Last Updated on July 24, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Getting through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Southwest Airlines is straightforward when you know where to go. Southwest Airlines operates its primary domestic departure and check-in hub out of Terminal 1. Whether you are catching a short West Coast hop or an international flight, understanding how Terminal 1 works—from check-in counters and security lanes to ground transport and connecting walkways—will save you time and eliminate airport stress.
Quick Answer
Southwest Airlines operates out of Terminal 1 at LAX for all domestic departures, domestic arrivals, and international check-in. However, incoming international Southwest flights land at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) for customs clearance. Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic departures and 3 hours before international flights.
At a Glance
| LAX Terminal | Terminal 1 (T1) — Departures & Domestic Arrivals Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) — International Arrivals only |
| Arrival Buffer | 2 Hours (Domestic) | 3 Hours (International) |
| Check-In Cutoffs | Bag Drop: 45 min before flight (Domestic), 60 min (International) |
| Security Options | Standard TSA, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, LAX Fast Lane |
Key Takeaways
- Southwest operates ticketing, bag drop, TSA security, and departures out of LAX Terminal 1.
- Arriving international Southwest passengers clear U.S. Customs & Border Protection at Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) before connecting back to T1.
- Online check-in opens 24 hours before flight departure on the Southwest app or website.
- Airside post-security walkways connect Terminal 1 to Terminals 2, 3, and TBIT without requiring re-screening.
- Parking Structure 1 (P1) and the LAX-it rideshare lot serve Terminal 1 directly.
What’s in This Article
- What the Southwest Airlines Terminal at LAX Looks Like
- How to Check In for Southwest Flights at LAX
- International Flights: Departures vs. Arrivals at LAX
- Bag Drop and Security Check
- Special Assistance Options at Terminal 1
- Terminal 1 Dining, Amenities, and Lounges
- Ground Transportation and Parking at Terminal 1
- Connecting Flights and Airside Walkways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What the Southwest Airlines Terminal at LAX Looks Like
Terminal 1 sits on the north side of the LAX horseshoe loop. It handles all Southwest Airlines ticket sales, baggage handling, and departure gate operations. When you enter the upper departures level, a broad ticketing hall features self-service kiosks, dedicated bag-drop lines, and full-service counter agents.
Ground Level vs. Departure Level
Terminal 1 is split into two primary operational levels:
- Upper Level (Departures): Houses Southwest ticketing, passenger check-in kiosks, bag drop counters, TSA security screening checkpoints, and departure gates 9 through 18B.
- Lower Level (Arrivals): Contains baggage claim carousels, ground transportation exits, passenger pickup curbs, and access to airport shuttles.
Airside Walkways: Connecting to Other Terminals
Thanks to LAX’s terminal modernization program, Terminal 1 is connected post-security to Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the Tom Bradley International Terminal via pedestrian airside walkways according to LAX Terminal Maps. This allows connecting passengers to walk between terminals without leaving the secure area or passing through TSA security a second time.
How to Check In for Southwest Flights at LAX
Southwest provides multiple check-in options to keep passenger movement efficient during peak departure banks.
Online and Mobile Check-In
Online check-in opens exactly 24 hours prior to scheduled flight departure via the Southwest mobile app or official website. Passengers can obtain digital boarding passes, check baggage, and view seating details. For domestic flights, online check-in remains open up to 60 minutes prior to departure.
Self-Service Kiosks and Airport Counters
If you prefer checking in at the terminal, self-service kiosks inside Terminal 1 allow you to print boarding passes and baggage tags by scanning your passport, driver’s license, or confirmation code. Staffed counters are available for travelers requiring agent assistance, traveling with pets, or handling oversized luggage.
Southwest Seating and Boarding Options
When checking in, your boarding position or assigned seat details will be displayed on your pass. Passengers purchasing Business Select or Anytime fares, or those with Rapid Rewards A-List status, receive priority boarding benefits. Detailed check-in guidelines are maintained on the Southwest Check-In Help Center.
International Flights: Departures vs. Arrivals at LAX
Understanding the difference between international departures and international arrivals at LAX is critical to avoiding missed flights or wrong terminal drop-offs.
Departing LAX on Southwest International Flights
If you are flying from LAX to an international destination (such as Mexico or Central America):
- Arrive at Terminal 1 at least 3 hours prior to departure.
- Present your valid passport and required destination travel visas at the Southwest check-in counter to obtain your boarding pass.
- Pass through Terminal 1 TSA security and proceed directly to your assigned departure gate in Terminal 1. Outbound travelers do not undergo U.S. customs inspections prior to departure; destination entry checks take place upon arrival in your foreign destination.
Arriving at LAX from International Destinations
Because Terminal 1 does not host a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Federal Inspection Services facility, all incoming international Southwest flights land at Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).
Warning: If you are arriving at LAX on an international Southwest flight, you will deplane at TBIT (Terminal B), clear U.S. passport control and customs, collect your checked bags, and re-check them if connecting to a domestic Southwest flight. Allow at least 3 hours for international-to-domestic layovers.
Bag Drop and Security Check
Once checked in, passengers with checked luggage must drop their bags at the Southwest bag drop counter in Terminal 1. Strict baggage cutoff deadlines apply:
- Domestic Bag Drop Cutoff: 45 minutes before departure.
- International Bag Drop Cutoff: 60 minutes before departure.
TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and LAX Fast Lane
After dropping your bags, proceed to the central security checkpoint inside Terminal 1. Security lanes feature modern screening equipment to expedite screening according to TSA Screening Protocols. Expedited screening options include:
- TSA PreCheck: Dedicated lane for pre-approved travelers (shoes and light jackets stay on).
- CLEAR: Biometric verification pods for expedited queue entry.
- LAX Fast Lane: A free reservation service allowing all passengers to reserve a specific security screening time slot up to 3 days in advance.
Pro Tip: Reserve a free screening slot via LAX Fast Lane online before arriving at Terminal 1 to bypass main security queues during morning and evening rush hours.
Special Assistance Options at Terminal 1
Southwest Airlines offers robust accessibility services for passengers traveling through LAX Terminal 1. Services available upon request include:
- Wheelchair transportation from curb to departure gate.
- Sighted guidance and assistance for visually impaired passengers.
- Priority boarding for travelers requiring additional time or mobility support.
- Dedicated pet relief areas on both landside (lower level curb) and airside (post-security near Gate 13).
Passengers requiring special assistance should notify Southwest during booking or at least 48 hours prior to departure via their online reservation management page.
Terminal 1 Dining, Amenities, and Lounges
Terminal 1 features a variety of dining, retail, and relaxation options after passing through security checkpoints.
Dining and Retail Highlights
Popular dining and shopping venues inside Terminal 1 include:
- Rock & Brews: Full-service casual dining and craft beers.
- Cassell’s Hamburgers: Classic Los Angeles burgers and breakfast options.
- Urth Caffe & Bar: Local organic coffees, teas, and healthy baked goods.
- Be Relax Spa: Chair massages and travel wellness treatments located airside.
- Retail Outlets: Hudson News locations for snacks, travel gear, and electronics.
Lounge Access Alternatives
Southwest Airlines does not operate proprietary airport lounges at LAX or elsewhere in its network. Travelers seeking quiet lounge spaces can use post-security airside walkways to access third-party lounges or airline clubs in adjacent terminals (such as Terminal 2 or TBIT) via Day Pass programs or qualifying travel credit card memberships.
Ground Transportation and Parking at Terminal 1
Accessing Terminal 1 by car, rideshare, or transit is straightforward due to its location at the entrance of the central terminal complex.
Parking Structure 1 (P1)
The closest parking facility for Southwest passengers is Parking Structure 1 (P1), located directly across from Terminal 1. It offers covered hourly and daily parking with easy pedestrian bridge access to the departures level.
LAX-it Rideshare and Shuttle Services
Ground transport options servicing Terminal 1 include:
- Rideshare Drop-Off (Uber/Lyft): Drivers drop departing passengers directly at the upper-level curb of Terminal 1.
- Rideshare Pick-Up (LAX-it): Arriving passengers walk 3–5 minutes from lower baggage claim to the adjacent LAX-it lot or take the free shuttle bus.
- LAX FlyAway Bus: Non-stop express bus service connecting LAX to Van Nuys and Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles.
- Automated People Mover (APM): Connects Terminal 1 to off-site rental car facilities, parking structures, and Metro rail stations.
Connecting Flights and Airside Walkways
Connecting between domestic Southwest flights at LAX is simple because most flights arrive and depart within Terminal 1 gates 9 through 18B. Flight display monitors throughout the concourse display real-time gate information.
If your itinerary involves switching to another carrier or transferring from an international arrival at TBIT:
- Domestic-to-Domestic Connections: Stay post-security and follow directional signage through the airside walkway linking T1, T2, T3, and TBIT.
- International-to-Domestic Connections: Clear CBP customs at TBIT, re-check baggage at the international transfer desk, and walk post-security or take the shuttle back to Terminal 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal is Southwest Airlines at LAX?
Southwest Airlines operates check-in, ticketing, bag drop, and domestic departures out of Terminal 1 at LAX. However, incoming international Southwest flights land at Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) for customs clearance.
How early should I arrive for a Southwest flight at LAX?
Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flight departures and 3 hours before international departures to allow sufficient time for parking, bag drop, and security screening.
Can I check in online for my Southwest flight at LAX?
Yes. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure via the Southwest mobile app or website. Online check-in closes 60 minutes before domestic flights and 90 minutes before international flights.
Where do international Southwest flights land at LAX?
Incoming international Southwest flights land at Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT / Terminal B) so passengers can clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Departing international flights leave from Terminal 1.
Does Southwest have an airport lounge at LAX Terminal 1?
Southwest Airlines does not operate airport lounges. However, passengers can use airside walkways to visit third-party lounges in neighboring terminals using day passes or credit card privileges.
How do I walk between Terminal 1 and other terminals at LAX?
LAX features post-security airside walkways connecting Terminal 1 to Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and TBIT, enabling passengers to transfer between terminals without passing through TSA security again.
Navigating Southwest Airlines at LAX Terminal 1 is smooth when you prepare ahead. Arrive early, double-check whether your arrival involves TBIT customs clearance, and take advantage of expedited security options like LAX Fast Lane for a hassle-free trip.
Sources
- Southwest Airlines Check-In Guidelines — Official boarding pass and airport arrival rules.
- Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Terminal Map — Official LAX terminal directory and airside walkway guide.
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) — Official security screening rules and PreCheck protocols.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — Official international entry and clearance procedures.