Last Updated on July 29, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal 1 at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), but its flights can depart from either the B or C gates. Knowing where to check in, when to drop bags, which security checkpoint to use, and where to meet a ride can save valuable time on travel day. This updated guide covers the full Terminal 1 process.
Quick Answer
Southwest Airlines checks in at Terminal 1 at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Its Las Vegas flights use B and C gates, so confirm the exact gate in the Southwest app or on airport screens. Check bags at Terminal 1 and meet Southwest’s 45-minute checked-bag cutoff.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest ticketing, check-in, bag drop, and baggage claim are in Terminal 1.
- Southwest currently lists departure gates in both Concourse B and Concourse C.
- For U.S. mainland bookings ticketed or changed on or after April 9, 2026, standard first- and second-bag fees are generally $45 and $55, although several fares and loyalty benefits include free bags.
- All Southwest flights use assigned seating and boarding Groups 1 through 8.
- A free courtesy shuttle connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 about every 20 to 30 minutes.
At a Glance
| Southwest Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Departure Gates | B and C gates; check your boarding pass for the exact gate |
| Checked-Bag Deadline | At least 45 minutes before scheduled departure |
| Recommended Arrival | LAS advises 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights |
| Terminal Transfer | Free shuttle every 20 to 30 minutes |
Which Terminal Does Southwest Use at LAS?
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal 1 at Harry Reid International Airport. Use Terminal 1 for Southwest ticketing, check-in, self-tagging kiosks, bag drop, and baggage claim. The airport’s official airlines page lists Southwest in Terminal 1.
Which Gates Does Southwest Use in Las Vegas?
Southwest’s official LAS airport information currently lists flights in Concourse B and Concourse C. The listed gates are B9–B12, B14–B15, C1–C5, C7–C9, C11–C12, C14, C16, C19, and C21. Gate assignments can change, so use the Southwest app and airport departure screens as the final source.
Note: “Terminal 1” tells you where to check in. Your B or C gate tells you which concourse to follow after security.
Southwest Check-In, Bag Drop, and Bag Fees at LAS
You can check in through the Southwest app or Southwest.com beginning 24 hours before departure. At Terminal 1, use a self-tagging kiosk or the staffed Southwest counter if you need to check luggage or get help.
Southwest Bag-Drop Cutoff at LAS
Southwest states that all checked bags at LAS must be accepted at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure. Reaching the terminal 45 minutes before departure is not enough because you still need time to tag the bag, wait in line, clear security, and reach the gate.
Current Southwest Checked-Bag Fees
For U.S. mainland travel booked and ticketed or voluntarily changed on or after April 9, 2026, Southwest’s current optional travel charges list standard fees of $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares.
- Choice Extra: two checked bags are included.
- A-List: the first checked bag is included; the second is $35.
- A-List Preferred: two checked bags are included.
- Eligible Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers: the first checked bag is included for the cardmember and qualifying passengers on the same reservation.
- Active-duty military customers: two checked bags are included under Southwest’s published fee table.
Warning: Bag charges depend on the ticketing or change date, fare, route, status, and card benefits. Check the baggage allowance shown in your reservation before leaving for LAS.
Southwest Assigned Seating and Boarding Groups
Southwest changed from open seating to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. Its current system uses boarding Groups 1 through 8 instead of the former A, B, and C positions.
- Basic fares: a Standard seat is normally assigned at check-in, unless a qualifying tier or credit card benefit allows earlier selection.
- Choice fares: customers can choose an available Standard seat when booking.
- Choice Preferred fares: customers can choose an available Preferred or Standard seat when booking.
- Choice Extra fares: customers can choose an available seat, including Extra Legroom, when booking.
Your boarding pass will show both your seat and boarding group. Review Southwest’s official assigned-seating guide if you are unsure which seats your fare includes.
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Which Security Checkpoint Should Southwest Passengers Use?
LAS has three security checkpoints in Terminal 1: A/B Gates, C Gates, and C/D Gates. The airport identifies the C Gates checkpoint with Southwest Airlines. Current published hours are 3:15 a.m. to 1 a.m. for A/B Gates, 3:05 a.m. to 10 p.m. for C Gates, and 24 hours for C/D Gates.
Follow signs for the concourse shown on your boarding pass. Checkpoint hours and lane availability can change, so review the airport’s security page and live wait times before travel.
Pro Tip: Enable Southwest app notifications before leaving for the airport. The app can send gate-change, boarding, and day-of-travel alerts.
Food, Shops, Wi-Fi, and Seating in Terminal 1
Terminal 1 has restaurants, coffee shops, convenience stores, charging stations, and airport-provided Wi-Fi. Use the airport’s dining and shopping directory to filter choices by the B or C gates.
Go to your gate area before ordering a meal. This keeps you close enough to notice a gate change and helps you judge how much time you have before boarding.
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Shuttle Between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are separate buildings. LAS operates a free courtesy shuttle between them approximately every 20 to 30 minutes.
- Terminal 1 pickup: go from baggage claim down to Level Zero, exit the building, and cross toward the covered parking garage shuttle stop.
- Terminal 3 pickup: use the Level Zero stop in the center of the curb.
Check the airport’s inter-terminal shuttle page for current pickup instructions.
Pro Tip: Add at least 30 minutes if you must move between terminals. The shuttle may not arrive immediately, and you may need to clear security again.
Southwest Arrivals, Baggage Claim, and Pickup at LAS
Southwest baggage claim is in Terminal 1. Follow the arrival screens to the assigned carousel because carousel numbers can change.
- Passenger pickup: Level 1 of the Terminal 1 parking garage, across from the terminal.
- Taxis: outside Terminal 1 baggage claim on the east side near doors 1–4.
- Uber and Lyft: the designated ride-share area on Level 2 of the Terminal 1 parking garage.
Use the airport’s official taxi and ride-share directions before meeting your driver.
Quick Tips for Your Travel Day
- Use Terminal 1 for Southwest check-in and checked bags.
- LAS advises arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
- Finish checking bags at least 45 minutes before departure.
- Check your B or C gate in the Southwest app before entering security and again after screening.
- Keep your boarding pass open with your assigned seat and boarding group visible.
- Use the airport’s live security wait times as a guide, not as a reason to arrive later.
Brief History: Southwest at Las Vegas
Southwest began Las Vegas service on January 31, 1982. The airport was officially renamed from McCarran International Airport to Harry Reid International Airport on December 14, 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal is Southwest Airlines at Las Vegas Airport?
Southwest uses Terminal 1 at Harry Reid International Airport for ticketing, check-in, bag drop, and baggage claim.
Which gates does Southwest use at LAS?
Southwest currently lists gates in Concourse B and Concourse C. Check your boarding pass, the Southwest app, and airport screens because the exact gate can change.
How early should I arrive for a Southwest flight at LAS?
Harry Reid International Airport advises arriving two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Allow more time during holidays, major events, and peak travel periods.
How much are Southwest checked bags in 2026?
For U.S. mainland bookings ticketed or changed on or after April 9, 2026, standard fees are generally $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Free-bag benefits may apply.
Does Southwest use assigned seating now?
Yes. Southwest moved to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. Seat-selection timing depends on your fare, Rapid Rewards status, and eligible credit card benefits.
Is there a shuttle between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 at LAS?
Yes. LAS operates a free courtesy shuttle between the terminals about every 20 to 30 minutes. Pickup is on Level Zero at both terminals.
Where is ride-share pickup for Southwest arrivals at LAS?
Follow signs from Terminal 1 baggage claim to the designated Uber and Lyft pickup area on Level 2 of the Terminal 1 parking garage.
Plan Ahead and You’ll Be Fine
Terminal 1 is the starting point for Southwest at LAS, but your flight may use a B or C gate. Check in before arriving, confirm your baggage allowance, meet the 45-minute bag cutoff, and watch the Southwest app for gate updates. A little planning makes the airport much easier to navigate.
Sources
- Harry Reid International Airport — Airlines — confirms Southwest’s Terminal 1 location.
- Southwest Airlines — Airport Information — confirms LAS gates, check-in timing, amenities, and the checked-bag cutoff.
- Southwest Airlines — Optional Travel Charges — confirms current baggage fees and free-bag exceptions.
- Southwest Airlines — Assigned Seating — confirms assigned seats and boarding Groups 1 through 8.
- Harry Reid International Airport — Security at LAS — confirms Terminal 1 checkpoint locations and published hours.
- Harry Reid International Airport — Inter-Terminal Shuttle — confirms shuttle frequency and pickup locations.
