Travelers flying with Southwest Airlines from Orlando International Airport (MCO) often search for the correct terminal, security checkpoint, gate area, baggage facilities, parking options, and transportation connections before arriving at the airport. Knowing exactly where to go can make the airport experience considerably easier, particularly during busy holiday periods and peak travel hours.
At Orlando International Airport, Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal A, with its primary gate areas serving Gates 100–129. Southwest’s own airport information currently identifies Orlando as Terminal A and lists Gates 101–110 and 120–129 for its operations.
This guide explains everything travelers need to know about the MCO Southwest terminal, including check-in, security, gates, baggage, parking, transportation, airport amenities, and important considerations before departure.
What Terminal Is Southwest at MCO?
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal A at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
The airport’s airline directory lists Southwest under Terminal A, with access to the 70–129 security checkpoint and Southwest gates in both the 70–99 and 100–129 gate ranges. Southwest’s own current airport listing specifically identifies its Orlando operation with Gates 101–110 and 120–129.
For most Southwest passengers departing Orlando, the most important location to remember is therefore the following:
- Airport: Orlando International Airport
- Airport code: MCO
- Airline: Southwest Airlines
- Terminal: Terminal A
- Primary Southwest gate area: 100–129
- Security: Gates 70–129 checkpoint
- Check-in: Terminal A, Level 3
Because airport operations can change, travelers should always verify their boarding pass and the latest flight information before leaving for MCO.
Where Is Southwest Check-In at MCO?
Southwest check-in facilities are located on Level 3 of Terminal A. MCO’s terminal information identifies the Southwest check-in counters on this level, making Level 3 the principal starting point for passengers who need to check in, obtain assistance, or drop off checked luggage.
Passengers who have already checked in online may be able to proceed more quickly, particularly when traveling with carry-on luggage only. Travelers with checked baggage should allow additional time for bag drop and security.
MCO is a large and busy airport, so arriving at the correct terminal is especially important. Going to the wrong terminal or waiting until the last minute to locate the Southwest counter can create unnecessary delays.
Which Gates Does Southwest Use at MCO?
Southwest flights at Orlando International Airport primarily use the 100–129 gate area, while MCO’s airline directory also associates Southwest with the broader 70–129 gate complex. Southwest currently lists Gates 101–110 and 120–129 on its Orlando airport information page.
The airport’s terminal layout places the gate areas beyond security. Once passengers clear the appropriate TSA checkpoint, airport signage directs them toward their assigned concourse and gate.
The exact gate for an individual flight can change, so passengers should not assume that a particular Southwest flight will always leave from the same gate. Checking the boarding pass, airport monitors, and official Southwest flight information is the safest approach.
MCO Southwest Security Checkpoint
Southwest passengers should follow signs for the security checkpoint serving Gates 70–129. MCO identifies Southwest with that security area and indicates that TSA PreCheck is available for the checkpoint.
Security wait times at Orlando International Airport can vary substantially throughout the day. MCO itself recommends arriving at the security checkpoint approximately two hours before departure, while individual circumstances may warrant additional time.
Families, passengers checking bags, travelers unfamiliar with MCO, and people traveling during major holidays should consider allowing more time than the minimum.
Southwest Baggage at Orlando Airport
Checked baggage services are available for Southwest passengers at MCO. The airport’s terminal map also lists Southwest bag check in Terminal B on Level 1 during specified hours, but travelers should distinguish this limited facility from the normal Southwest departure and check-in operation in Terminal A.
MCO specifically lists Southwest among the domestic airlines eligible for remote check-in services at Parking Garage C, with the service available during specified hours and subject to a minimum time before departure.
Because baggage facilities and operating hours can change, passengers should confirm the applicable service before relying on remote or alternate bag-drop arrangements.
For a standard Southwest departure, travelers should generally plan their journey around the Terminal A Level 3 check-in area unless their flight information or airport signage directs them elsewhere.
Parking for Southwest Passengers at MCO
Orlando International Airport provides several parking options, including garages and surface parking areas. Travelers flying Southwest can choose the parking facility that best matches their arrival route, length of stay, and preference for convenience.
Parking Garage C is particularly notable because it is located near the South Terminal Link and provides remote check-in facilities for several domestic airlines, including Southwest, during designated hours. MCO states that remote domestic check-in at Garage C requires passengers to complete the process at least 90 minutes before departure and is available between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Passengers should not assume that remote check-in is available for every Southwest flight or at every time of day. Checking the current MCO information before traveling is recommended.
Getting to the MCO Southwest Terminal
Orlando International Airport is designed around multiple terminal facilities connected by airport transportation systems. Passengers arriving at MCO should follow signs for Terminal A and Southwest Airlines.
The airport provides connections between its terminal facilities and gate areas through automated people-mover systems. MCO’s South Terminal Link connects the South Terminal area with Terminals A and B, while the airport’s internal transportation network connects passengers with the appropriate gate areas.
Passengers using rideshare services, taxis, rental cars, hotel transportation, or private vehicles should follow airport signs for the appropriate terminal-level pickup or drop-off location.
MCO Southwest Terminal Ground Transportation
After arriving at Orlando International Airport, passengers have numerous ground transportation choices.
MCO provides access to:
- Rental cars
- Taxis
- Rideshare services
- Hotel and resort transportation
- Out-of-town shuttles
- Public transportation
- Parking shuttles
- Private transportation services
The airport’s ground transportation facilities are distributed across the terminal complex. MCO lists rideshare, taxi, shuttle, and other transportation services on designated terminal levels and locations.
Travelers heading to destinations outside Orlando can also find scheduled out-of-town shuttle services serving areas throughout Central Florida and beyond.
Food, Shopping, Wi-Fi, and Other Amenities
Travelers using the MCO Southwest terminal have access to the amenities provided throughout the airport’s Terminal A and gate areas.
Available airport services include:
- Restaurants and food outlets
- Retail stores
- Charging facilities
- Airport Wi-Fi
- Nursing facilities
- Service animal relief areas
- Restrooms
- Information services
- Accessibility facilities
- Passenger assistance
Southwest’s current MCO information confirms that airport-provided Wi-Fi is available.
MCO also provides dedicated facilities for travelers who require additional assistance, including nursing spaces and service-animal relief areas in various parts of the terminal complex.
MCO Southwest Terminal at Night
Late-night travelers should pay particular attention to airport transportation notices.
Southwest currently notes that from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., the Gate Link is undergoing construction, with shuttle transportation being used between Terminal A and the gate area during the affected period. Southwest advises passengers to follow airport signage.
This is especially important for travelers with early-morning departures or late-night arrivals. Airport construction schedules can change, so checking current information shortly before traveling is advisable.
How Early Should Southwest Passengers Arrive at MCO?
MCO recommends arriving at the security checkpoint about two hours before departure.
For Southwest passengers, arriving earlier may be sensible when:
- Checking luggage
- Traveling with children
- Traveling during holidays
- Flying during peak tourism periods
- Using airport parking
- Returning a rental car
- Traveling for the first time from MCO
- Needing wheelchair or other special assistance
- Traveling during major airport construction or transportation changes
The time required from the airport entrance to the actual gate can vary depending on traffic, parking, check-in, baggage, security wait times, and the passenger’s location within the terminal.
Southwest Flights From Orlando MCO
Southwest operates a broad range of flights from Orlando. Southwest’s current Orlando information identifies MCO as its Orlando airport, with numerous weekly and nonstop destinations.
The airline currently offers service from Orlando to destinations across the United States, with schedules changing according to season and demand. Southwest’s Orlando flight network includes domestic destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Washington, Kansas City, Southern California destinations, and numerous other cities.
International Southwest service is also available from MCO on selected routes. Orlando International Airport currently lists Southwest among the carriers serving destinations such as Aruba and Cancun, although schedules and destinations can change.
Final Tips for Flying Southwest From MCO
A smooth Southwest departure from Orlando International Airport begins with knowing the correct terminal and allowing enough time for the entire airport process.
The most important information is straightforward: Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal A at MCO, with check-in on Level 3 and its primary listed gate area at Gates 101–110 and 120–129.
Before leaving for the airport, travelers should check their flight status, confirm the assigned gate, review any current airport construction notices, and allow sufficient time for parking, baggage, security, and the journey to the gate. This is particularly important for nighttime travel because current Southwest information indicates temporary Gate Link construction between 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
With the correct terminal information and a little advance planning, navigating the MCO Southwest Terminal can be considerably simpler. Travelers can arrive at the airport knowing where to check in, which security area to use, how to reach their gate, and where to find the transportation and passenger services they may need before or after their Southwest flight.
Frequently Asked Questions About the MCO Southwest Terminal
Is Southwest in Terminal A or Terminal B at MCO?
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal A at Orlando International Airport. Southwest’s official MCO information identifies Terminal A and Gates 101–110 and 120–129.
What level is Southwest check-in at MCO?
Southwest check-in is located on Level 3 of Terminal A.
What gates does Southwest use at MCO?
Southwest currently lists Gates 101–110 and 120–129 for Orlando. The airport directory associates Southwest with the wider 70–129 gate complex, so passengers should verify their individual gate before departure.
Does MCO have TSA PreCheck for Southwest passengers?
Yes. MCO’s airline information identifies TSA PreCheck availability for Southwest’s security area serving Gates 70–129.
How early should Southwest passengers arrive at MCO?
MCO recommends arriving at the security checkpoint approximately two hours before departure. Travelers who need to park, check baggage, or navigate the airport during busy periods may benefit from arriving earlier.
Can Southwest passengers use remote check-in at MCO?
MCO lists remote domestic check-in for Southwest at Parking Garage C during specified hours. The airport currently states that the service operates from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and requires passengers to complete the process at least 90 minutes before departure.
