Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (SAN). The new terminal contains Southwest check-in facilities, baggage claim, security access, and departure gates. Because gate assignments, flight schedules, and airline fees can change, check your boarding pass or the Southwest app before traveling to the airport.
Quick Answer
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport. Check in and drop bags at Terminal 1, then use its main security checkpoint. Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight or three hours before an international flight, and confirm your exact gate before leaving home.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest check-in, baggage claim, security, and gates are in Terminal 1 at SAN.
- Southwest now uses assigned seats and boarding Groups 1 through 8, not open seating or A/B/C groups.
- Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares may have checked-bag fees; two free bags are no longer included for every passenger.
- TSA PreCheck is available at the Terminal 1 checkpoint for eligible travelers.
- Southwest offers both domestic and international service from San Diego, although routes and frequencies can change.
Southwest Airlines Terminal at San Diego Airport
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport. The Terminal 1 address is 3301 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA. Follow roadway signs for Terminal 1 as you approach the airport.
The first 19-gate phase of San Diego’s new Terminal 1 opened in September 2025. It replaced the original Terminal 1 with larger security facilities, more dining and shopping space, modern waiting areas, and improved ground transportation access. Additional construction is continuing as the airport expands Terminal 1 toward 30 gates.
You can confirm Southwest’s current terminal on the SAN airline and terminal directory. Your exact departure gate may change, so use the Southwest app, your mobile boarding pass, or airport information screens for the final gate assignment.
Pro Tip: Do not rely on an old screenshot or previously used gate number. Terminal construction and daily aircraft assignments can change where a Southwest flight boards.
Southwest at SAN: At a Glance
| Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Address | 3301 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA |
| Security | One main Terminal 1 checkpoint; TSA PreCheck is available |
| Current Boarding System | Assigned seats and Groups 1–8 |
| Recommended Arrival | At least 2 hours before domestic flights or 3 hours before international flights |
| Exact Gate | Check the Southwest app, boarding pass, or airport displays |
Check-In and Baggage Drop
You can check in for a Southwest flight through the airline’s website or mobile app beginning 24 hours before the scheduled departure. A mobile boarding pass can usually be saved to your phone before you reach the airport.
Terminal 1 also has Southwest self-service kiosks and staffed ticket counters. Kiosks can be used to print boarding passes, create bag tags, and pay eligible baggage fees. Some special reservations, document checks, oversized items, and international itineraries may require help from a Southwest employee.
Current Southwest Checked-Bag Fees
Southwest no longer includes two free checked bags with every ticket. For U.S. mainland travel booked, ticketed, or voluntarily changed on or after April 9, 2026, the airline publishes the following standard fees:
| Traveler or Fare Type | First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag |
| Basic, Choice, or Choice Preferred | $45 | $55 |
| Choice Extra | Free | Free |
| Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred | Free | Free |
| Rapid Rewards A-List or eligible Southwest credit cardmember | Free, subject to benefit terms | Applicable standard fee |
Active-duty military travelers and passengers on certain vacation packages may receive different allowances. Partner-operated itineraries, Hawaii interisland flights, oversized bags, overweight bags, and extra bags can also have different prices. Review the current Southwest optional travel charges for the exact allowance attached to your reservation.
Warning: Southwest considers baggage presented 45 minutes or less before the scheduled or posted departure time to be late-checked. A late bag may not travel on the same flight, so do not treat the 45-minute point as your target arrival time.
Security Checkpoint and TSA PreCheck
Terminal 1 has one main passenger security checkpoint after ticketing. Screening demand changes throughout the day, especially during early-morning, holiday, and weekend departure periods. Build extra time into your schedule instead of relying on a fixed wait-time estimate.
TSA PreCheck is available in Terminal 1. Eligible passengers should add their Known Traveler Number to the Southwest reservation before check-in and confirm that the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the boarding pass.
| Feature | Standard Screening | TSA PreCheck |
| Eligibility | Available to ticketed passengers | Requires approval and a qualifying boarding pass |
| Shoes, belt, and light jacket | Follow the officer’s instructions | Usually remain on |
| Laptop and compliant liquids | May need to be removed | Usually remain in the bag |
Note: TSA can change screening procedures for security or operational reasons. Always follow the instructions given at the checkpoint, even when using TSA PreCheck.
Dining and Shopping in Terminal 1
The new Terminal 1 opened with more than 90,000 square feet of concession space, including 12 food-and-beverage locations and five specialty retail stores. Choices include quick snacks, coffee, full meals, local San Diego food, and travel essentials.
Examples announced for Terminal 1 include Better Buzz, Cutwater Restaurant & Bar, Lofty Coffee, Luna Grill, McDonald’s, Parfait Paris, The Taco Stand, and Market Hall. Individual operating hours may not cover every early-morning or late-night flight, so check the SAN shop-and-dine directory before depending on a specific restaurant.
Retail locations sell books, snacks, beverages, souvenirs, personal-care products, and common travel supplies. Buying food after security is usually easier than carrying a full meal through the checkpoint, but TSA rules permit many solid foods in carry-on bags.
Lounges and Terminal Amenities
Southwest does not operate a dedicated lounge at San Diego International Airport. SAN’s currently listed Aspire Lounge, Chase Sapphire Lounge, Delta Sky Club, and United Club locations are in Terminal 2 rather than Terminal 1.
Do not plan to visit a Terminal 2 lounge immediately before a Southwest departure without checking its admission rules and allowing substantial time for terminal transportation and security. A lounge membership or eligible credit card does not guarantee practical access from Terminal 1.
Verified Terminal 1 amenities include:
- Free airport Wi-Fi in renewable two-hour sessions.
- Charging outlets and portable charging stations.
- Nursing and lactation rooms.
- Indoor and outdoor pet-relief areas.
- Information services near baggage claim.
- Accessible restrooms, elevators, and passenger-assistance services.
Current Southwest Boarding and Seating Process
Southwest ended open seating on January 27, 2026. Passengers now receive assigned seats and board in Groups 1 through 8.
Most Southwest passengers can select a seat when booking, depending on the fare, seat type, Rapid Rewards status, and eligible credit-card benefits. Basic-fare passengers are generally assigned a seat at check-in unless an applicable status or cardmember benefit allows earlier selection.
Boarding-group placement depends on factors that can include fare type, loyalty status, credit-card benefits, seat type, and cabin location. Southwest no longer uses its former A, B, and C boarding groups with numbered positions.
At the gate, watch the information screens and listen for your boarding group. Southwest may begin boarding around 30 minutes before departure. Have your boarding pass ready and arrive at the gate before boarding begins, especially when carrying a roller bag that needs overhead-bin space.
See Southwest’s assigned-seating information for current fare and seat-selection details.
Connecting Flights and Terminal Transfers
Many Southwest connections at SAN remain within Terminal 1. Check both flight segments because the arrival and departure gates can change during irregular operations.
If your itinerary requires movement between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, use SAN’s inter-terminal shuttle. Construction has affected the roadway and pedestrian route between the terminals, and the airport recommends the shuttle for pedestrians moving between them.
Warning: Do not assume that a terminal transfer will remain entirely behind security. Confirm the connection procedure with Southwest and allow time for shuttle travel, possible security screening, and construction-related detours.
Accessibility and Special Assistance
Wheelchair assistance at SAN is arranged through the airline. Contact Southwest before travel when assistance is needed at check-in, security, the gate, boarding, or baggage claim. Advance notice gives the airline more time to coordinate the service.
SAN also offers SAN Assist for travelers with non-visible disabilities, including autism and certain chronic conditions. Travel Guide requests should generally be submitted at least three business days ahead. Familiarization tours should normally be requested two to three weeks before the desired date and are subject to availability.
Accessible restrooms and elevators are available in Terminal 1. Indoor and outdoor animal-relief areas are also available for service animals and pets. Travelers who need help at the TSA checkpoint can contact TSA Cares before the trip.
Ground Transportation and Parking
Rideshare and Taxi Pickup
Uber, Lyft, and other authorized ride services can drop passengers at Terminal 1. For pickup after arrival, exit baggage claim and use the pedestrian crosswalk to reach the signed Terminal 1 rideshare area. Follow current curbside signs because pickup zones can shift during construction.
Public Transportation
MTS Route 992 serves both airport terminals and connects SAN with downtown transit stops. The airport lists service approximately every 15 minutes from 4:15 a.m. until midnight. Connections are available to the San Diego Trolley, COASTER, Amtrak, and other bus routes.
The San Diego Trolley does not stop directly at the airport. Travelers can connect to it by using Route 992 or the free San Diego Flyer.
The free electric San Diego Flyer runs between SAN and Old Town Transit Center. The airport lists service every 20 to 30 minutes, seven days a week, from approximately 4:45 a.m. until 12:30 a.m.
Terminal 1 Parking
The Terminal 1 Parking Plaza is directly across from Terminal 1. As of July 2026, SAN publishes a rate of $3 per 15 minutes with a $40 daily maximum. Parking prices and promotions can change, so verify the current rate and reserve in advance through the official SAN parking page.
Drivers waiting for an arriving passenger can use SAN’s free cell phone lot at 2311 McCain Road for up to one hour. Wait until the passenger has collected baggage and is ready at the curb before entering the terminal roadway.
Tips for a Smooth Southwest Departure from SAN
- Check the terminal and gate before leaving home. Southwest uses Terminal 1, but the gate can change.
- Arrive early. Allow at least two hours for domestic trips and three hours for international trips.
- Check in through the Southwest app. Save the boarding pass and review your assigned seat and boarding group.
- Verify your baggage benefit. Do not assume that two checked bags are free.
- Add your Known Traveler Number. Confirm that TSA PreCheck appears on the boarding pass before entering the expedited lane.
- Allow extra roadway time. Terminal construction, peak-hour traffic, and rideshare demand can slow airport access.
- Bring required international documents. A flight to Mexico requires appropriate identification and entry documents even though it departs from Terminal 1.
- Review the flight status. Check the Southwest app again before passing through security and while waiting at the gate.
For information about this website’s policies, review the terms and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal is Southwest Airlines at San Diego Airport?
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport. Check your boarding pass or the Southwest app for the exact gate.
How early should I arrive for a Southwest flight from SAN?
San Diego International Airport recommends arriving at least two hours before a domestic departure and three hours before an international departure. Add more time during holidays, early-morning rush periods, or when checking bags.
Does Southwest offer international flights from San Diego?
Yes. Southwest sells international service from San Diego to destinations that include Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta. Routes, frequencies, and seasonal operating dates can change, so confirm availability for your travel date.
Does Southwest still use open seating at SAN?
No. Southwest changed to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. Passengers now board in Groups 1 through 8 instead of the former A, B, and C system.
Are two checked bags still free on Southwest?
Not for every passenger. Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares generally have checked-bag fees on qualifying mainland bookings. Choice Extra, A-List Preferred, active-duty military, and some other eligible travelers may receive free checked bags.
Is TSA PreCheck available in Terminal 1 at SAN?
Yes. TSA PreCheck is available at the Terminal 1 security checkpoint. Add your Known Traveler Number to the reservation and make sure the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on your boarding pass.
Sources
- San Diego International Airport: Airlines and Terminal Locations — confirms Southwest’s Terminal 1 location.
- Southwest Airlines: Flights From San Diego — confirms current Southwest operations and available destinations from SAN.
- Southwest Airlines: Assigned Seating — explains the assigned-seat and Groups 1–8 boarding system.
- Southwest Airlines: Optional Travel Charges — provides current checked-bag fees and exemptions.
- San Diego International Airport: Security and TSA Information — confirms Terminal 1 security and TSA PreCheck availability.
- SAN Public Transportation, Ride Services, and Parking Information — support the bus, shuttle, rideshare, and parking guidance.