Planning to fly with Southwest Airlines from Orlando International Airport (MCO)? Understanding the Southwest Airlines Terminal at MCO before you arrive can save you time and make your airport experience much smoother. Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal A, where you’ll find check-in counters on Level 3, baggage claim on Level 2, and departures from Airside 2 (Gates 100–129) after a short Automated People Mover ride. Whether you’re checking bags, clearing security, or looking for dining and transportation options, this complete guide covers everything you need to know for a hassle-free journey through Orlando International Airport.
What Terminal Is Southwest Airlines at MCO?
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal A at Orlando International Airport (MCO).All Southwest ticketing, baggage services, and most passenger check-in facilities are located inside Terminal A.
Southwest Terminal Information
| Service | Location |
|---|---|
| Terminal | Terminal A |
| Check-in Counters | Level 3 (Departures) |
| Ticket Counter | A-4 |
| Security Checkpoint | Terminal A |
| Departure Gates | Airside 2 (Gates 100–129) |
| Baggage Claim | Level 2 |
| Rental Cars | Level 1 |
Good to know: Terminal A and Terminal B are connected inside the same main terminal building. If you accidentally enter Terminal B, you can simply walk across Level 3 to reach Terminal A.
Southwest Airlines Check-in at Orlando International Airport
Passengers flying Southwest should proceed to Level 3 (Departures) in Terminal A. You can check in using several convenient options:
- Southwest ticket counters
- Self-service kiosks
- Online or mobile check-in
- Curbside Skycap baggage check (available for eligible domestic flights)
If you need to:
- purchase a ticket,
- modify a reservation,
- check baggage,
- verify travel documents, or
- receive special assistance,
visit the Southwest ticket counter located at Counter A-4.
Which Gates Does Southwest Use at MCO?
After completing security screening, Southwest passengers typically depart from Airside 2, Gates 100–129. Unlike airports where gates are connected by hallways, MCO uses an Automated People Mover (APM).
Here’s how to reach your gate:
- Complete security screening inside Terminal A.
- Follow signs for Airside 2.
- Board the airport train (Automated People Mover).
- Exit at Gates 100–129.
The train ride only takes a few minutes. Always verify your gate number on your boarding pass or airport monitors, as gate assignments can occasionally change.
Southwest Seasonal Bag Drop at MCO
Southwest periodically operates a seasonal baggage drop location in Terminal B. This service is designed to reduce congestion during busy travel periods.
Typical Operating Schedule
- Friday through Monday
- Morning to afternoon hours
- Available only during select travel seasons
Since operating dates and hours may change, travelers should confirm availability directly with Southwest or Orlando International Airport before relying on this service. If the seasonal bag drop is closed, you’ll need to check bags at the main Southwest counters in Terminal A.
TSA Security at Orlando International Airport
Security lines at Orlando International Airport can become extremely busy, especially during holidays and weekends. Fortunately, several options can help speed up the process.
TSA PreCheck
Eligible passengers can use TSA PreCheck, allowing them to:
- Keep shoes on
- Leave laptops inside bags
- Keep belts and light jackets on
- Enjoy shorter security lines
Check current operating hours before your trip, as they may vary.
MCO Reserve
MCO also offers MCO Reserve, a free service powered by CLEAR.
Benefits include:
- Reserve a security screening time
- Skip long general security lines
- Available for eligible departing flights
- Reservations can usually be made several days before departure
This service is especially useful during:
- school holidays
- spring break
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas travel
- summer vacation
Dining Near Southwest Gates (100–129)
Once you arrive at Airside 2, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés.
Sit-Down Restaurants
- Cask & Larder
- FarmAir
These offer full meals, local flavors, and beverages before your flight.
Quick-Service Restaurants
Popular options include:
- Chipotle
- McDonald’s
- Jersey Mike’s Subs
- Villa Italian Kitchen
- Asian Chao
- Bananas Smoothies
- Green Leaf’s
Perfect for travelers with limited time
Coffee Shops
Need caffeine before boarding?
You’ll find:
- Starbucks
along with additional coffee and snack kiosks.
Grab-and-Go Snacks
For quick purchases:
- Cask & Larder Market
- FarmAir Market
- Market by Villa
offer sandwiches, snacks, bottled drinks, and travel essentials.
Shopping at Southwest’s Airside
Passengers departing from Gates 100–129 can shop at several stores, including:
- Hudson News
- InMotion
- Sunglass Hut
- Naturally Inspired
- Bead Factory
These shops sell:
- travel accessories
- books
- electronics
- headphones
- sunglasses
- souvenirs
- snacks
Passenger Amenities
Southwest passengers also have access to numerous airport amenities, including:
- Family restrooms
- Nursing rooms
- Adult changing stations
- Pet relief areas
- Free Wi-Fi
- Charging stations
- Accessible restrooms
- Companion care facilities
Pre-Security Dining Options
If you’re meeting someone or arriving early, the Terminal A food court includes:
- Chick-fil-A
- Panda Express
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Firehouse Subs
- Sbarro
- McDonald’s
These restaurants are accessible before security.
Southwest Airlines Baggage Claim at MCO
Passengers arriving on Southwest flights can collect checked baggage at:
Terminal A
Level 2
Baggage claim includes multiple carousels, airline service offices, seating areas, nearby cafés, and convenient access to:
- Uber
- Lyft
- taxis
- hotel shuttles
- public transportation
Ground Transportation at Orlando Airport
After collecting your luggage, several transportation options are available.
Rental Cars
Rental counters are located on Level 1.
Major companies include:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Sixt
- Thrifty
Ride-Sharing Services
Passengers can easily request:
- Uber
- Lyft
Pickup locations are clearly marked outside the arrivals level.
Public Transportation
Travelers can also access:
- Lynx buses
- airport shuttles
- hotel transportation
- taxis
- limousine services
from the Ground Transportation Level.
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
Need to stay overnight?
The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is located directly inside the airport between Terminal A and Terminal B.
Benefits include:
- No airport shuttle required
- Walkable from the terminal
- Ideal for early morning departures
- Restaurants and meeting facilities on-site
Southwest Airlines Arrival Pickup at MCO
Picking someone up?
Private vehicles and ride-share services generally use the Arrivals Level (Level 2). Rental car shuttles, buses, hotel transportation, and taxis operate from Level 1. Always coordinate pickup after the arriving passenger has collected baggage to reduce waiting time.
Travel Tips for Flying Southwest from MCO
- Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights.
- Arrive 3 hours before international connections.
- Use online check-in 24 hours before departure.
- Verify your departure gate before heading to the airport train.
- Consider TSA PreCheck or MCO Reserve during peak travel seasons.
- Label all checked baggage clearly.
- Download the Southwest Airlines mobile app for real-time gate updates.
Final Thoughts
Flying Southwest Airlines through Orlando International Airport is straightforward once you understand the airport layout. Begin your journey at Terminal A, complete check-in on Level 3, clear security, and take the Automated People Mover to Airside 2 (Gates 100–129). After landing, collect your checked luggage on Level 2 and follow signs to rental cars, ride-share pickups, or public transportation.
By arriving early, checking your gate in advance, and using services like TSA PreCheck or MCO Reserve, you can enjoy a faster, more convenient airport experience. Whether you’re traveling for business, vacation, or a family trip to Orlando, understanding the Southwest Airlines terminal at Orlando International Airport (MCO) will help ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
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