Your Complete Guide to the Southwest Terminal at Orlando International Airport (MCO)

When it comes to traveling through Florida, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a key hub for millions of passengers every year. As one of the busiest airports in the United States, MCO serves as a major gateway to Florida’s world-renowned attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and the Kennedy Space Center. Among the many airlines that operate from MCO, Southwest Airlines remains one of the most popular choices for domestic travelers due to its customer-friendly policies, reasonable fares, and extensive route network.

Overview of Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Orlando International Airport is located just 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando and is one of the top 10 busiest airports in the United States. With four main airside terminals—Airside 1 through Airside 4—and two landside terminals (Terminals A and B), MCO handles over 50 million passengers annually.

MCO is uniquely designed with a central terminal complex (the Main Terminal Building) connected via Automated People Movers (APMs) to the individual airside concourses. Each airside concourse features its own security checkpoint and gate area.

What Terminal Is Southwest Airlines at MCO?

Southwest Airlines operates out of Terminal A, Airside 2 at Orlando International Airport. This is where you’ll check in, go through security, and board your flight. Terminal A is primarily used by domestic carriers and is conveniently accessible for both arriving and departing passengers.

Key Details:

• Terminal: A

• Airside: 2

• Gates: 100–129

• Check-in Level: Level 3, Terminal A

• Baggage Claim: Level 2, Terminal A

Getting to Terminal A at MCO

MCO is well-signposted, and getting to Terminal A is straightforward whether you’re driving, using a rideshare app, or arriving via shuttle or public transit.

Driving:

If you're driving yourself or being dropped off, follow the signs to Terminal A. Use the North Entrance of the airport for the most direct access. Short-term and long-term parking garages are adjacent to the terminal and connected via walkways.

Rideshare and Taxis:

Designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off points are located on Level 2 (Arrivals) of Terminal A. This area also serves as the main point for taxi services.

Public Transit:

Lynx bus service connects various parts of Orlando to MCO and drops passengers off at the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1).

Check-In and Security for Southwest Airlines at MCO

Check-In:

Southwest’s check-in counters are located on Level 3 of Terminal A, near the entrance for Airside 2. The counters are clearly marked and staffed by friendly Southwest employees ready to assist you.

Passengers can use one of the following check-in options:

• Self-service kiosks

• Southwest app (mobile boarding pass)

• Full-service counters (for special assistance, baggage, etc.)

Security:

Once checked in, proceed to the dedicated TSA security checkpoint for Airside 2. TSA PreCheck is available, and wait times can vary depending on the time of day. To avoid delays, arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic departures and 2 hours for early morning flights or holiday travel.

Gates and Boarding for Southwest Flights

After clearing security, you’ll board the Automated People Mover (APM) to Airside 2. This short train ride takes less than 2 minutes and delivers you directly to the gate area.

Airside 2 hosts gates 100 through 129. Southwest occupies most of these gates, making this a Southwest-exclusive concourse for the most part. Gate areas offer plenty of seating, charging stations, and restrooms.

Boarding Process:

Southwest uses an open-seating policy and a unique boarding process divided into groups A, B, and C, with numbers 1–60 in each group. Be sure to check in as early as possible (24 hours before departure) to get the best boarding position.

Baggage Claim for Southwest at MCO

If you're arriving at MCO on a Southwest flight, your luggage can be retrieved at Level 2, Terminal A. Monitors throughout the terminal display the carousel number for your arriving flight.

Southwest is known for its generous baggage policy, offering two free checked bags per passenger, which sets it apart from many other U.S. carriers.

Dining and Shopping at Southwest Terminal (Airside 2)

Though not as expansive as some international terminals, Airside 2 offers a variety of food and shopping options to help pass the time before your flight.

Dining Options:

Some popular choices include:

• McDonald’s – Classic fast food, good for quick bites

• Zaza Cuban Coffee – Known for Cuban-style sandwiches and strong espresso

• Cask & Larder – A Southern-inspired gastropub with sit-down service and full bar

• Auntie Anne’s – Perfect for pretzels and snacks

• Chick-fil-A – A fan favorite, though closed on Sundays

Shopping:

There are a few retail shops in Airside 2 for travel essentials and souvenirs:

• Hudson News – Magazines, snacks, and travel items

• Magic of Disney – A must-visit for those heading to or coming from the parks

• Tech on the Go – Chargers, headphones, and mobile accessories

Airport Amenities in the Southwest Terminal

Wi-Fi:

MCO offers free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, including Airside 2. Just connect to the "MCO Internet" network.

Charging Stations:

Power outlets and charging stations are available at most gates, and additional charging kiosks are located near seating areas.

Family Facilities:

• Nursing stations are available near restrooms.

• Family restrooms are located throughout the terminal for those traveling with young children.

Pet Relief Area:

If you're traveling with pets or service animals, pet relief areas are located on Level 2 (Arrivals) outside the terminal.

Southwest Airlines Services at MCO

Southwest Airlines provides several services at MCO to enhance the passenger experience:

Customer Service:

Southwest’s customer service desks are available both landside (check-in area) and airside (near gates). Here you can:

• Change flights

• Request rebooking assistance

• Ask questions about Rapid Rewards

Special Assistance:

Passengers with disabilities or needing extra help can request wheelchair services at check-in or via the Southwest website in advance.

Lost and Found:

If you’ve lost something on a Southwest flight, contact their lost item reporting system through the airline's website. For items lost in the terminal, contact MCO Lost and Found.

Transportation from MCO After Your Southwest Flight

Upon arrival at MCO, passengers have access to a wide array of ground transportation services:

Car Rentals:

Car rental companies like Alamo, Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise have counters on Level 1, Terminal A. Cars are parked in nearby garages for easy pickup.

Hotel Shuttles:

Many Orlando hotels provide free shuttle services to and from the airport. These are typically arranged in advance and pick up at Level 1 (Ground Transportation).

Taxis & Rideshare:

Available curbside on Level 2 of Terminal A. Popular services include Uber, Lyft, and local taxi companies.

Public Transit:

The LYNX Bus System provides regular service between the airport and greater Orlando. You can catch buses at Ground Transportation Level 1.

Tips for Flying Southwest at MCO

Here are some insider tips to make your travel experience even smoother:

1. Check in Early: To get a better boarding group with Southwest’s open seating, check in online exactly 24 hours before your flight.

2. Use the Mobile App: Southwest’s app lets you manage boarding passes, flight alerts, and even rebooking if needed.

3. Arrive Early: Especially during peak seasons (summer, holidays), allow extra time for parking, check-in, and security.

4. Grab Food Early: While Airside 2 has dining options, the main terminal offers more variety if you want something specific before heading to your gate.

5. Use the Disney Store: Whether you're arriving or departing, stop by the Magic of Disney store to grab a souvenir without making another trip to the parks.

Final Thoughts

Traveling through Southwest Airlines' terminal at MCO is a user-friendly experience, marked by clear signage, efficient check-in, and a variety of traveler amenities. Whether you’re heading to Orlando for a magical vacation or flying out to another Southwest destination, Airside 2 at Terminal A has everything you need for a stress-free airport experience.

With its seamless layout, ample transportation options, and strong support services, MCO continues to be one of the best airports for Southwest travelers. So next time you’re booking a flight to or from Orlando, you can count on southwest terminal mco to deliver comfort, convenience, and value every step of the way.