) with the tape at a first tension and moving the tape from the HWM to the target position with the tape at a second tension. The method further includes updating the HWM to reference the target position.