What is Southwest Airlines Terminal at Orlando International Airport (MCO)?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major hub that welcomes millions of travelers heading to world-famous theme parks, business conventions, and sunny vacations each year. Flying with Southwest Airlines? Wanna know what terminal is Southwest at Orlando Airport? Southwest Airlines usually operates out of Terminal A at Orlando Airport (MCO). The check-in and ticketing counters are located on the north side of the main terminal on Level 3. The airline uses departure gates (primarily Gates 100 to 129) in Airside 2 that can be reached via a quick automated train ride.

Additionally, the Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal offers convenient services like self-service kiosks, curbside check-in, TSA PreCheck, charging stations, free Wi-Fi, priority lanes, and much more. So, scroll more and let’s walk through everything you need to know before take-off.

What Terminal is Southwest Airlines at Orlando Airport (MCO)?

If you are asking what terminal is Southwest at Orlando Airport, the short answer is Terminal A. Southwest Airlines conducts all check-in, ticketing, baggage claim, and boarding operations out of this terminal complex.

Southwest flights use gates located in the Airside 2 concourse, which includes gates 100 through 129. After completing security screening on Level 3, passengers take the automated people mover train to reach their departure gates.

Quick Insights
Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal	Terminal A
Dpeartures	Terminal A (Level 3)
Arrivals	Terminal A (Level 2)
Check-In & Bag Drop	Level 3
TSA Security Screening	Terminal A, Level 3
Departure Gates	Gates 100 to 129
Baggage Claim	Level 2 (Carousels 1 through 16)
Transportation Options	Automated People Mover Train

Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal Layout

The main building of the Southwest Airlines Orlando Airport Terminal is organized into three primary levels to serve different purposes:-

Level 1 – Ground Transportation

It is the main transportation area of Terminal A. Passengers arriving at the airport can find several transportation options here, including:-

• Rental car services
• Taxi stands
• Uber and Lyft pickup areas
• Hotel shuttle services
• Other ground transportation options

This level connects travelers with their next destination after leaving the airport.

Level 2 – Arrivals and Baggage Claim

This level handles Southwest arrivals at Orlando International Airport.

After landing, passengers can proceed to this level to collect checked baggage. Southwest uses baggage claim carousels 1 through 16, and the exact carousel number is displayed on airport information screens.

Passengers should check the flight monitors after arrival because baggage carousel assignments may change depending on airport operations.

Level 3 – Departures

Level 3 is where Southwest departures take place.

Passengers can find:-

• Southwest ticket counters
• Self-service kiosks
• Baggage check-in counters
• TSA security checkpoints
• Boarding access points

The ticketing counters are located on the far north side of the main terminal building. Travelers can complete check-in online before arriving or use airport facilities if they need assistance.

After passing through security, passengers heading to gates 100–129 will take the automated shuttle train to Airside 2.

Southwest Airlines Departures at Orlando Airport

Departing from the Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal is simple once you know how the layout flows. Everything on Terminal A (Level 3) is set up sequentially to help get you from the curb to your gate as efficiently as possible. 

Passengers flying with Southwest should arrive early to complete all required airport procedures without rushing. The airline recommends arriving at least 120 minutes before departure for both domestic and international flights.

Here is how the Southwest departure process works step by step:-

Arrival & Check-In:-

Southwest passengers can head to Level 3 on the Terminal A side. If you arrive by car, curbside check-in is available for added convenience. Inside the main ticketing lobby, you can use self-service kiosks to check in and print self-tag baggage strips. Additionally, full-service counters and priority/Express lanes are also available.

Baggage Drop:-

You must make sure to check your luggage early. Southwest requires checked bags to be dropped at least 45 minutes before domestic flight departures. For added convenience, MCO also offers curbside check-in facilities, allowing travelers to begin their journey before entering the main terminal.

Security Screening:-

After checking in and dropping off baggage, passengers should proceed to the TSA security checkpoints located on Level 3.

The security area includes:-

• Standard TSA screening lanes
• TSA PreCheck lanes
• Priority lanes for eligible passengers
• After clearing security, travelers can continue toward their boarding area.

Passengers should remember that gates 100–129 are located in Airside 2, which requires a short ride on the airport’s automated train system.

Boarding Your Flight:-

After passing security, board the automated train to Airside 2 (Gates 100–129). The gate numbers are displayed on overhead monitors and printed directly on your boarding pass.

Inside Airside 2, travelers can enjoy:-

• Dining options
• Retail shops
• Charging stations
• Free Wi-Fi
• Comfortable seating areas

Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal Arrivals

Arriving on a Southwest flight at MCO is straightforward, regardless of whether you are landing from a domestic origin or an international destination. Southwest flights land at Terminal A (Level 2).

Domestic Arrivals:-

Domestic passengers arriving at MCO should follow these steps.

1. When your domestic flight lands at an Airside 2 gate (Gates 100–129), step off the plane and follow signs toward the main terminal. 

2. Board the free automated train, which delivers you straight back to Level 3 of the main terminal building.
3. From there, take the escalators or elevators down to Level 2.

4. Check the flight information displays for your assigned baggage carousel (carousels 1 through 16).

5. Collect your luggage and head down to Level 1 for ground transportation options.

International Arrivals:-

If you are arriving on an international Southwest flight:-

1. Deplane and follow directions to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area.
2. Clear immigration and customs clearance.
3. Once cleared, proceed to the main terminal to collect checked bags on Level 2 or re-check luggage if you have a connecting flight.

Passengers should keep passports and required travel documents ready to make the process faster and easier.

MCO Terminal Map for Southwest Airlines Flyers

Navigating the Southwest Airlines Terminal at Orlando Airport becomes much easier when you visualize its layout. MCO uses a hub-and-spoke system where the main building houses ticketing and baggage, while airside concourses house the boarding gates.

Using the interactive MCO Airport map can give you turn-by-turn directions directly to your specific departure gate. Whether you are arriving, departing, or making a connection, knowing the location of each service area can make your airport experience much more comfortable.

Know About Connection Flight with Southwest at MCO

Making a connection at Orlando International Airport with Southwest Airlines is generally simple because the airline operates from one main terminal area. Well, it depends on whether your connection is domestic or international.

Domestic-to-Domestic Connections:-

If you are connecting from one domestic Southwest flight to another, you will usually land and depart within the same airside concourse (Gates 100-129). You do not need to exit security or ride the train back to the main terminal. Simply check the arrival monitors or your Southwest app to find your next gate and walk directly to it.

Connecting from an International Destination?

If you land on an international flight at MCO and are connecting to a domestic Southwest flight:-

1. Pass through U.S. Customs & Immigration with your passport and travel documents ready.
2. Collect your checked luggage from the international arrival carousel.
3. Drop off your bags at the Connecting Baggage Drop Off counter.
4. Go through the TSA security checkpoint.
5. Find your Southwest departure gate.

For gates 70–99, passengers may already be in the correct area. But for gates 100- 129, travelers need to use the automated train system to reach Airside 2.

Important:- Do not exit into the main public area if you are transferring within secure zones. Follow airport signs and ride the train directly to your departure gate concourse.

Transfer Between MCO Terminals with Ease 

If you need to transfer between Terminal A, Terminal B, or Terminal C at Orlando Airport, moving around is simple and convenient.

• Between Terminal A & Terminal B:- Terminals A and B are located in the same main building. Terminal A forms the north side and Terminal B forms the south side. You can easily walk across the main central atrium without passing through security.
• Connecting to Terminal C:- To get to Terminal C (the South Terminal complex), take the free Terminal Link Automated People Mover (APM) train, which runs every few minutes between the main terminal and Terminal C.

Parking Near Southwest Terminal at Orlando Airport

Passengers driving to Orlando International Airport have several parking options available near Terminal A. 

Available parking options include:-

• Terminal A Parking Garage- Located directly adjacent to Terminal A for quick walking access to Level 3 ticketing.
• Top Parking (Terminal A):- Convenient covered parking situated directly above the main terminal structure.
• Economy Parking Lots (North & South Park Place):- Budget-friendly surface lots that provide free shuttle bus service directly to Terminal A curbside entrances.
• Valet Parking Services
• Passenger pickup and drop-off areas

Note:- Travelers picking up passengers can use curbside areas outside the terminal. Those leaving their vehicles for longer trips can choose economy parking options with shuttle transportation to the terminal building.

Services Inside Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal

The Southwest Airlines Orlando Airport Terminal offers a wide range of services designed to make travel more convenient. From check-in to boarding, passengers have access to everything they need during their airport visit.

Some of the main facilities available at MCO Terminal A include:

Check-In Services	Southwest mobile appOnline check-inSelf-service kiosksAirport ticket counters
Security Services	Standard security lanesTSA PreCheckPriority lanes for eligible travelers
Dining and Shopping	RestaurantsCoffee shopsConvenience storesRetail shopsTravel essentials
Passenger Comfort Facilities	Free Wi-FiCharging stationsComfortable seating areasRestroomsInformation desksFamily-friendly facilities

For more information, you can connect with the Orlando Airport Customer Service at 1-407-825-3177 or check out our All-in-One Guide. 

To Conclude!

Now that you know what terminal is Southwest at Orlando Airport, navigating MCO should be a breeze for you! Remember that the Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal is Terminal A. Check-in, self-tagging, and TSA security are located on Level 3, baggage claim is on Level 2, and ground transportation resides on Level 1. All departure gates are located in Airside 2 (Gates 100 to 129), which is accessible via a short train ride after security. 

Keep this guide handy for your next Florida getaway to enjoy a smooth, stress-free trip!

Frequently Asked Questions!