What Terminal Is Southwest Airlines At MCO?

Stepping into Orlando International Airport (MCO) can feel busy, especially with millions of vacationers, families, and travelers passing through each year. Finding your footing quickly makes a massive difference in your travel day. For passengers flying from Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal, the journey centers around Terminal A.

As one of the primary carriers in Central Florida, Southwest runs a highly efficient operation out of this side of the airport. The layout connects check-in desks, security, and gates seamlessly, allowing travelers to go from the drop-off curb to their boarding areas without unnecessary stress.

Whether you are catching a flight or checking a bag, here is everything you need to know about the Southwest Airlines Terminal at Orlando International Airport (MCO). 

What Terminal is Southwest at MCO?

Southwest Airlines operates exclusively out of Terminal A at Orlando International Airport (MCO). All ticketing, bag drops, and security screenings take place within the main North Terminal complex on the Terminal A side.

Once you pass through the central security checkpoint, an automated people mover (APM) train quickly transports passengers to Airside 2, where all Southwest flights depart and arrive.

Navigating Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal

The main airport building is divided into two halves: Terminal A and Terminal B. Southwest uses Terminal A for ticketing, check-in counters, and baggage collection. 

Once you clear the central security checkpoint, all Southwest flights depart from the modern Gates 70 through 129 zone inside Airside 2, located just a short ride on the APM train past the main security hub.

Flight Component	Location Details	Helpful Tips
Main Terminal	Terminal A	Follow signs for ‘Terminal A’ on the airport roadway.
Southwest Check-In & Kiosks	Level 3 (Departures)	Drop bags, pay baggage fees, and print boarding passes here.
TSA Security Checkpoint	Level 3 (Central Hub)	Direct access to Gates 70-129; features dedicated lanes for TSA PreCheck and CLEAR.
Southwest Departure Gates	Airside 2 (Gates 70-129)	Take the free automated shuttle train right after passing security.
Baggage Claim & Arrivals	Level 2 (Arrivals Hub)	Meet arriving passengers and collect checked bags at the assigned carousels.

What Terminal is Southwest at MCO arrivals? 

A massive tourist hub like Orlando can be chaotic, but the layout of Terminal A makes the arrival process at Orlando International Airport Southwest Arrivals straightforward. All Southwest Arrivals at MCO land at a separate building called Airside 2, and you will need to take a short train ride to reach your luggage and ground transportation.

The Step-by-Step Southwest Arrivals Process

When you step off your Southwest flight, you will enter the Airside 2 concourse.

• Look up at the signs and follow the arrows marked ‘Baggage Claim’ or ‘Main Terminal.’
  
• Walk toward the center of the building to find the automated shuttle train.
  
• This train is free, runs every few minutes, and takes less than two minutes to bring you straight to the main airport building (Terminal A).

Collecting Luggage for Arriving Passengers

Once the train doors open, you will be on Level 3 of the main terminal building.

• Look at the large digital screens right outside the train station to find your flight number. The screen will tell you which baggage carousel has your luggage.
  
• Take the escalator or elevator down to Level 2 (the Baggage Claim hub ranging from 1-16).
  
• Walk to your assigned Southwest carousel and wait for your bags to arrive.

Tip: If your bags do not come out or are damaged, find the Southwest Baggage Service Office. It is located directly inside the Level 2 baggage claim room, so you can speak to an agent right away.

Heading for the Ground Transportation

After grabbing your bags, you can choose from a few easy options to leave the airport based on how you plan to travel:

• Uber or Lyft (Rideshares): You can request your ride from your phone app. Pickup spots are located right outside on Level 2 or Level 3 of Terminal A.
  
• Taxis, Buses, and Hotel Shuttles: Take the escalator down to Level 1 (Ground Transportation). You will find the taxi lines, local hotel shuttles, and theme park buses waiting directly outside the doors.
  
• Rental Cars: Major rental car counters are located on Level 1 of Terminal A. If your rental car company is located at the newer Terminal C, follow the signs to the free Terminal Link train to switch buildings.

Southwest Airlines Departure Terminal at MCO

Departing from the Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal is simple, but the airport can get very busy with vacationers. Knowing the steps from the drop-off curb to your gate will keep your travel day stress-free.

Pre-Flight Checklist: Before You Head to Orlando Airport

Before you leave for the airport, keep these quick facts in mind to ensure a hassle-free check-in experience:

• Check-In Level: Level 3 of Terminal A.
  
• Arrival Recommendation: Southwest suggests arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and 120 minutes before international flights.
  
• Baggage Cut-Off: You must check your luggage at least 45 minutes before domestic departures and 60 minutes before international departures.

Check-in and Dropping of Luggage

When arriving at the airport, follow the signs for Southwest MCO Terminal Departures.

• Head inside to Level 3 (the top level of the main building).
  
• You will find the Southwest Airlines ticketing area clearly marked.
  
• Use the self-service kiosks to quickly print your boarding passes and luggage tags. If you need assistance, Southwest staff are available at the full-service counters directly behind the kiosks.

Expediting Security at the Southwest MCO Terminal

Once you have dropped off your checked bags, look for the signs for the Gates 70 to 129 security checkpoint.

• This central checkpoint handles screening for all Southwest passengers.
• Standard security lines are available, alongside expedited options like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR if you have those memberships.

Navigating Southwest’s Dedicated Gates for Train

After passing through the physical security checkpoint, you will enter a central transit area.

• Board the automated shuttle train heading to Airside 2.
  
• This train ride is free, takes less than two minutes, and drops you off right in the middle of the Southwest gate concourse.
  
• Southwest flights depart from two main wings here: Gates 101-110 and 120-129. Check the overhead screens as soon as you exit the train to confirm your exact gate number.

Where Does Southwest Airlines Fly from MCO Airport?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) serves as a major operating base for Southwest Airlines. Because it is one of the carrier’s largest hubs, Southwest offers a massive network of nonstop flights from MCO, connecting Central Florida to dozens of cities across the United States, the Caribbean, and Central America. 

Major Domestic Routes (Nonstop)

Southwest Airlines MCO Domestic Terminals connects Orlando to nearly every major region in the U.S., making it easy to fly coast-to-coast without a layover.

• The Northeast & Mid-Atlantic: Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Washington-National (DCA), New York (LGA), Boston (BOS), Philadelphia (PHL), Pittsburgh (PIT), Buffalo (BUF), Hartford (BDL), Providence (PVD), and Long Island/Islip (ISP).
  
• The Midwest: Chicago (both Midway – MDW and O’Hare – ORD), Cleveland (CLE), Columbus (CMH), Cincinnati (CVG), Detroit (DTW), Milwaukee (MKE), St. Louis (STL), Kansas City (MCI), and Indianapolis (IND).
  
• The South & Southeast: Atlanta (ATL), Nashville (BNA), New Orleans (MSY), Memphis (MEM), Raleigh/Durham (RDU), Birmingham (BHM), and Louisville (SDF).
  
• Texas & The Southwest: Dallas (Love Field – DAL), Houston (Hobby – HOU), Austin (AUS), San Antonio (SAT), Phoenix (PHX), and Las Vegas (LAS).
  
• The West Coast & Mountain West: Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN), Sacramento (SMF), Salt Lake City (SLC), and Denver (DEN).
  
• Intra-Florida Flights: For quick in-state travel, Southwest offers direct commuter flights down to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Miami (MIA).

International & Caribbean Destinations (Nonstop)

Getting the answer to What Terminal is Southwest at MCO for International Departures is easy when you are looking to travel outside the continental United States. Southwest runs several popular international and tropical routes straight from Airside 2:

• San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU): One of Southwest’s busiest daily routes out of Orlando.
  
• Mexico: Nonstop service to the beach destination of Cancun (CUN).
  
• The Bahamas & The Caribbean: Direct flights to Nassau (NAS), Montego Bay (MBJ), Aruba (AUA), and Punta Cana (PUJ).
  
• Central America: Direct service to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO).

Dining, Amenities, and Lounges at the Southwest at MCO Terminal A

What terminal is Southwest at MCO without elite spaces to unwind, charge up, or grab a fantastic meal before takeoff? Once you pass through the Terminal A security checkpoint and ride the automated train to Airside 2, you will find yourself in an area where you can access plenty of food, shopping, and family spaces right near their departure gates. 

Southwest Airlines Lounge Access at MCO 

It is important to know that Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal does not operate premium airport lounges, and there are no airline lounges located inside the Airside 2 concourse.

If you have a lounge membership (like Priority Pass or a specific premium credit card), the available lounges at MCO—such as The Club MCO or the Plaza Premium Lounge, are located in the main terminal building or other airside hubs. Because you have to ride a train between buildings and re-clear security, it is generally best to head straight to Airside 2 and enjoy the local restaurants and seating areas near your Southwest gate.

Food and Dining Highlights at Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal

Airside 2 features an excellent selection of sit-down meals, fast food, and coffee spots so you can eat before your flight.

• Cask & Larder: It is a large, Southern-inspired restaurant and brewery run by local Orlando chefs. You can enjoy craft cocktails, house-brewed beers, and fresh, farm-to-table Southern dishes in a relaxed environment.
  
• McDonald’s: Perfect for a quick, familiar breakfast or burger before boarding.
  
• Chipotle Mexican Grill: Great for building your own quick burritos, bowls, or tacos.
  
• Auntie Anne’s: Ideal for grabbing a hot, fresh pretzel to take with you on the plane.
  
• Starbucks: Located conveniently in the central area for your pre-flight coffee fix, teas, and light pastries.

Premium Passenger Amenities at MCO Airport

Because Orlando is a massive destination for vacationing families, the airport layout includes several helpful services to keep travelers comfortable.

• Nursing Rooms & Pods: Quiet, lockable, private spaces are available for traveling mothers who need a comfortable place to nurse or pump.
  
• Family Restrooms: Spacious restrooms with baby-changing tables are located throughout the concourse, making it easier for parents traveling with young children.
  
• Service Animal & Pet Relief Areas: If you are traveling with a small pet or a service animal, Airside 2 features a dedicated pet relief zone, so your animal can take a break before the flight.
  
• Souvenir & Travel Shops: Forgotten items or last-minute theme park gifts can be purchased at the various newsstands and gift shops lining the center of the gate wings.

Inter-Terminal Transfers & Airport Parking

Since Southwest Airlines operates out of Terminal A at Orlando International Airport (MCO), picking the right parking lot and transit route will save both time and extra walking.

Shifting Between Terminals

The airport layout makes connecting from Southwest to other airlines simple, whether your next flight is in the same building or across the airport grounds.

• Moving Between Terminal A and Terminal B: Terminals A and B are located in the same giant building, known as the North Terminal Complex. They sit directly across from each other. To get from the Southwest side (Terminal A) to the Terminal B side, simply walk across the central Level 3 lobby.
  
• Moving to Terminal C: Terminal C is a completely separate facility located further south. To get there from Terminal A, take the free Terminal Link (APM) train. This automated shuttle runs 24/7 and connects the main North Terminal directly to Terminal C and the MCO Train Station in just a few minutes.

On-Airport Parking Options and Rates

MCO offers a variety of official parking spaces depending on your budget and how close you want to be to the Southwest check-in counters.

• Terminal Garage A: This is the most convenient option for Southwest travelers. It is a covered parking structure located directly adjacent to Terminal A. You can walk straight from the garage into the Level 3 check-in lobby via the pedestrian bridges. It features an automated guidance system to help you find open spaces quickly.
  
• Terminal Top Parking: This lot sits directly on top of the main terminal building, offering quick elevator access straight down to the ticketing lobby.
  
• Economy Parking Lots: The North Park Place and South Park Place economy lots are ideal for longer trips or budget travel. While they are located further away from the buildings, the airport provides free shuttle buses that run continuously and drop you off directly at the Terminal A curbside.

Parking Facility	Proximity to Terminal A	Drive-UpMax Rate	Pre-Book Online Rate	Best Used For
Terminal Garage A	Directly Connected (Pedestrian Bridge)	$24 / day	N/A (Drive-up only)	Short business trips, weekend getaways, and maximum convenience.
Terminal Top Parking	Directly Connected (Elevator Access)	$24 / day	N/A (Drive-up only)	Quick access to the departures floor; great for rainy days.
Economy Parking (Lot P6)	Distant (Requires free 10-minute shuttle)	$14 / day	N/A (Drive-up only)	Long-term vacation parking on a strict budget.
Economy Lots (North & South Place)	Nearby (Requires individual property shuttle)	$15 – $20 / day	$5 – $10 / day	Travelers booking weeks in advance via digital platforms to secure up to 70% off standard rates.

Orlando International Airport is undeniably busy, but its simple layout helps take the guesswork out of traveling. By remembering that Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal centers its operations entirely within Terminal A and Airside 2, you can easily budget your time. Whether you are arriving for a family vacation or printing your boarding passes at a Level 3 kiosk for a flight back home, knowing these transit steps will keep your travel day moving smoothly.

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