What terminal is Southwest at Orlando International Airport (MCO)?

Southwest Airlines swiftly operates out of Terminal A at Orlando International Airport. As its operating base, Southwest offers major domestic, international, and seasonal destinations from here. By August 2025, they will start five more routes through MCO to provide more access to different destinations in the United States. As per the 2024 data, Southwest Airlines has been the busiest carrier at this airport, contributing 24.2% of overall passenger traffic. 

The MCO Southwest Terminal A is divided into 3 levels, each used for different purposes and providing other facilities. Arrivals are done at level 2, while departures are done through level 3, offering more comfort and leaving no room for confusion. The suggested time for arrival at MCO Airport is 2 hours before the scheduled flight, whether domestic or international.

Which terminal is Southwest at MCO Airport for arrival and departure?

Southwest Airlines utilizes Terminal A at MCO Airport. However, the arrival and departures are done at different levels, and the process for both. These procedures are mentioned below for travelers’ better access and convenience. 

Levels at Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal:

• Level 1: This level offers ground transportation to all travelers, including rental car facilities, and a USO welcome centre. 

• Level 2: This is the arrival level, where they can retrieve their luggage from the baggage claim area and find a designated pickup area for ride-sharing services. 

• Level 3: Southwest Airlines’ check-in counters are present at this level for departing passengers. It also houses the boarding gates for Southwest flights.  

Arrivals at Southwest MCO Terminal: 

Travelers will arrive at Terminal A. The entire procedure for arrival at the MCO Southwest Airlines Terminal is explained thoroughly: 

1. Deplane and follow the signs: After landing, follow the signs to reach the baggage claim area. Although the signage are clear but if the passenger gets confused, the staff is preset nearby to guide them. 

2. Customs and Immigration: Fliers traveling from outside the USA at MCO Southwest Terminal A will have to show their visa and declaration documents for clearance of the customs and immigration procedure to move further. 

3. Baggage Claim: Domestic travelers can directly head towards retrieving their baggage in the baggage claim area within Level 2 of Terminal A. 

4. Exit the Airport: As soon as travelers get their bags, they can take ground transportation to exit the airport, including taxis, rideshares, rental cars, or airport shuttles. 

Connecting Flights

Travelers who have connecting flights via Southwest Airlines will have to go to the connecting baggage area to collect and submit it for the final destination. They will have to go through a security check again to proceed to their departure gates. During peak travel season, the security check time may be higher than usual. Passengers should be ready to face the crowd and wait in queues even if they have enrolled in TSA security screening. 

Clear signage is provided at the MCO Airport for connecting flights, and there is no need to leave the main terminal as all operations are handled within. 

Departures at MCO Southwest Airlines Terminal 

Departing fliers will have to move to level 3 of Terminal A to catch their Southwest Airlines flights and go through the MCO departure procedure. 

• Arrival and Check-in: Passengers should arrive at Terminal 2 and move to level 3 to check in for their flight. Check-in at MCO Airport can be done through either Airlines official website or app,  the counters or self-service kiosks set up there to reduce the crowd at the counters. They will get a boarding pass post-check-in, which contains all details about their flight. 

• Bag Drop: Before moving to security, they will have to drop their baggage for checking and to be carried to final destination by the Airline. Automated drop-off machines are available at the MCO Southwest Terminal. 

• Security: Once bags are dropped, travelers will have to move to the security checkpoints. Both TSA and CLEAR are offered here to help them get through security faster. TSA security checkpoint for either Gates 1-29 & 30-59 or Gates 70-99 & 100-129, depending on their gate. 

Note: Travelers can access both sets of gates if they go through security for either one. 

• Moving to Gates: Fliers can use the Automated People Mover (APM) to reach their boarding gates located in the concourse. Southwest Airlines mostly operates through gates 100-129.  

• Boarding: They should head to their designated gates and wait for boarding to start. The gate numbers are mentioned on the boarding pass they got after check-in. Boarding generally starts 30 minutes before the take off. 

Map Of Orlando International Airport (MCO) Terminal A

Some Things Passengers Should Know About Departures through MCO Southwest Terminal

Here are some facts that passengers must know before departing through Southwest Airlines’ MCO Terminal to ensure a smooth travel. 

1. Southwest Airlines’ online check-in starts 24 hours before the scheduled takeoff of the flight, and it also offers an early bird check-in in which allows fliers to check in 36 hours before the flight times. 

2. Travelers can access both sets of gates if they go through security for either one. 

3. Gate numbers can be confirmed before going through security from Southwest’s app or website. 
   
4. For international connections, after clearing customs and immigration, travelers can recheck their bags and proceed to the Southwest Airlines gates to pass the security check again. 

5. Those who are getting to MCO Airport using shuttles must be aware of the ongoing construction, as it can cause major delays. Therefore, it is advised to take a margin of time or another transportation mode to be on time. 

6. To navigate better at Southwest MCO Terminal, travelers can use the Orlando Airport map, which provides the exact location. 

What Services and Amenities are present at the Southwest Airlines Terminal at MCO Airport?

At Terminal A of Orlando International Airport, Southwest travelers can get plenty of services and amenities to make their journey entertaining and comfortable. These facilities include: 

• Comfort and Convenience: Free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and ample seating are provided for passengers at MCO Southwest Terminal. 

• Dining: There is an array of food outlets, including fast food and sit-down options, offering various cuisines. Specific examples include Cask & Larder (farm-to-table), Starbucks, and Chick-fil-A. 

• Shopping: Retail shops offer travel essentials, souvenirs, apparel, and electronics, with duty-free options for both international and local passengers. 

• Accessibility: The MCO Terminal for Southwest is designed with accessible features like elevators, escalators, and clear pathways. 

• USO Lounge: A USO military-only lounge has been set up at level 1 of Terminal A at Orlando International Airport. 

• Family and Nursing Rooms: There are multiple family rooms present where they can sit and relax. Additionally, Nursing rooms are available where mothers can feed their infants within the terminal. 

• Rental Cars: Travelers can rent cars from the MCO Rental Car Center present at Level 1, where ground transportation can be accessed. 

• Other Services: Information desks, ATMs, and potentially a hotel (Hyatt Regency) are also present at the MCO Southwest Terminal A. 

What Tips Can Enhance Passengers’ Experience at Southwest MCO Terminal?

Although traveling with MCO Southwest terminal is easy but these tips can make it easier, more comfortable and worth traveling. 

1. Avoid Peak Travel season: Travelers should avoid traveling in seasons that can have more passenger traffic, as the ticket price and wait time can be much high than usual. 

2. Use Southwest Airlines’ App: Fliers must use a reliable source for the latest updates and booking tickets, southwest.com. 

3. Arrive Timely: Southwest Airlines strongly suggests that passengers arrive at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure of their flight, whether domestic or international, through MCO Airport. 

4. Minimal Carry-on bag: The carry-on bag of a passenger must be minimal as it helps in faster security check-in and boarding. But essentials should be kept in this bag. 

5. Baggage Policy: Travelers should review the Southwest Airlines baggage policy to avoid overpacking and paying extra money for it at the Orlando International Airport. 

Final Words

Southwest Airlines is one of the major United States airlines that conducts its operations through Terminal A of Orlando International Airport. This terminal supports all arrivals and departures of this airline, whether international or domestic, being its operating hub. All essentials are present within the terminal to provide utmost comfort, including wifi connection, charging stations, dining and shopping outlets, etc. However, all functions are done at different levels of the MCO Southwest Terminal, ground transportation, and rental are also part of the amenities at Level 1. On the whole, passengers feel at ease while traveling through this airline’s terminal. 

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