Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal +1-855-742-0149
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest travel hubs in the United States, serving millions of passengers each year. Whether you're heading to the theme parks, returning from vacation, or traveling for business, understanding your airline's terminal can make a huge difference in your airport experience. For those flying with Southwest Airlines, the Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal offers a convenient and well-equipped departure and arrival point. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything travelers need to know about flying with Southwest Airlines at Orlando International Airport.
Overview of Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport is the primary airport serving Central Florida and the greater Orlando area. Located just six miles southeast of downtown Orlando, MCO is a major gateway for both domestic and international travelers. With its close proximity to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and other popular attractions, it is one of the top ten busiest airports in the United States.
MCO features three main terminals:
Terminal A
Terminal B
Terminal C (newest, focused primarily on international flights)
Southwest Airlines operates out of Terminal A, and more specifically, its gates are located in Airside 1, which serves as a satellite concourse connected to Terminal A by tram.
Southwest Airlines at MCO: Terminal A and Airside 1
When you arrive at Orlando International Airport to board a Southwest flight, you’ll head to Terminal A. Terminal A handles many domestic carriers, and Southwest is one of the most prominent airlines operating there.
Check-In and Baggage Drop
Southwest’s check-in counters are located on the Level 3 (Departures) side of Terminal A. There are plenty of self-service kiosks and bag drop counters available, making the process quick and easy. Southwest passengers can use mobile boarding passes, but if you need to print one or check bags, the kiosks are extremely user-friendly.
If you have checked luggage or purchased EarlyBird Check-In, it’s a good idea to arrive at least two hours before departure, especially during holidays or peak travel periods.
Security and Transportation to the Gate
After checking in, passengers proceed to security screening, which is located just past the check-in area. From there, travelers take a short tram ride to Airside 1, where the Southwest gates are located.
Airside 1 is designed to handle a high volume of domestic flights efficiently. It features several Southwest gates, offering flights to a wide variety of destinations across the United States.
Facilities at Airside 1 – Southwest’s Gate Area
Once you've arrived at Airside 1, you'll find a clean and modern concourse with a wide range of amenities designed for both comfort and convenience.
Dining Options
Airside 1 offers a selection of restaurants, cafés, and snack bars for passengers waiting to board. Options include:
Coffee shops
Fast food chains
Grab-and-go sandwich and salad outlets
Local eateries featuring Florida-inspired cuisine
Whether you’re looking for a full meal or a quick snack before boarding, the dining options near the Southwest gates are diverse and frequently updated.
Shopping and Travel Essentials
If you forgot something or want to grab a souvenir, you’ll find several retail stores within Airside 1. These include:
Convenience shops selling snacks, travel accessories, and magazines
Bookstores
Gift shops with Orlando and Disney-themed merchandise
Seating and Charging Stations
Southwest Airlines’ gate areas at MCO are equipped with comfortable seating and charging stations. You’ll find USB ports and electrical outlets near many of the seats, so you can keep your devices powered while you wait.
Family and Accessibility Services
The terminal is fully accessible for travelers with mobility challenges. There are family restrooms, nursing rooms, and ADA-compliant facilities available throughout Airside 1 and Terminal A.
Arriving at MCO on a Southwest Flight
For passengers arriving in Orlando on Southwest Airlines, the process is equally streamlined.
Deplaning and Baggage Claim
After you land, you’ll disembark at Airside 1 and take the tram back to Terminal A. Once in the main terminal, follow the signs to Level 2, where the baggage claim area is located. Southwest has multiple baggage carousels to ensure a smooth luggage pickup experience.
Ground Transportation Options
From Level 1 (Ground Transportation) of Terminal A, arriving passengers can choose from:
Ride-sharing services
Taxis
Shuttles to theme parks and resorts
Public transportation options
Rental car services, which are available in the adjacent parking garage
The layout of MCO makes it easy to find your transportation quickly, even during peak travel hours.
Popular Destinations and Southwest Routes from MCO
Southwest Airlines offers a wide network of nonstop flights from MCO to cities across the United States. Some of the most popular routes include:
Atlanta
Baltimore
Chicago (Midway)
Denver
Dallas (Love Field)
Houston (Hobby)
Nashville
Las Vegas
New York (LaGuardia)
Phoenix
These frequent and affordable routes make Southwest a top choice for both leisure and business travelers departing from Orlando.
Why Choose Southwest Airlines at MCO?
There are several reasons travelers prefer flying with Southwest Airlines from Orlando International Airport:
1. Two Free Checked Bags
Southwest remains one of the few airlines that offers two free checked bags with every ticket. This is particularly helpful for families and longer vacations.
2. No Change Fees
Southwest’s flexible ticketing policy means you can change your flight without paying extra fees, providing peace of mind for travelers whose plans may shift.
3. Excellent Service and Friendly Staff
From check-in to arrival, Southwest is known for its efficient boarding process and courteous staff, creating a low-stress travel experience.
4. EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding
Frequent travelers can benefit from EarlyBird Check-In or upgraded boarding options to secure better seats and board earlier.
Final Thoughts
The Southwest Airlines Orlando Airport located in Terminal A and served through Airside 1 at Orlando International Airport, provides a comfortable and convenient hub for domestic travel. Whether you’re flying to a business meeting in Chicago or returning home from a magical vacation in Orlando, Southwest’s operations at MCO are built for ease and efficiency.
With friendly service, generous baggage policies, and a wide selection of destinations, Southwest remains a top choice for passengers departing from or arriving in Orlando. Combine that with the world-class facilities of Orlando International Airport, and you have a travel experience that’s smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free.
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