Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines operates one of its largest flight schedules at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas. The airport was formerly called McCarran International Airport, so travelers may still see the old name in older articles, maps, and directions. Knowing the correct terminal, gate area, baggage rules, and pickup locations can make a busy Las Vegas travel day much easier.
Quick Answer
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal 1 at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. Its flights primarily use the C Gates, although gate assignments can change. Use Terminal 1 for Southwest ticketing and bag drop, check your boarding pass before leaving for the airport, and arrive at least two hours before a domestic departure.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest Airlines check-in, ticketing, and bag drop are in Terminal 1 at Harry Reid International Airport.
- Southwest primarily uses the C Gates, but passengers should always follow the terminal and gate shown on their boarding pass.
- Southwest changed from open seating to assigned seating on January 27, 2026.
- Most Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares no longer include free checked bags.
- LAS recommends arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
What Terminal Is Southwest Airlines at Las Vegas Airport?
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal 1 at Harry Reid International Airport. Southwest ticket counters, self-service kiosks, bag-drop positions, security access, and baggage claim services are available through Terminal 1.
Southwest flights mainly depart from the C Gates. The airport identifies its C Gates checkpoint as a Southwest Airlines checkpoint, although an individual flight may occasionally receive a different gate assignment because of operational needs.
Warning: Do not rely only on an old article, saved map, or previous trip. Check the Southwest app, your boarding pass, and the airport flight displays for the current terminal and gate before going through security.
| Airport | Harry Reid International Airport |
| Airport Code | LAS |
| Former Airport Name | McCarran International Airport |
| Southwest Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Primary Gate Area | C Gates; confirm the exact gate on your boarding pass |
| Recommended Arrival | At least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights |
| Southwest Phone | 1-800-435-9792 |
Southwest Check-In, Security, and Boarding at Terminal 1
Ticketing and Bag Drop
Follow the airport signs for Terminal 1 Departures. Southwest ticket counters and kiosks are in the Terminal 1 ticketing area. Passengers who have checked in online and are traveling only with carry-on items can usually proceed directly to security with a mobile or printed boarding pass.
If you are checking a bag, allow extra time for the bag-drop line. Verify the baggage cutoff time shown in your Southwest reservation because late bags may not be accepted even when the passenger can still reach the gate.
Security Checkpoints for the C Gates
Harry Reid International Airport has several security checkpoints. The airport lists a dedicated C Gates checkpoint for Southwest passengers and a C/D checkpoint that is open 24 hours. Checkpoint operating hours can change, so follow airport signs and staff instructions when you arrive.
The airport recommends arriving at least two hours before a domestic departure and three hours before an international departure. Busy weekends, conventions, major sporting events, holidays, and Sunday departure periods can produce longer lines.
Pro Tip: Check in through the Southwest app before leaving your hotel, save a screenshot of the boarding pass, and review the airport’s estimated security wait times. A screenshot remains easy to open if mobile service becomes slow inside the terminal.
Assigned Seating and Boarding Groups
Southwest no longer uses its former open-seating system. The airline moved to assigned seating on January 27, 2026, and now boards passengers in Groups 1 through 8.
- Extra Legroom seats: Located near the front of the aircraft and in qualifying exit rows, with more space than Standard seats.
- Preferred seats: Standard-legroom seats closer to the front of the cabin.
- Standard seats: Standard-legroom seats generally located farther back in the cabin.
- Basic fares: A Standard seat is normally assigned at check-in unless a qualifying status or card benefit applies.
- Choice and higher fares: Seat-selection options depend on the fare purchased and available inventory.
Review Southwest’s assigned-seating information before booking because seat benefits differ by fare, Rapid Rewards tier, and eligible credit-card status.
Southwest Baggage Rules at Las Vegas Airport
Southwest’s former universal “two bags fly free” policy no longer applies to most travelers. Baggage benefits now depend on the ticket, loyalty status, credit-card benefits, military eligibility, and booking date.
For U.S. mainland travel booked, ticketed, or voluntarily changed on or after April 9, 2026, Southwest lists the following standard checked-bag charges:
- Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred: $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second checked bag.
- Choice Extra: First and second standard checked bags are included.
- A-List Preferred: First and second standard checked bags are included for the member and qualifying passengers on the same reservation.
- A-List: The first standard checked bag is included; the second may require a fee.
- Eligible Southwest Rapid Rewards credit-card members: The first standard checked bag may be included when the required account information is attached to the reservation.
- Active-duty military travelers: Additional baggage benefits may apply under Southwest’s military policy.
A standard carry-on bag and one smaller personal item remain free for ticketed passengers, subject to Southwest’s size and storage requirements. Because fees and exceptions can change, check Southwest’s current optional travel charges before paying for or bringing checked baggage.
Note: A baggage benefit may depend on when the ticket was booked or changed, not only on the flight date. Open the baggage section of your reservation to confirm the allowance attached to your specific trip.
Getting to Southwest Airlines at Harry Reid International Airport
Driving, Parking, and Passenger Drop-Off
Drivers should follow signs for Terminal 1. Passenger drop-off takes place along the Terminal 1 departures curb. Drivers may not wait or park at the curb, so anyone picking up an arriving passenger should use the airport’s free Cell Phone Lot or Terminal 1 Short Term Parking until the passenger is ready.
Terminal 1 has adjacent short-term and long-term parking, an economy lot, valet service, and reserved-parking options. Parking availability and rates can change during holidays and major Las Vegas events, so review the Terminal 1 parking page before driving to the airport.
Uber and Lyft
Uber and Lyft drop passengers at the regular Terminal 1 departures curb. For pickup after an arriving flight, the Terminal 1 rideshare area is on Level 2 of the parking garage. From baggage claim, take the elevator near Door 2 to Level 2, cross the pedestrian bridge, and follow signs to the pickup area.
Public Transportation and Hotel Shuttles
The Terminal 1 public-bus stop is on Level Zero. From baggage claim, take an elevator or escalator down, cross the pedestrian walkway, and follow the signs to the covered RTC bus stop. Group and hotel shuttles use designated areas outside Terminal 1 baggage claim.
Transferring from Terminal 3
Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are in separate parts of the airport campus, and travelers cannot simply walk between them. The airport operates a free inter-terminal shuttle approximately every 20–30 minutes. At Terminal 3, the shuttle stop is on Level Zero. At Terminal 1, the stop is also on Level Zero near the parking garage.
Passengers who are already through security may also be able to use the airport’s tram system through the D Gates. Follow airport signs and ask an employee before using the tram because the best route depends on your current location and departure gate.
History and Growth of Southwest Airlines in Las Vegas
Southwest began serving Las Vegas in 1982. Its early schedule was much smaller, but the airline expanded as Las Vegas grew as a leisure, convention, sports, and entertainment destination.
Southwest now describes Las Vegas as one of the largest operations in its network. In May 2026, the airline said it was the largest carrier in the Las Vegas market and planned to introduce or increase service on 26 of its 81 Las Vegas routes through spring 2027.
The scale of the operation gives travelers a broad selection of departure times and connecting options. However, route frequencies vary by season, day of the week, and demand, so travelers should use Southwest’s live booking system rather than relying on an old route list.
Southwest Airlines’ Impact on the Las Vegas Economy
Air service is closely tied to the Las Vegas visitor economy. Harry Reid International Airport served nearly 55 million passengers in 2025 and connected Las Vegas with more than 170 markets. Those travelers support hotels, restaurants, conventions, entertainment venues, transportation providers, and retail businesses throughout Southern Nevada.
Southwest’s large Las Vegas schedule contributes to that activity by carrying both visitors and local residents. In its May 2026 expansion announcement, Southwest reported that it employed 5,306 people in Las Vegas, including flight crews, airport employees, maintenance personnel, and other work groups.
Southwest reported more than 5,300 Las Vegas-based employees while announcing additional service planned through spring 2027.
The airline’s economic effect extends beyond direct employment. A large flight network gives residents more travel choices and helps businesses bring customers, employees, convention visitors, and event attendees into the region.
Customer Services and Amenities for Southwest Passengers
Terminal 1 offers ticketing counters, self-service kiosks, baggage claim, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, charging locations, restrooms, family facilities, and ground-transportation access. Available businesses and operating hours vary by concourse and time of day.
Passengers departing from the C Gates can find food and beverage options after security. Travelers with eligible lounge access may also find premium lounge facilities in the C Gates area, but entry rules, guest policies, and operating hours depend on the lounge program.
Southwest passengers can use mobile check-in, mobile boarding passes, digital bag tracking, and the airline’s app for flight updates. Airport flight displays should also be checked because app notifications can occasionally arrive after an operational change has already appeared on airport screens.
| Service | What Southwest Passengers Should Know |
|---|---|
| Check-In | Mobile check-in, kiosks, and staffed counters are available. |
| Security | Use the C Gates or another open checkpoint shown by airport signs. |
| Seating | Southwest uses assigned Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seats. |
| Carry-On Items | One qualifying carry-on and one qualifying personal item are included. |
| Checked Bags | Fees apply to most fares; benefits vary by fare, status, card, and eligibility. |
| Dining and Shopping | Options are available before and after security, with hours varying by location. |
Southwest Routes and Destinations From Las Vegas
Las Vegas is one of Southwest’s largest operating locations. In May 2026, the airline said it served 81 routes to and from LAS and planned to add or increase service on 26 of them through spring 2027.
The network includes short-haul western routes, transcontinental flights, overnight departures, and connecting opportunities across the Southwest system. Southwest also introduced new international Las Vegas service in 2026, including scheduled Mexico routes.
Destinations, frequencies, and seasonal operating dates can change. Before planning a trip around a particular nonstop flight, search the exact date on Southwest’s website and confirm whether the route operates daily, seasonally, or only on selected days.
Southwest Airlines’ Environmental Initiatives
Southwest publishes company-wide environmental goals rather than a separate set of commitments limited to Harry Reid International Airport. Its current “Nonstop to Net Zero” strategy covers carbon emissions, fuel efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel, ground equipment, materials, and waste.
Southwest’s published goals include:
- Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 within the scope described by the airline.
- Reducing carbon-emissions intensity by 25% by 2030 compared with its stated 2019 baseline.
- Replacing 10% of total jet-fuel consumption with sustainable aviation fuel by 2030.
- Saving 100 million gallons of jet fuel through efficiency initiatives between 2025 and 2030.
- Reducing single-use plastics from inflight service by 70% by weight by 2030 compared with its stated baseline.
- Electrifying 50% of eligible ground-support equipment systemwide by 2035.
These are airline-wide targets and should not be interpreted as proof that every program operates at every airport. Current goals, definitions, exclusions, and progress information are available on Southwest’s environmental sustainability page.
Future Southwest Developments in Las Vegas
Southwest continues to treat Las Vegas as a major focus city. In May 2026, the airline announced plans to reach a record-high daily departure count during its 45th year of Las Vegas service and to begin service between Las Vegas and 10 additional airports by spring 2027.
The plan also included added frequencies on existing routes. More departure times can improve flexibility for local passengers and visitors, but announced schedules remain subject to demand, aircraft availability, government approvals, and operational changes.
Terminal facilities may also change as Harry Reid International Airport completes modernization and capacity projects. Travelers should use the current airport map and airline app for each trip instead of assuming that a previous gate, checkpoint, or pickup route remains unchanged.
Southwest Airlines’ Presence at Harry Reid International Airport
Southwest Airlines remains a major part of air travel in Las Vegas. Its Terminal 1 operation, large route network, assigned-seat product, and frequent departures give passengers many options, but several well-known Southwest policies have changed.
The most important points are simple: go to Terminal 1, confirm the C Gate or other assigned gate on your boarding pass, arrive early, and review the baggage and seating benefits attached to your fare. Those checks can prevent the most common terminal, boarding, and fee surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal does Southwest Airlines use in Las Vegas?
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal 1 at Harry Reid International Airport. Ticketing, check-in, bag drop, and baggage claim services are handled through Terminal 1.
Which gates does Southwest use at Harry Reid Airport?
Southwest primarily uses the C Gates. Gate assignments can change, so use the gate shown in the Southwest app, on your boarding pass, and on airport flight displays.
How early should I arrive for a Southwest flight from Las Vegas?
Harry Reid International Airport recommends arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Allow more time during holidays, conventions, major events, and other busy periods.
Does Southwest still have open seating?
No. Southwest changed to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. The airline now offers Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seats and boards passengers in Groups 1 through 8.
Does Southwest still include two free checked bags?
Not for most fares. Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares generally have checked-bag fees. Choice Extra, A-List Preferred, qualifying military travelers, and some other eligible customers receive additional baggage benefits.
How do I transfer from Terminal 3 to Southwest in Terminal 1?
Use the airport’s free inter-terminal shuttle, which normally runs approximately every 20–30 minutes. Travelers who are already through security may have a tram option through the D Gates, depending on their location.
Where is Uber or Lyft pickup for Southwest arrivals?
Terminal 1 rideshare pickup is on Level 2 of the parking garage. From baggage claim, take the elevator near Door 2, cross the pedestrian bridge, and follow the rideshare signs.
Can someone who is not flying enter Terminal 1?
Public pre-security areas such as ticketing, baggage claim, and designated dining or retail areas may be accessible to non-passengers. The gate concourses are beyond TSA security and are limited to screened travelers and other authorized people.
Sources
- Harry Reid International Airport Airline Directory — confirms Southwest’s Terminal 1 location.
- Security at Harry Reid International Airport — confirms the C Gates Southwest checkpoint and airport arrival guidance.
- Harry Reid International Airport Inter-Terminal Shuttle — provides Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 transfer instructions.
- Southwest Assigned Seating — explains assigned seats, seat types, and the current boarding system.
- Southwest Optional Travel Charges — provides current checked-bag fees, fare benefits, and exceptions.
- Southwest Las Vegas Expansion Announcement — supports the airline’s Las Vegas history, route scale, employment, and planned growth.