Being familiar with the terminal structure, facilities and services will help to ensure a smooth and simple trip in case you have to fly with Southwest Airlines through MCO. This guide will tell you everything about the Southwest Terminal MCO, about check-in processes, security, eating options, lounges, transportation, etc.
1. An overview of MCO's Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines operates out of Terminal A of Orlando International Airport. Terminal A, which is part of North Terminal Complex, handles a high number of domestic flights. Several destinations of Southwest Airlines are located in large cities, such as: Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Las Vegas, starting at MCO.
Southwest Airlines MCO Terminal Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airline | Southwest Airlines |
| Terminal | Terminal A (Airside 2) |
| Check-In Location | Level 3 |
| Security Checkpoint | West Security Checkpoint (near check-in) |
| Gates | 100–129 |
| Baggage Claim | Level 2 |
| Lounges | None exclusive; general waiting areas available |
| Main Destinations | Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas |
Southwest Airlines' salient characteristics at MCO:
- Location: Airside 2, Terminal A
- Level 3 of Terminal A is where you check in.
- Gates: usually 100–129 gates
- Terminal A, level 2, Baggage claim
- The security checkpoint is located quite next to the check-in newsstand.
- Lounges: They do not have a particular Southwest lounge, but generic waiting rooms.
2. Security and Check-in Processes
Options for Check-in
Passengers of Southwest Airlines departing MCO check in in a number of ways:
- Online Check-in: The Southwest Airlines allows online check-in at the online site or by mobile application 24 hours prior to the departure.
- Airport Kiosks: Airport kiosks are available by the check-in desks, where passengers press their boarding cards and bag tags.
- Counter Check-in: At Terminal A there are the desks of the Southwest Airlines check-in level 3.
- Curbside Check-in: Travelers who have checked their bags can benefit from the ease of checking in at the curb.
Screening for Security
Passengers must go through TSA security screening, which is situated next to the check-in area, after checking in. Southwest passengers frequently use Terminal A's West Security Checkpoint. The qualified travelers have the opportunity to use the TSA PreCheck lanes to make the security checks faster.
3. Gates and the Boarding Process
There are no assigned seats on Southwest Airlines due to its open seating policy. Rather, passengers are given numbers and boarding groups (A, B, or C) according to when they check in.
Procedure for MCO Boarding:
- Get there early: Arriving at the gate at least half an hour prior to departure is advised.
- Line Up by Group: Within their designated group, passengers board in numerical order.
- Find a Seat: upon entering the plane, the passenger is free to sit in any vacant seat.
Southwest Airlines typically uses the Gates of Airside 2, 100-129, which can be accessed via the Automated People Mover (APM) following passage through the security.
4. The Dining and Shopping facilities of the Southwest Terminal
Southwest Airlines is found in Terminal A, Airside 2, of MCO Orlando International Airport that possesses array of restaurants and shopping facilities.
Dining Options at Southwest Terminal (Airside 2)
| 🍽️ Restaurant | 🏷️ Type | ⏰ Best For | 📍 Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍔 McDonald’s | Fast Food | Quick, familiar bites | Near Gate 120 |
| 🥗 Cibo Express Gourmet Market | Grab-and-Go | Healthy snacks, drinks | Center concourse |
| ☕ Starbucks | Café | Coffee & light snacks | Near Gate 122 |
| 🥩 Outback Steakhouse | Sit-down Dining | Hearty American meals | Near Gate 125 |
| 🌮 On the Border Tex-Mex | Tex-Mex | Full meals & margaritas | Near Gate 128 |
- McDonalds also has fast food such as burgers and fries.
- Cibo Express Gourmet Market: Good to go snacks and beverage.
- Starbucks: Good choice among people who are fond of snacks and coffee.
- Is a sit-down restaurant dealing with American cuisine and steaks-Outback steakhouse.
- On the Border offers Mexican foods and margaritas to travelers who want a heavy lunch before travelling.
Options for shopping:
- Duty-Free Store: Open to visitors from abroad.
- Books, periodicals, and travel necessities can all be found at Hudson News.
- The Disney Store is the best place to get last-minute Disney souvenirs.
- Products from Universal Studios' theme parks are available for purchase at the Universal Studios Store.
- Tech on the Go: Travel gear and electronics.
5. Transportation to and from MCO Terminal A:
Options for Ground
- Vehicle Rentals: On Level 1, you may find major automobile rental providers.
- Ridesharing: Passengers are picked up from specified locations by Uber and Lyft.
- Taxis: Found in Terminal A on Level 1.
- Shuttle Services: There are some hotel and resort shuttles which depart the airport.
- Public Transportation: The Lynx bus service reaches downtown Orlando plus adjacent localities.
Ground Transportation Options from Terminal A
| Transport Type | Location | Cost Range | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car Rentals | Level 1 | $$$ | Long-term stays, family trips |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | Designated pickup areas | $$ | Convenience & direct drop-off |
| Taxis | Level 1 | $$ | Simple, immediate ride |
| Hotel Shuttles | Curbside | Free (for hotel guests) | Resort or hotel travelers |
| Lynx Bus | Ground Transportation Center | $ | Budget-friendly local travel |
6. Lost Found Baggage Claim
Baggage Claim
Travelers flying with Southwest Airlines can pick up their checked bags from Baggage Claim on Level 2 of Terminal A after they arrive at MCO. Arriving flights' baggage carousel numbers are shown on digital screens.
Lost and Found
Get in touch with Southwest Airlines' baggage claim service if you misplace anything on a flight. Visit TSA Lost Found in case of lost or misplaced items in security checkpoints.
7. Travel Tips to Take Stress-free Trip
- Get There Early: Southwest recommends getting there at least eighty minutes early in advance to domestic flights.
- Take Advantage of Mobile Boarding Pass: It is more efficient to use an electronic boarding pass and do an online check-in and save some time.
- Pack Wisely: Don not face extra charges by packing as per regulations of Southwest.
- Verify the flight status: You can use the Southwest app or the airport monitors to see how your flight is doing.
In conclusion
It is heaven as far as airport journeys are concerned since it has fast check- ins, loads of dining and shops, as well as all other modes of transportation. The guide will ensure that you get all the information that you require a stress- free journey in Southwest airlines in MCO no matter whether you are either leaving your home or visiting Orlando on vacation.