Last Updated on July 28, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal 1 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for check-in, baggage services, security screening, and most departures. Travelers on a Southwest international itinerary should still begin at Terminal 1, although LAX may transport them by bus to Terminal B for the international departure or arrival process.
Quick Answer
Southwest Airlines is at Terminal 1 at LAX. Check in, drop bags, and pass through security there. Southwest international passengers also check in at Terminal 1 but may be bused to Terminal B. Confirm the terminal and gate in the Southwest app or on your boarding pass before traveling.
Key Takeaways
- Terminal: Southwest check-in and regular operations are based in LAX Terminal 1.
- International flights: Check in at Terminal 1; passengers may be transported to or from Terminal B.
- Seating: Southwest now uses assigned seats and a group-based boarding system.
- Rideshare pickup: Standard Uber, Lyft, taxi, and Opoli pickups use the LAX-it area rather than the normal Terminal 1 curb.
- Timing: Plan to arrive about two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
- Construction: Check the live LAX Terminal 1 page before leaving because roadway and sidewalk access can change.
Southwest Airlines at LAX: Terminal 1 at a Glance
Terminal 1 at a Glance
| Southwest terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Published gates | Gates 9, 11A–11B, 12A–12B, 13–16, 17A–17B, and 18A–18B; always verify your current gate |
| International Southwest flights | Check in at Terminal 1; LAX may bus passengers to or from Terminal B |
| Recommended arrival | About 2 hours before domestic travel or 3 hours before international travel |
| Ride-app and taxi pickup | LAX-it for standard Uber, Lyft, taxi, and Opoli pickups |
| FlyAway bus | Union Station and Van Nuys routes; board outside terminals on the Lower/Arrivals Level |
| Wi-Fi | Complimentary airport Wi-Fi is available |
Warning: Terminal and gate assignments can change because of operating needs, construction, or irregular operations. Check your Southwest boarding pass, the Southwest app, and the official LAX terminal information before entering airport traffic.
Where to Check In for Southwest at LAX
Southwest ticketing, check-in, bag service, and security screening are in Terminal 1. The terminal is on the east side of LAX’s central terminal loop and is the first passenger terminal drivers reach after entering the airport roadway.
Southwest publishes Terminal 1 gates 9, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17A, 17B, 18A, and 18B for its LAX operation. Gate assignments remain subject to change, so use the gate shown in the Southwest flight-status tool, app, or current boarding pass.
Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of your boarding pass after checking in. It gives you a backup if the airport is crowded or your phone temporarily loses its data connection.
Southwest International Flights at LAX
Southwest international passengers should not go directly to Terminal B unless the airline specifically instructs them to do so. According to LAX, Southwest international travelers check in at Terminal 1 and are then bused to Terminal B, where international flights depart or arrive.
Allow extra time for the bus transfer, document checks, baggage processing, and any international arrival formalities. Follow Southwest and airport signs rather than trying to walk to a departure gate that is accessible only through the airline’s transfer process.
When to Arrive, Check In, and Drop Bags
LAX recommends arriving about two hours before a domestic departure and three hours before an international departure. Add more time during holidays, early-morning rushes, evening peaks, major events, severe weather, or periods of airport construction.
You can check in using the Southwest app or website before reaching the airport. Terminal 1 also has self-service kiosks and staffed ticket counters for boarding passes, document checks, bag tags, and passenger assistance.
- Confirm that the name on your reservation matches your identification.
- Check your flight status before entering LAX traffic.
- Allow time to print bag tags and hand checked luggage to an agent.
- Keep medication, identification, keys, travel documents, and valuables in your carry-on or personal item.
- Proceed to the gate soon after security because boarding times and gate assignments can change.
Southwest Now Uses Assigned Seating
Southwest’s former open-seating process is no longer current. The airline began operating assigned seating on January 27, 2026 and now boards passengers in groups based on factors that can include seat location, fare type, loyalty status, and eligible card benefits.
Seat selection depends on the fare purchased. For example, a Basic fare generally receives a Standard seat at check-in, while Choice and higher fare bundles provide broader seat-selection benefits. Review the current Southwest assigned-seating guide for the rules attached to your fare.
Current Southwest Checked-Bag Fees
Do not assume that every Southwest ticket includes two free checked bags. For mainland travel booked or changed on or after April 9, 2026, Southwest lists a $45 first-bag fee and $55 second-bag fee for Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra includes two checked bags. A-List status, eligible Southwest credit cards, active-duty military travel, and other exceptions can change the amount owed.
Note: Baggage fees and benefits can change. Check Southwest’s official optional-travel-charges page using your fare type and travel date before packing.
History and Modernization of LAX Terminal 1
Terminal 1 was completed on January 23, 1984, shortly before Los Angeles hosted the 1984 Summer Olympics. It was therefore not opened in 1971, as older descriptions sometimes claim.
The building underwent a major multiyear modernization during the 2010s. Improvements included updated ticketing areas, security screening, baggage facilities, passenger seating, restrooms, and concessions.
LAX has also developed a $477.5 million Terminal 1 extension and vertical core. The project adds airport functions such as ticket counters, baggage carousels, restrooms, a bus port, a service-animal relief area, and a planned pedestrian connection to the central automated people-mover station.
Facilities and Amenities in Terminal 1
Terminal 1 provides the main services most passengers need before departure. The official terminal map identifies complimentary Wi-Fi, charging access, flight-information displays, restrooms, water facilities, ATMs, baggage services, and information assistance.
Family and Accessibility Facilities
Depending on your location within the terminal, available facilities include nursing space, baby-changing stations, family or all-gender restrooms, an adult changing room, elevators, accessible restrooms, and a service-animal relief area. The official map also identifies TSA PreCheck access and luggage carts near the arrivals level.
Passengers who need wheelchair or mobility assistance should arrange service with Southwest before travel when possible. LAX also provides accessible terminal-connection and ground-transportation services.
Wi-Fi and Device Charging
LAX provides complimentary airport Wi-Fi. Charging access is available in passenger areas, but outlets may be occupied during busy periods. Charge devices before leaving home and carry an airline-approved portable battery in your carry-on rather than in checked baggage.
Southwest Operations and Services in Terminal 1
Southwest provides app-based and online check-in, self-service airport tools, staffed counters, baggage services, flight-status updates, and passenger assistance at LAX. The airline’s app can also provide boarding reminders, gate information, baggage tools, and notifications when operational changes occur.
The number of flights and destinations changes by season and schedule period. For that reason, a fixed claim such as “100 flights” or “100 destinations” is not reliable. Use Southwest’s live Los Angeles route page to view current destinations and available dates.
Getting to and From Southwest Terminal 1
Dropping Off a Departing Passenger
Private vehicles, taxis, and ride-app drivers can drop departing passengers at the Upper/Departures Level. Follow signs for Terminal 1 and Southwest Airlines, but do not stop in a traffic lane or wait at the curb after the passenger exits.
Warning: As of July 2026, LAX warns that much of the Terminal 1 Upper/Departures drop-off lane is closed and that sidewalks are affected by construction. Review the live Terminal 1 page and follow temporary signs on arrival.
Uber, Lyft, Taxi, and Opoli Pickup
Standard ride-app and taxi pickups for arriving passengers use LAX-it. Terminal 1 is the closest passenger terminal to the LAX-it area, so many travelers can follow the marked pedestrian route. A free accessible LAX-it shuttle is also available from stops on the Lower/Arrivals Level.
Ride-app and taxi drop-offs for departing flights still take place at the passenger terminal. The LAX-it rule mainly affects passengers leaving LAX after arrival.
Personal-Vehicle Pickup
A friend or family member may pick up an arriving passenger at the designated Lower/Arrivals curb, but the driver cannot park or wait at the terminal curb. The passenger should collect all bags and call the driver only when ready to be picked up. Drivers who arrive early can use an official cell-phone waiting area or short-term terminal parking.
Parking Near Terminal 1
Central Terminal Area parking structures are located across from the passenger terminals and are suitable for short visits or convenient overnight parking. LAX Economy Parking is farther from the terminals and uses airport shuttles.
Parking prices, availability, shuttle stops, and roadway access can change. Check the official LAX parking page and consider reserving a space before busy travel periods.
FlyAway Bus
The LAX FlyAway bus currently operates regular routes between the airport and Union Station or Van Nuys. Passengers leaving LAX board on the Lower/Arrivals Level in front of each terminal at the blue FlyAway columns.
Schedules and travel times vary with Los Angeles traffic. Review the official FlyAway schedule before leaving for the stop.
Public Transportation
L.A. Metro and several municipal bus systems serve the LAX/Metro Transit Center. Follow current LAX signs and ground-transportation instructions for the connection between Terminal 1 and the transit center.
Because shuttle locations and airport access systems can change during construction, use the official LAX ground-transportation page on the day of travel.
Rental Cars
LAX opened its consolidated Rental Car Center in March 2026. Rental-car offices serving the airport are now located either at that center or at off-airport facilities. Follow the instructions from your rental company rather than looking for a rental desk inside Terminal 1.
Moving Between LAX Terminals
Passengers can walk between adjacent terminals using marked walkways or use the airport’s terminal-connection service from designated stops on the Lower/Arrivals Level. Allow extra time because the LAX terminal loop is large and construction can affect normal routes.
Before leaving the secure area, check whether an airside connection is available for your itinerary. Exiting security may require you to complete TSA screening again at the next terminal.
Dining and Shopping in Terminal 1
Dining Options
The official Terminal 1 map lists a mix of coffee, quick-service meals, snacks, and sit-down dining. Examples include Urth Caffé & Bar, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, Rock & Brews, California Pizza Kitchen, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Wetzel’s/Quench, and Reilly’s Irish Pub.
Restaurant hours can vary with flight schedules, staffing, and construction. Travelers on very early or late flights should not assume every concession will be open.
Shopping Options
Terminal 1’s published retail options include The New Stand, Treat Me Sweet, Sol Surf, I Love LA, Brookstone, MAC Cosmetics, Kiehl’s, Stellar News Express, and Hudson. These are standard airport shops rather than a guaranteed duty-free shopping area.
Concession names and locations may change. Consult the official Terminal 1 map or LAX’s interactive map for the latest layout.
What to Expect at Terminal 1
Terminal 1 has a straightforward ticketing-to-gate layout, but the experience depends heavily on the time of day. Security lines, bag-drop queues, curb traffic, restaurant waits, and gate seating are more crowded during peak travel periods.
Clear signs direct passengers toward ticketing, TSA screening, gates, baggage claim, and ground transportation. The most common avoidable problems are arriving too late, relying on an old gate screenshot, assuming rideshare pickup is at the terminal curb, or overlooking current baggage fees.
The safest plan is simple: confirm Terminal 1 and your gate before leaving, arrive with extra time, and use live LAX signs for construction and ground transportation.
Current Construction and Future Access Changes
LAX continues to modify roads, sidewalks, terminal connections, and passenger-access facilities. Terminal 1’s extension and vertical core are designed to improve ticketing, baggage handling, bus operations, restrooms, service-animal facilities, and future access to the airport’s central people-mover station.
Official LAX pages have not always been updated at the same time regarding people-mover access. Do not plan a connection around the train unless the current LAX transportation page confirms that the station and the route you need are operating.
Terminal 1 remains the correct starting point for Southwest passengers. Checking live information before departure is the best way to avoid outdated gate, roadway, shuttle, parking, and pickup instructions.
For authoritative terminal details, review the official LAX Terminal 1 guide before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal is Southwest Airlines at LAX?
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal 1 at LAX for check-in, baggage services, security screening, and most departures. Verify the current terminal and gate in the Southwest app or on your boarding pass.
Where do Southwest international flights depart at LAX?
Southwest international passengers check in at Terminal 1. LAX may then transport them by bus to Terminal B, where the international flight departs or arrives.
How early should I arrive for a Southwest flight at LAX?
Plan to arrive about two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Add extra time during holidays, peak periods, severe weather, or airport construction.
Does Southwest still use open seating?
No. Southwest began assigned seating on January 27, 2026. Seat-selection benefits and boarding priority now depend on the fare, seat type, loyalty status, and eligible card benefits.
Are checked bags free on Southwest at LAX?
Not for every traveler. As of July 2026, most mainland Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred bookings have first- and second-bag fees. Choice Extra and certain status, card, or military benefits may include free bags.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at Southwest Terminal 1?
Standard Uber and Lyft pickups use the LAX-it area. Terminal 1 is close to LAX-it, and passengers can follow the pedestrian route or use the free accessible shuttle from the Lower/Arrivals Level.
Can Uber or Lyft drop me off at Terminal 1?
Yes. Ride-app and taxi drivers may drop departing passengers at the terminal. Follow current signs because construction can change the normal Terminal 1 drop-off route.
Can I check in online for a Southwest flight from LAX?
Yes. You can check in through Southwest’s website or mobile app. Kiosks and staffed counters are also available in Terminal 1 for bag tags, boarding passes, document checks, and assistance.
What amenities are available in LAX Terminal 1?
Terminal 1 offers complimentary Wi-Fi, dining, retail, restrooms, nursing and baby-changing facilities, accessible services, water facilities, charging access, luggage carts, and a service-animal relief area.
Can I walk from Terminal 1 to another LAX terminal?
You can walk between terminals using marked pedestrian routes or use the terminal-connection service. Check whether you can remain on the secure side before exiting, because some transfers require another TSA screening.
Sources
- Southwest Airlines: Flights From Los Angeles — verifies Terminal 1, published gates, Wi-Fi, and current route information.
- Los Angeles World Airports: Terminal 1 — verifies current Terminal 1 facilities, construction, and extension details.
- LAX Terminal 1 Official Map — supports dining, retail, service, accessibility, and ground-transportation information.
- Southwest Assigned Seating — explains the current assigned-seat and fare-based selection system.
- Southwest Optional Travel Charges — supports current checked-bag fees and exceptions.
- LAX Ground Transportation — supports rideshare, taxi, transit, rental-car, parking, and construction guidance.
