What Terminal is Southwest Airlines at Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)?

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) serves as a bustling gateway to sunny South Florida. When you are mapping out your travel itinerary, knowing your terminal layout ahead of time is the best way to eliminate airport stress. 

If you are wondering what terminal is Southwest Airlines at Fort Lauderdale Airport, the answer is that Southwest operates entirely out of Terminal 1, also widely recognized as the Yellow Terminal.

Whether you are jetting off on a quick vacation or returning home from a business trip, navigating FLL Terminal 1 smoothly requires a better understanding. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the Southwest Airlines Terminal at Fort Lauderdale Airport, from check-in counters and security checkpoints to a variety of restaurants, retail stores, parking facilities, and convenient passenger amenities.

What Terminal is Southwest Airlines at Fort Lauderdale Airport? (FLL): Key Info

Heading to the correct building right from the start saves precious time on your travel day. Southwest Airlines uses Terminal 1 at Fort Lauderdale Airport for all its operations, encompassing check-in, security screening, boarding, arrivals, and departures.

Southwest Airlines FLL Terminal 1 is one of the airport’s busiest terminals and is designed to handle a large number of passengers every day. It consists of three concourses, A, B, and C, with a total of 24 gates. Southwest flights mainly operate from Concourses A and B, while passengers can enjoy easy access to dining, shopping, baggage services, parking, and ground transportation throughout the terminal.

Here is a quick overview of what you will find at the Southwest Airlines Terminal at Fort Lauderdale Airport:-

Airline	Southwest Airlines
Airport	Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Southwest Terminal at FLL (Arrivals)	Terminal 1  (Yellow Terminal)
Southwest Terminal at FLL (Departures)	Terminal 1  (Yellow Terminal)
Concourse	A and B
Boarding Gates	A1-A5, B2, B4-B9
Customer Service Number	Airline:- 1-800-435-9792Airport:- 1-866-435-9355

All About Southwest Airlines FLL Terminal Departures

All Southwest departures take place from Terminal 1 at FLL. Everything, including ticketing, baggage drop, security checks, and boarding, is managed right here.

Southwest Airlines Check-in Counter at FLL

Passengers can check in using the following methods:-

1. Online check-in through the Southwest website
2. Mobile app check-in
3. Self-service kiosks
4. Ticket counter check-in

The key information for Southwest passengers is as follows:-

• Counter Location:- Southwest Airlines check-in counters are located on Level 2 (Ticketing Level) in Concourse A of Terminal 1.
• Counter Hours:- The check-in counter opens 90 minutes before the first scheduled flight of the day.
• Bag Drop Deadline:- All checked bags must be dropped off at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
• Web Check-in:- Online check-in facilities are also available, opening 24 hours prior to departure for ultimate convenience. Keep in mind that the ticketing lobby is cashless, so physical cash is not accepted for transactions.

Fort Lauderdale Airport Security Checkpoint

FLL Terminal 1 features a single centralized TSA security checkpoint located near the main terminal entrance, which efficiently serves all three concourses (A, B, and C).

• Operating Hours:- Generally open from 4:00 AM to 9:45 PM.
• FLL Security Wait Times:- TSA wait times typically range between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on passenger volume.
• Expedited Screening:- Accelerated programs such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are fully available to help speed up your journey.
• U.S. Customs Office Hours:- 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Southwest Boarding Gates

Southwest flights arrive and depart from Concourse A and Concourse B. Make sure to double-check your boarding pass or airport monitors for your specific gate:-

• Concourse A:- Gates A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5
• Concourse B:- Gates B2, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, and B9

Southwest Airlines Lounge at FLL

Currently, there is no dedicated Southwest-branded lounge inside Terminal 1. However, passengers with a Priority Pass membership or an American Express Platinum Card can access alternative airport lounges, such as The Escape Lounge located in Terminal 3 after security between Gates E and F.

The lounge offers several amenities, including:-

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Comfortable seating
• Snacks and beverages
• Quiet spaces for work or relaxation

Fort Lauderdale Airport Southwest Terminal Food

Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee before boarding or a full meal, the Fort Lauderdale Airport Southwest Terminal offers plenty of dining choices.

Popular restaurants and cafes include:-

Concourse A:-

• BurgerFi
• La Familia Tacos & Tequila
• Starbucks
• Hudson convenience stores for snacks

At Concourse B:-

• Red Stripe
• Whisky River
• Burger King
• Sergio’s
• Urban Market Kiosk

Concourse C and B-C Connector:-

• Air Margaritaville
• Auntie Anne’s
• Shula Burger
• Rocco’s Tacos
• Offerdahl’s
• Great American Bagel
• Kona Big Wave Bar

From freshly brewed coffee and breakfast options to burgers, tacos, seafood, and casual dining, there’s something for every traveler before take-off.

Shopping at Terminal 1

Need to pick up a travel essential or a last-minute gift? Terminal 1 features a wide selection of retail stores for passengers.

Some of the most popular shops include:-

• 3Sixty Duty Free & More
• Sweet Indulgences
• Rip Curl
• 5th & Sunset
• CNN Store
• Tech on the Go
• Island of Bahama
• Intracoastal News
• M•A•C Cosmetics
• Ink by Hudson
• Harley-Davidson
• Hudson News
• Desigual
• NewsLink

You’ll find everything from electronics and books to cosmetics, clothing, travel accessories, snacks, and souvenirs.

Parking Options Near Southwest Airlines FLL Terminal 

Passengers driving to the airport have several parking facilities within easy walking distance of Terminal 1.

The nearest parking options include:-

Parking Garage	Location
Palm Garage	Levels 1–4
Hibiscus Garage	Levels 2–7
Cypress Garage	Levels 6–9

For added convenience, valet parking is available on the departure level outside Terminal 1. And, if you are picking up or dropping off a passenger, following the airport signs for Terminal 1 Departures or Terminal 1 Arrivals will help you reach the correct area quickly.

Southwest Terminal at Fort Lauderdale Airport: Arrivals

Touching down in Fort Lauderdale is a breeze when you know exactly where your bags are headed and how you will get to your final destination.

Southwest flights arrive at Terminal 1 (Concourse A and Concourse B). All arrivals are directed to Level 1 (the lower level), where baggage claim carousels and oversized baggage services are situated.

Southwest Baggage Claim at Fort Lauderdale

After arriving at Terminal 1, passengers can collect their checked baggage from the baggage claim area on Level 1 (Lower Level). While your gate number is listed on your boarding pass, your specific carousel number will be displayed on the digital arrival screens inside the terminal. Additionally, you must keep in mind that the large or oversized luggage arrives on a separate carousel, so be sure to check with airline staff.

FLL Airport Southwest Airlines Lost and Found

Misplacing an item while travelling can happen to anyone. Fortunately, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Southwest Airlines have separate procedures depending on where the item was lost.

If you lose something in a public area of the airport, such as the terminal, security checkpoint, or restroom, contact the FLL Lost and Found office.

However, if the item was left on a Southwest aircraft, at the boarding gate, ticket counter, or baggage service area, you’ll need to contact Southwest Airlines directly.

Here’s a quick reference:-

Lost Item Location	Contact Department	Location	Contact Number
Public areas of the airport	FLL Lost and Found	Car Rental Center, Level 2	(954) 359-2247
Onboard aircraft, boarding gate or ticketing area	Southwest Airlines	Near Baggage Claim	(954) 883-3888

Ground Transportation Options at Fort Lauderdale Airport

Once you’ve collected your luggage, reaching your next destination is easy. The Southwest Airlines FLL Terminal offers several transportation options. Pick-up zones are located conveniently on the lower-level curbside.

Passengers can choose from:

• Public transit
• Airport shuttle services
• Taxi services
• Limousine services
• Uber and Lyft
• Hotel shuttle buses
• Rental cars

Whether you’re travelling to Downtown Fort Lauderdale, nearby beaches, a hotel, or another city in South Florida, you’ll find a transportation option to suit your needs and budget.

Fort Lauderdale Airport Map For Southwest Flyers

The FLL Airport map serves as an invaluable visual tool for locating Southwest Airlines check-in counters, boarding gates, baggage claim carousels, parking garages, as well as ground transportation hubs. You can access the interactive maps digitally on your phone or check the physical directory boards stationed throughout Terminal 1.

How to Get to Terminal 1 at FLL Airport?

Positioned on the southwest side of the airport grounds, reaching the Southwest Airlines Terminal at Fort Lauderdale Airport is simple no matter how you travel:-

• By Car:- Follow airport directional signs for “Terminal 1” or “Departures” when dropping passengers off, and “Arrivals” when picking them up. Drivers approaching from Interstate 595, Interstate 95, or US-1 should follow the clearly marked airport signs directing traffic towards Terminal 1.

• By Public Transit:- Broward County Transit buses and Tri-Rail shuttle services provide affordable transportation to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

• By Bus:- The Palm Tran Route 100 provides direct service from downtown Fort Lauderdale to Terminal 1, with a travel time of around 30 minutes.

• By Shuttle:- Regional shuttles and hotel vans stop frequently at designated zones near Terminal 1 entrances.

• Car Rental:- The FLL Car Rental Center is conveniently housed right at Terminal 1 (600 Terminal Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315). You can follow rental return signs when dropping off vehicles.

• Taxi or Rideshare:- Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis are available throughout the day. Drop-offs take place on the Departures Level, while pickups happen right on the lower-level curbside.

Quick Tips for FLL Southwest Airlines Flyers

Before heading to the Fort Lauderdale Airport Southwest Terminal, keep these practical tips in mind:-

• Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure to ensure plenty of time for check-in, security screening, and boarding.
• If you are traveling with checked bags, build in extra time for the Southwest baggage drop line.
• Take advantage of self-service kiosks for quick check-in and bag tagging.
• Track flight status and gate updates in real time using the Southwest mobile app or airport monitor displays.
• If you’re travelling during weekends, holidays, or school breaks, allow extra time, as passenger numbers are typically higher.
• Get familiar with the airport structure and gather all the key information from the FLL Guide before flying.

Last Words!

After reading this write-up, flying out of sunny South Florida with Southwest Airlines doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By keeping in mind that Southwest Airlines is Terminal 1 (the Yellow Terminal) at Fort Lauderdale Airport, you can easily map out your travel timeline from start to finish.

From convenient self-service check-in kiosks on Level 2 and centralized TSA checkpoints to fantastic dining selections across Concourses A and B, Southwest Airlines FLL Terminal 1 offers a streamlined passenger experience. You can also take advantage of the modern amenities before boarding your next Southwest flight. 

Have a wonderful trip!

Frequently Asked Questions!