Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal 1 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), with flights using gates in Concourses A and B. If you have not flown Southwest recently, the airport experience now looks different: assigned seating began in January 2026, boarding uses Groups 1 through 8, and checked bags are no longer free on most fares. This guide explains what to expect at FLL today, from check-in and TSA screening to your gate, baggage fees, lounges, and ground transportation.
Quick Answer
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal 1 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, currently listing Gates A1-A5 and B2, B4-B9. Southwest has assigned seating and eight boarding groups. For most U.S. mainland tickets booked or changed on or after April 9, 2026, checked bags cost $45 for the first and $55 for the second unless a fare, status, card, or other exemption applies.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest operates from Terminal 1 at FLL, primarily using Gates A1-A5 and B2, B4-B9.
- Southwest currently sells both domestic and international itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, so the old claim that FLL Southwest service is domestic-only is no longer accurate.
- Southwest suggests arriving about 90 minutes before a domestic FLL departure and 120 minutes before an international departure; checked bags must be accepted at least 45 minutes before departure.
- For most U.S. mainland travel booked, ticketed, or changed on or after April 9, 2026, Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares cost $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second.
- Southwest ended open seating on January 27, 2026. Passengers now receive an assigned seat and board using Groups 1 through 8.
- Terminal 1’s Concourses A, B, and C are connected post-security, but Terminal 1 is not yet connected post-security to the rest of FLL.
Southwest at FLL: At a Glance
| Terminal | Terminal 1 (Yellow Terminal) |
| Southwest Gates | A1-A5 and B2, B4-B9; always confirm your gate on the app or airport monitors |
| Suggested Arrival | 90 minutes domestic; 120 minutes international |
| Checked-Bag Cutoff | 45 minutes before scheduled departure at FLL |
| Security | Central Terminal 1 checkpoint serving Concourses A, B, and C; TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available |
| Seating / Boarding | Assigned seating; Groups 1-8 plus preboarding and priority categories |
Terminal Layout and Facilities
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has four passenger terminals. Southwest operates from Terminal 1, commonly called the Yellow Terminal, which contains Concourses A, B, and C. Southwest currently lists Gates A1-A5 and B2, B4-B9 for its FLL operation, although individual flight gates can change.
Concourses A, B, and C are connected after security, so a passenger who clears the central Terminal 1 checkpoint can move among all three without leaving the secure area. Terminal 1 has free airport Wi-Fi, charging locations, restrooms, family facilities, restaurants, and retail shops.
The older Terminal 1 modernization project, including the expanded central security checkpoint and Concourse A work, has already been completed. The major airport construction travelers may notice now is FLL’s terminal-connector project. Enclosed post-security links between Terminals 1 and 2 and between Terminals 2 and 3 are under construction, with completion targeted for late 2027.
Note: Concourses A, B, and C within Terminal 1 are connected post-security. Terminal 1 is not yet connected post-security to Terminal 2 or the Terminal 3/4 complex. If an itinerary requires changing terminals, allow enough time to exit the secure area, move between terminals, and clear TSA again.
Check-in and Baggage Drop
Southwest passengers can check in online through Southwest.com or the Southwest app beginning 24 hours before the flight’s original scheduled departure. Airport self-service kiosks can also provide boarding passes and bag tags.
At FLL, Southwest’s ticket counter opens 90 minutes before the first Southwest departure of the day. Checked bags must be accepted at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure. Southwest also advises international travelers that passport verification must be completed with an agent or eligible kiosk at the ticket counter at least 60 minutes before departure.
Check-in no longer determines who gets first choice of open seats because Southwest moved to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. Choice and higher fares include various seat-selection benefits before departure. Basic fares normally receive a Standard seat assignment at check-in unless a purchased seat, elite-status benefit, or eligible Southwest credit-card seating benefit applies.
Southwest Checked-Bag Fees in 2026
Southwest ended its long-running two-free-checked-bags policy for most fares beginning with eligible bookings and changes on May 28, 2025. The airline changed its standard U.S. mainland bag prices again on April 9, 2026.
| Fare / Benefit | First Bag | Second Bag |
| Basic / Choice / Choice Preferred | $45 | $55 |
| Choice Extra | Free | Free |
| A-List Preferred | Free | Free |
| A-List | Free | $35 |
| Eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember | Free | $55 |
Those prices apply to U.S. mainland travel booked, ticketed, or voluntarily changed on or after April 9, 2026. Earlier reservations may use the previous fee schedule. Eligible A-List, A-List Preferred, and credit-card bag benefits can extend to as many as eight additional passengers on the same reservation, subject to Southwest’s rules. Active-duty U.S. military customers also receive separate baggage benefits.
A third or additional standard checked bag is currently $150 for applicable U.S. mainland travel. A carry-on bag and one personal item remain free with every Southwest fare, including Basic. Size, weight, sports-equipment, and partner-itinerary rules can change the final charge, so check Southwest’s current optional travel charges before departure.
Warning: Do not assume Southwest still includes two free checked bags with every ticket. Bag benefits now depend on your fare, Rapid Rewards status, eligible Southwest credit card, military status, itinerary, and when the reservation was booked or changed.
Security Checkpoint
Terminal 1 uses a central TSA checkpoint for Concourses A, B, and C. FLL also offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR service in Terminal 1, although lane availability and operating hours can change during the day.
Southwest currently suggests arriving at FLL about 90 minutes before a domestic departure and 120 minutes before an international departure. Those are approximate minimum planning figures rather than guarantees. Holiday weekends, cruise traffic, weather disruptions, construction, baggage lines, and long TSA queues can justify arriving earlier.
Travelers age 18 and older should bring a REAL ID-compliant license or another TSA-accepted form of identification. Since February 1, 2026, travelers without an acceptable ID can use the optional TSA ConfirmID process by paying a $45 fee. The fee covers a 10-day travel period, but paying it does not guarantee that TSA will be able to verify your identity.
TSA’s general shoes-off policy ended in July 2025, so passengers can ordinarily keep their shoes on during domestic checkpoint screening. Screening procedures for liquids, electronics, belts, jackets, and other belongings can differ by lane and equipment, so always follow the TSA officer’s instructions at the checkpoint.
At FLL, Southwest currently lists a 90-minute suggested arrival time for domestic flights, a 120-minute arrival time for international flights, and a 45-minute checked-bag cutoff.
Gates and Boarding Process
After clearing security, Southwest passengers generally head to gates in Concourses A or B. The airline currently lists Gates A1-A5 and B2, B4-B9 at FLL. Check the Southwest app, your boarding pass, and airport monitors before walking to the gate because operational gate assignments can change.
Southwest ended its 53-year open-seating system on January 27, 2026. Seats are now assigned, and boarding uses Groups 1 through 8 instead of the former A/B/C numbered-position system. Your boarding group depends on factors including fare, seat type and location, Rapid Rewards tier, and eligible credit-card benefits.
| Boarding Stage | Typical Eligibility |
| Preboarding | Qualifying passengers with disabilities who need extra time or assistance, plus unaccompanied minors |
| Priority / A-List Preferred | Purchased Priority Boarding when available, active-duty U.S. military with valid ID, and A-List Preferred members |
| Group 1 | A-List members and Choice Extra fares |
| Group 2 | Extra Legroom seats on Choice or Choice Preferred fares |
| Groups 3-4 | Choice Preferred passengers in Standard or Preferred seats |
| Group 5 | Eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards primary credit cardmembers when they do not already qualify for an earlier group |
| Groups 3-7 | Choice passengers, depending on seat location and other applicable benefits |
| Group 8 | Basic fare passengers who do not qualify for an earlier benefit |
Everyone on the same standard reservation is generally assigned the same boarding group. Southwest’s A-List, A-List Preferred, and eligible primary credit-card boarding benefits can extend to as many as eight additional passengers on that reservation, subject to program rules.
Pro Tip: If seat location matters, choose the fare or seating option that lets you select a seat before departure. Basic fares normally receive a Standard seat assignment at check-in rather than free seat selection at that point, although purchased seats and qualifying elite or credit-card benefits can change your options.
Dining and Shopping Options
Terminal 1 has both quick-service and sit-down food options, along with convenience and specialty retail. Air Margaritaville has long been one of the terminal’s better-known restaurants, and Starbucks locations are also available in the Terminal 1 complex. Concession names and operating hours can change, especially early in the morning or late at night, so the airport’s current terminal map is the best source for day-of-travel options.
Retail includes news and convenience shops, Florida-themed merchandise, specialty stores, and duty-free service in eligible areas. If you have a late departure, consider buying food before walking to the far end of your concourse because individual concession hours vary.
Lounges and Relaxation Areas
Southwest does not operate a dedicated lounge at FLL. Terminal 1 has a United Club in Concourse C near Gate C1, but lounge admission is governed by United’s eligibility and same-day travel rules; holding a Southwest boarding pass by itself does not provide United Club access.
The Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner is at FLL, but it is in Terminal 3 on Level 2 after security near Gates E1-E10, not Terminal 1. It accepts several paid and membership-based access methods, including qualifying American Express Platinum access and Priority Pass subject to the lounge’s current rules. LoungeKey or other program acceptance should be checked directly before travel.
Warning: Do not leave Terminal 1 solely for the Escape Lounge without planning the extra time. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are not currently connected post-security, so changing terminals can require exiting the secure area and clearing TSA again.
For travelers without lounge access, Terminal 1 has regular gate seating, charging points, free Wi-Fi, restaurants, and quieter seating areas spread across its connected concourses.
Accessibility and Special Services
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport provides accessible routes, elevators, restrooms, and other services for passengers with disabilities. Southwest passengers who need wheelchair or mobility assistance can add an assistance request to their reservation or speak with Southwest before travel and at the airport.
Passengers who need additional time or help boarding may qualify for Southwest preboarding. Travelers who need assistance with TSA screening can also use TSA Cares.
For family seating, Southwest says it will endeavor to seat a child age 12 or younger next to at least one accompanying passenger age 13 or older on the same reservation, to the extent practicable and without an additional charge. Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares offer seat-selection benefits that can make planning family seating easier. If a child is not seated next to an accompanying adult, speak with a gate agent before boarding.
Ground Transportation Options
FLL offers taxis, rideshare, buses, rail connections, rental cars, hotel shuttles, and private transportation. Rideshare pickups such as Uber and Lyft use designated lower-level arrival zones. For Terminal 1, the airport currently directs arriving rideshare passengers to the temporary Zone Z pickup area beyond the taxi podium; follow current curbside signs because pickup arrangements can change during construction.
Broward County Transit Route 1 serves FLL from the Rental Car Center. From Terminal 1, passengers can use the walkway into the Rental Car Center and follow signs to the bus stop.
Tri-Rail serves Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. FLL provides free shuttle buses between the airport terminals and the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Station at Dania Beach. Terminal 1 passengers can board the Tri-Rail shuttle from the lower-level ground transportation area.
FLL’s Rental Car Center is next to Terminal 1 and houses multiple rental companies in one building. Terminal 1 connects to the center by pedestrian bridge, while airport shuttles link it with the other terminals.
FLL is especially convenient for cruise passengers. Port Everglades is about 1.8 miles from the airport, and the drive itself can be around 10 minutes in light traffic. Port Everglades recommends allowing roughly 45 minutes to one hour for the overall transfer process when baggage collection, transportation, port security, and cruise check-in are included.
Parking and the Rental Car Center
FLL has airport parking garages close to the terminals, along with short-term and long-term options. Terminal 1 is particularly convenient for the Cypress Garage/Rental Car Center complex. Follow airport roadway signs for the appropriate garage rather than relying on an old map, because traffic patterns can change during construction.
If you are returning a rental car before a Southwest flight, return the vehicle to the Rental Car Center and use the Level 2 pedestrian connection to Terminal 1. Travelers using Terminals 2, 3, or 4 rely on the airport’s Rental Car Center shuttle instead.
Nearby Hotels and Accommodations
Travelers flying Southwest into Fort Lauderdale have many nearby lodging choices. Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and independent hotels all operate properties in the airport, cruise-port, Dania Beach, and Fort Lauderdale areas. Some properties provide airport or cruise-port transportation, but shuttle schedules, eligibility, and fees vary, so verify the current policy directly with the property before relying on a shuttle.
Hotels near Port Everglades are convenient for cruise passengers, while properties closer to Las Olas Boulevard or Fort Lauderdale Beach are better positioned for travelers who want to explore the city before or after their flight.
Tips for Navigating Fort Lauderdale Airport with Southwest Airlines
Use Southwest’s current FLL guidance as your baseline: about 90 minutes before a domestic flight and 120 minutes before an international flight. Add extra time during holidays, heavy cruise-ship days, severe weather, or periods of airport construction.
Check in online when the Southwest 24-hour window opens so your boarding pass is ready and, for a Basic fare, your Standard seat can be assigned. Check the Southwest app and airport monitors again after security because gates can change.
If you are checking luggage, do not treat the 45-minute cutoff as your target arrival time. Be inside the terminal early enough to print tags, wait in line, present ID, and complete the bag-drop process before that deadline.
If you’re traveling with children or need accessibility assistance, add those needs to the reservation in advance and speak with airport or Southwest staff if anything is not correctly reflected when you arrive.
For an international Southwest departure from FLL, bring your passport and allow enough time for Southwest’s required document verification. International routes change seasonally, so confirm that your specific flight is operating from FLL rather than relying on older information saying Southwest’s Fort Lauderdale operation is domestic-only.
And because checked-bag charges now apply to most fares, review your fare, Rapid Rewards status, and credit-card benefits before packing. Customers with tickets purchased or changed before April 9, 2026 may also fall under a different bag-fee schedule.
If you’re flying Southwest Airlines out of Fort Lauderdale Airport and your trip includes cigars, you may also find this guide to the best travel humidor useful for protecting them while traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal is Southwest Airlines at Fort Lauderdale Airport?
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal 1 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Southwest currently lists Gates A1-A5 and B2, B4-B9, although individual gate assignments can change.
How early should I arrive at FLL for a Southwest flight?
Southwest currently suggests arriving about 90 minutes before a domestic departure from FLL and 120 minutes before an international departure. Checked bags must be accepted at least 45 minutes before departure. Allow additional time during holidays, cruise-traffic peaks, severe weather, or unusually long TSA lines.
Does Southwest Airlines offer international flights from Fort Lauderdale Airport?
Yes. Southwest currently sells international itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, including service to destinations such as Cancún and Nassau. Routes and frequencies can change, so check Southwest’s current schedule for your travel date.
How much does Southwest charge for checked bags at FLL?
For most U.S. mainland Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred travel booked, ticketed, or changed on or after April 9, 2026, the first checked bag is $45 and the second is $55. Choice Extra, A-List Preferred, A-List, eligible Southwest credit cardmembers, active-duty military customers, and some companions can receive different benefits.
Does Southwest still use open seating at Fort Lauderdale?
No. Southwest transitioned to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. Flights now use boarding Groups 1 through 8 instead of the old A/B/C numbered-position system.
Is there a Southwest lounge in Terminal 1 at FLL?
No. Southwest does not operate a lounge at FLL. Terminal 1 has a United Club in Concourse C with its own access requirements. The Escape Lounge is located after security in Terminal 3, not Terminal 1.
What amenities are available in Terminal 1?
Terminal 1 offers restaurants, quick-service food, retail shops, free airport Wi-Fi, charging locations, restrooms, family facilities, and post-security access among Concourses A, B, and C.
Is there a designated Southwest check-in area at Fort Lauderdale Airport?
Yes. Southwest has ticket-counter and self-service check-in facilities in Terminal 1. The counter opens 90 minutes before the first Southwest departure of the day, and checked bags must be accepted at least 45 minutes before departure.
Sources
- Southwest Airlines: Airport Information — Terminal 1 assignment, current gates, arrival-time guidance, ticket-counter hours, and FLL bag-drop cutoff.
- Southwest Airlines: Assigned Seating — January 27, 2026 assigned-seating change, fare seating benefits, family boarding, and Groups 1-8.
- Southwest Airlines: Optional Travel Charges — current checked-bag fees, carry-on policy, status benefits, cardmember benefits, and additional-bag charges.
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport: Where Is My Airline? — current Terminal 1 airline assignments and airport terminal information.
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport: Public Transportation — Broward County Transit and Tri-Rail connections.
- Transportation Security Administration: TSA ConfirmID — current alternative identity-verification process for travelers without acceptable ID.
