Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal A at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Check-in is on Level 3, while Southwest flights may depart from Gates 70–99 or 100–129. Because those gates use separate Gate Link trains, check your boarding pass or the airport monitors before choosing a train.
Quick Answer
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal A at Orlando International Airport. Check in on Level 3, then use the security checkpoint for Gates 70–129. Southwest flights can depart from Gates 70–99 or 100–129, so confirm your gate before boarding the correct Gate Link train.
Key Takeaways
- Terminal: Southwest check-in and ticketing are in Terminal A.
- Security: Use the checkpoint marked for Gates 70–129 on the east side of the A/B terminal building.
- Gates: Southwest may use Gates 70–99 or 100–129, so do not assume every flight leaves from the same airside.
- Transportation: Ride-share drop-off is on Level 3, standard ride-share pickup is on Level 2, and taxis and many shuttle services are on Level 1.
- Boarding: Southwest now uses assigned seating and Boarding Groups 1 through 8 rather than its former open-seating system.
Southwest Airlines Terminal at MCO: Key Details
The official MCO airline directory lists Southwest in Terminal A with access through the security checkpoint for Gates 70–129. Flights may be assigned to Gates 70–99 or 100–129.
| Travel Step | Southwest Location at MCO |
|---|---|
| Terminal | Terminal A |
| Check-In and Bag Drop | Level 3, airline check-in area |
| Security Checkpoint | Checkpoint for Gates 70–129, on the east side under the Hyatt hotel |
| Possible Departure Gates | Gates 70–99 or Gates 100–129 |
| Baggage Claim | Terminal A, Level 2; check the display for your carousel |
| Ground Transportation | Levels 1–3, depending on the transportation service |
Note: Terminal and gate assignments can change for operational reasons. Confirm the terminal, checkpoint, and gate in the Southwest app, on your boarding pass, and on MCO’s flight-information screens.
How to Reach a Southwest Gate from Terminal A
- Follow signs for Terminal A departures. Private vehicles and ride-share drivers should use the Terminal A Departures Curb on Level 3.
- Check in or drop checked bags. Southwest’s check-in counters are in the Level 3 airline ticketing area. MCO also lists curbside check-in as available for Southwest.
- Walk to the Gates 70–129 security checkpoint. It is on the east side of the main A/B terminal building beneath the Hyatt hotel.
- Check your gate before boarding a Gate Link. Gates 70–99 and 100–129 use different Gate Link trains.
- Take the train to your assigned gate area. Follow the overhead signs and recheck the flight monitors after reaching the airside.
MCO’s connection and transfer guide explains that Gates 70–99 and 100–129 are separate areas. Passengers can move between them by returning to the terminal-side Gate Link platforms and switching trains without leaving the secured area.
Warning: Do not walk past the security exit while switching between the Gate Links for Gates 70–99 and 100–129. Leaving the secured area may require you to pass through TSA screening again.
MCO is currently replacing parts of the Gate Link system serving Gates 70–129. Daytime passengers may experience brief delays, while shuttle buses may replace a train during some overnight work. Allow extra time and follow airport signs and staff directions.
Terminal Facilities and Amenities
Terminal A and the Southwest gate areas provide the basic services most passengers need, including restrooms, family restrooms, nursing facilities, seating, food, retail stores, and airport information displays. Outlet and charging availability varies by seating area, so carrying a charged power bank can be helpful.
Wi-Fi
Free airport Wi-Fi is available in MCO’s public areas. Connect to the official network named MCO Internet. Avoid similarly named networks that are not operated by the airport.
Family and Accessibility Facilities
MCO lists a nursing room on Terminal A Level 3 across from the Southwest check-in counters. Additional nursing rooms or pods are available near Gates 70–99 and 100–129. Companion-care and family restrooms are also provided throughout the terminal and gate areas.
Service-animal relief areas are available before security at the east end of Terminal A Level 2 and after security in both Southwest gate ranges. Passengers who need wheelchair assistance should arrange it with Southwest before travel when possible.
Lounges
The airport’s official lounge directory does not list a Southwest-operated lounge at MCO. It does list The Club at MCO in the Gates 70–99 area. Entry depends on the lounge operator’s membership, pass, eligibility, operating hours, and capacity rules.
Note: A Southwest boarding pass alone does not automatically provide lounge access. Check the lounge operator’s current entry requirements before making plans.
Dining and Shopping Options
Travelers can find restaurants, coffee shops, snack counters, newsstands, gift shops, and travel-essentials stores in the main A/B terminal and within the gate areas. The exact businesses and opening hours can change, especially for early-morning and late-night flights.
Check the official MCO terminal map or airport app for businesses near your assigned gate. Buy food before boarding the Gate Link when operating hours are limited, but remember that drinks purchased before security must follow TSA liquid rules.
Gates 70–99 and 100–129 are connected through the terminal-side Gate Link platforms. However, crossing to the other gate area solely for a restaurant can take time. Stay close to your gate once boarding is approaching.
Transportation and Parking
Transportation services use different levels at Terminal A. Confirm the correct level before requesting a ride or meeting a driver.
| Option | Terminal A Location |
|---|---|
| Ride-Share Drop-Off | Departures Curb, Level 3 |
| Ride-Share Pickup | Arrivals Curb, Level 2, 24 hours a day; Level 3 is also used between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. |
| Taxis | Ground Transportation Curb, Level 1, spaces A22–A25 |
| Rental Cars, Buses and Shuttles | Most services use Level 1; follow the signs for the specific provider |
| Passenger Pickup by Private Car | Arrivals and Baggage Claim Curb, Level 2 |
The airport’s official ride-share page provides current pickup and drop-off levels. Because curb locations can be adjusted during construction or heavy traffic, confirm the pickup pin in the ride-share app.
Parking Near Terminal A
Parking Garage A, Parking Garage B, and Terminal Top Parking are within walking distance of Terminals A and B. Economy and some surface lots use airport shuttles or the Terminal Link system. Parking rates and availability can change, so review the current MCO parking information before driving to the airport.
Pro Tip: Photograph your garage, level, row, and nearby animal symbol before entering the terminal. MCO uses animal-themed level identifiers that can make finding your vehicle easier after the trip.
Southwest Check-In, Baggage, and Flight Information
Checking in online or through the Southwest app can save time, but passengers with checked bags must still use an eligible curbside or counter bag-drop location. Keep your identification and boarding pass ready before entering the line.
Southwest’s current baggage rules vary by fare, ticket date, route, Rapid Rewards status, and eligible card benefits. Do not rely on older articles that automatically promise two free checked bags. Review the airline’s current optional travel charges before packing.
Assigned Seating and Boarding Groups
Southwest transitioned from open seating to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. The airline now uses Boarding Groups 1 through 8 instead of the former A, B, and C groups with numbered positions.
Under the current system, most passengers can select a seat during booking according to their fare and benefits. Basic-fare passengers generally receive a Standard seat assignment at check-in unless another seat benefit applies. Boarding order may depend on seat location, fare type, Rapid Rewards status, card benefits, or a purchased boarding option.
Review Southwest’s official assigned-seating guide for the latest seat-selection and boarding benefits.
Checking the Flight Status and Gate
Use the Southwest app, Southwest website, boarding pass, and MCO information displays to confirm:
- Departure time and boarding time
- Terminal and security checkpoint
- Whether the flight uses Gates 70–99 or 100–129
- Delays, cancellations, or gate changes
Check again after clearing security. A last-minute gate change may require switching Gate Links while remaining inside the secured area.
Tips for Navigating the Southwest Terminal
- Allow enough time. MCO advises passengers to reach the security checkpoint about two hours before departure. Add more time for parking, bag drop, holiday crowds, or special assistance.
- Confirm the gate before taking a train. Gates 70–99 and 100–129 use different Gate Links.
- Use MCO Reserve when eligible. Travelers without TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+ may be able to book a free security-screening time through MCO Reserve. Spaces and operating times are limited.
- Keep essential items in your carry-on. Carry identification, medicine, electronics, chargers, and one change of clothing where you can reach them.
- Watch the information screens. Do not rely only on a screenshot of an older boarding pass.
- Ask for help early. Contact Southwest before the trip for wheelchair or accessibility assistance whenever possible.
Pro Tip: After clearing security, take a photo of the monitor showing your gate. Recheck it before boarding the Gate Link because Southwest may use either of the two gate areas.
Arrivals, Baggage Claim, and Passenger Pickup
After a Southwest arrival, follow the signs from the gate to the Gate Link and ride it back to the main terminal. Check the baggage-information displays to confirm whether your luggage is assigned to a Terminal A carousel.
Terminal A baggage claim and the standard passenger-pickup curb are on Level 2. Rental cars, taxis, buses, economy-parking shuttles, and many other ground-transportation services operate from Level 1.
Private vehicles may stop at the arrivals curb only while actively loading passengers and luggage. Drivers who arrive early should wait in one of MCO’s free cell phone lots rather than circling the terminal or stopping on an airport roadway.
Connecting Between Southwest Flights at MCO
A Southwest-to-Southwest connection may involve two gates in the same area or a transfer between Gates 70–99 and 100–129. Check the next gate as soon as you leave the aircraft.
When switching between those two gate areas, take the Gate Link to the terminal-side platform, remain inside the secured zone, and transfer to the Gate Link for the other gate range. Do not continue past the security exit unless airport or airline staff instruct you to do so.
Connections involving Terminal C require more time because Terminal C is in a separate building reached by the Terminal Link. Follow the connection instructions for your specific arrival and confirm whether security screening is required again.
Nearby Attractions and Points of Interest
Orlando’s theme parks, downtown attractions, shopping areas, and hotels are reachable by car, taxi, shuttle, or ride-share. They are not located inside the airport or within practical walking distance of the Southwest gate areas.
Leaving MCO during a layover means allowing time to reach the main terminal, travel into Orlando, return through traffic, clear security, and take the Gate Link back to the gate. For a shorter layover, remain at the airport and use the shops, restaurants, Hyatt hotel atrium, seating areas, or lounges available near your gate.
Warning: Do not leave MCO during a short or tightly scheduled connection. Orlando traffic, security lines, parking transfers, and Gate Link travel can use more time than expected.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal A at Orlando International Airport, with check-in on Level 3 and flights assigned to Gates 70–99 or 100–129. The most important step is to verify the live gate before choosing a Gate Link train.
Arrive with enough time for parking, baggage, security, and the train ride to the gate. On arrival, use Level 2 for baggage claim and passenger pickup or Level 1 for taxis, rental cars, buses, and many shuttle services. For more practical travel information, visit TakeTravelInfo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal is Southwest Airlines at Orlando International Airport?
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal A at Orlando International Airport. Check-in is on Level 3, and flights may depart from Gates 70–99 or 100–129.
Which gates does Southwest use at MCO?
MCO currently lists Southwest at Gates 70–99 and 100–129. Check your boarding pass and the airport monitors because the assigned gate can change.
Which security checkpoint should Southwest passengers use?
Use the security checkpoint marked for Gates 70–129. It is on the east side of the main Terminal A and B building beneath the Hyatt hotel.
Where is Southwest check-in at MCO?
Southwest’s check-in and ticket-counter area is on Level 3 of Terminal A. MCO also lists curbside check-in as available for Southwest.
Does Southwest still use open seating?
No. Southwest transitioned to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. It now uses Boarding Groups 1 through 8, and seat-selection benefits depend on the passenger’s fare and other eligible benefits.
How early should I arrive for a Southwest flight at MCO?
MCO recommends reaching the security checkpoint about two hours before departure. Arrive at the airport earlier when you need to park, check bags, travel during a peak period, or arrange special assistance.
Does Southwest have a lounge at Orlando Airport?
MCO does not list a dedicated Southwest-branded lounge. The airport lists The Club at MCO in the Gates 70–99 area, but access depends on the lounge operator’s current eligibility and capacity rules.
Where does ride-share pick up Southwest passengers at MCO?
Standard ride-share pickup for Terminal A is on the Arrivals Curb on Level 2. Between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., pickup may also be available on the Level 3 Departures Curb.
Can I move between Gates 70–99 and 100–129 without clearing security again?
Normally, yes. Return by Gate Link to the secured terminal-side platform and switch to the Gate Link for the other gate range. Do not pass through the security exit while transferring.
Sources
- Orlando International Airport Airline Directory — confirms Southwest’s terminal, security checkpoint, gate ranges, and curbside check-in.
- Orlando International Airport Terminal Maps — confirms terminal levels, facilities, baggage claim, and ground-transportation areas.
- MCO Connection and Transfer Guide — explains Gate Links, gate-area transfers, and current Gate Link replacement conditions.
- MCO Ride-Share Information — confirms Terminal A pickup and drop-off levels.
- MCO Parking Information — provides current airport parking choices, access instructions, and rates.
- Southwest Airlines Assigned Seating Guide — confirms the current assigned-seating and boarding process.