Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (SAN). The first phase of the new Terminal 1 opened on September 23, 2025, replacing the former Terminal 1 with a larger ticketing hall, one main security checkpoint, new gates, and updated dining and shopping. Southwest has served San Diego since 1982, but the airport experience is now very different from the older terminal.
Quick Answer
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport. Check in online beginning 24 hours before departure, follow signs for Terminal 1, and confirm your gate in the Southwest app. SAN recommends arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
Key Takeaways
- Southwest check-in, departures, and arrivals are in the new Terminal 1 at SAN.
- Terminal 1 has one main TSA checkpoint with multiple screening lanes; wait times change throughout the day.
- Southwest now uses assigned seats and boarding Groups 1 through 8, not the former open-seating A/B/C process.
- Routes and frequencies change by season, so confirm your exact nonstop options before booking.
- Rideshare pickup, rental-car shuttles, public transit, parking, and the inter-terminal shuttle are available outside Terminal 1.
Terminal at a Glance
| Southwest Terminal | Terminal 1 |
| Security | One main checkpoint with 13 lanes |
| Online Check-in | Opens 24 hours before the original scheduled departure time |
| Recommended Arrival | At least 2 hours before domestic flights; 3 hours before international flights |
| Terminal 1 Lounge | No dedicated Southwest lounge; new Terminal 1 lounges are planned with the 2028 expansion |
Where Southwest Airlines Is Located at San Diego Airport
Southwest is listed in Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport. Drivers approaching the airport should follow the overhead signs for Terminal 1 and remain alert for separate arrivals and departures roadways. Terminal assignments can change during irregular operations, so check the Southwest app or your boarding pass before leaving home.
The new Terminal 1 opened in September 2025. Its first phase introduced 19 gates, 69 check-in kiosks, 66 ticket counters, seven baggage carousels, a 13-lane security area, and 17 food, beverage, and retail locations. The original Terminal 1 has permanently closed.
Note: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 do not yet have a post-security passenger connector. Use SAN’s free curbside inter-terminal shuttle if you must move between terminals.
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Features and Amenities of the Southwest Airlines Terminal
Terminal 1 has a spacious ticketing hall, expanded gate seating, public art, baggage claim, an outdoor dining area, and a mix of local and national concessions. SAN provides free Wi-Fi in two-hour sessions; travelers can reconnect for more time. Portable charging units are also available in the airport.
The terminal’s current family-friendly services include nursing rooms, accessible restrooms, information desks, and assistance programs. A dedicated children’s play area and additional lounges are part of the next Terminal 1 construction phase and are not yet part of the completed first phase.
The new Terminal 1 combines one main checkpoint with 13 screening lanes, replacing the fragmented security setup associated with the former terminal.
Southwest Airlines Routes and Destinations from San Diego Airport
Southwest serves a broad mix of short-haul, transcontinental, Hawaii, and Mexico itineraries from San Diego. Common destinations shown in Southwest’s current San Diego listings include Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, Denver, Dallas Love Field, Chicago Midway, Austin, Nashville, Baltimore/Washington, Honolulu, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta.
Schedules are seasonal and may not operate every day. In 2026, Southwest added San Diego service to Santa Rosa and Boston, resumed seasonal Pittsburgh service, and scheduled new Santa Barbara service beginning August 4. Use the SAN nonstop destination map and the Southwest San Diego route page to confirm whether a flight is nonstop on your travel date.
Pro Tip: Search by your exact date instead of relying on a general route list. A city may be available only on selected days or during part of the year.
Check-in and Security Procedures at the Southwest Airlines Terminal
| Step | Current Procedure |
| 1. Check in | Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure through Southwest.com or the Southwest app. Airport kiosks and ticket counters are also available. |
| 2. Check bags | Declare and pay for bags online when eligible, then use a self-tagging kiosk or the Southwest ticket counter. Bag fees depend on fare, status, and card benefits. |
| 3. Clear security | Proceed to Terminal 1’s one main TSA checkpoint. TSA PreCheck is available. Wait times vary, so do not plan around a fixed 10-minute estimate. |
| 4. Board | Southwest uses assigned seats and boarding Groups 1 through 8. Most fares allow seat selection before travel; Basic fares normally receive a Standard seat at check-in. |
Southwest’s online check-in begins 24 hours before the flight’s original scheduled departure time. Since January 27, 2026, Southwest has used assigned seating. The former advice to check in early to obtain an A, B, or C boarding position is no longer current.
Warning: TSA requires a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted form of identification for U.S. commercial flights. Travelers without acceptable ID may face extra verification, a fee, or denial of checkpoint access.
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Current Southwest Baggage Rules
A carry-on bag and one personal item remain included. For U.S. mainland travel booked, ticketed, or changed on or after April 9, 2026, Southwest lists standard checked-bag fees of $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second bag on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra includes two checked bags, and eligible A-List members, A-List Preferred members, and Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers may receive bag benefits. Review the official optional travel charges before packing because fees and exemptions can change.
Dining and Shopping Options at the Southwest Airlines Terminal
The new Terminal 1 opened with 12 food and beverage concepts and five specialty retail stores. Current dining names include Ambrogio15, Better Buzz, Cutwater Restaurant & Bar, JT Bros Handcrafted Sandwiches, Lofty Coffee, Luna Grill, Market Hall, McDonald’s, Novecientos Grados, Parfait Paris, SIP Wine & Beer, and The Taco Stand.
Retail options include Liberty Station Gifts, No Boundaries, The Arts District Market, SAN Supply Co., and Univision Travel Store. Locations and operating hours may change, so check SAN’s Shop and Dine directory before relying on a specific restaurant.
Ground Transportation Options from the Southwest Airlines Terminal
Terminal 1 has clearly marked ground-transportation areas for rideshare vehicles, taxis, hotel shuttles, rental-car shuttles, and public transit. Rideshare passengers should exit baggage claim, cross at the pedestrian crossing, and follow signs to the Terminal 1 pickup area. SAN authorizes services including Uber, Lyft, Wingz, and PrimeTime.
Rental Cars, Public Transit, and Parking
- Rental cars: All airport rental-car pickup and return operations use the Rental Car Center at 3355 Admiral Boland Way. Free shuttles run between the terminals and the center 24 hours a day.
- Downtown bus: MTS Route 992 stops at the airport and connects with downtown San Diego.
- Old Town connection: The free San Diego Flyer runs between SAN and the Old Town Transit Center during published operating hours.
- Terminal transfer: The free inter-terminal shuttle runs curbside between Terminals 1 and 2 daily from 4 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- Parking: The Terminal 1 Parking Plaza has more than 5,200 close-in spaces. Reserving ahead can reduce uncertainty during busy periods.
Southwest Airlines Customer Service and Assistance at San Diego Airport
Southwest agents can help at the Terminal 1 ticket counters and departure gates. The Southwest app is the fastest place to check flight status, gate changes, seat assignments, and boarding information. For airport directions, SAN Airport Ambassadors staff information desks before and after security.
Travelers who need a wheelchair should arrange it through Southwest before travel. SAN also offers accessibility services, including SAN Assist for travelers with non-visible disabilities. TSA Cares can coordinate security-screening support for passengers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special needs when contacted at least 72 hours before departure.
Tips for Navigating the Southwest Airlines Terminal Efficiently
- Confirm Terminal 1 and your gate: Check the Southwest app before leaving and again after reaching the airport.
- Arrive early: Follow SAN’s guidance of at least two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights.
- Check in at the 24-hour mark: This is especially useful for Basic fares because a seat is normally assigned at check-in.
- Review bag fees before travel: Do not assume every Southwest fare includes two free checked bags.
- Bring accepted identification: Verify REAL ID or passport requirements before departure.
- Use the correct pickup zone: Rideshare pickup is not at the same curb where every passenger exits baggage claim.
- Plan terminal transfers carefully: The current connection between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 requires the curbside shuttle.
- Check concession hours: Early-morning and late-night dining choices may be limited.
Southwest Airlines Partnerships and Alliances at San Diego Airport
Southwest is not a member of a global airline alliance. It now has interline partnerships with international airlines, including Icelandair, China Airlines, EVA Air, Philippine Airlines, Condor, Turkish Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air Premia, and TAP Air Portugal. These are interline arrangements, not the regional-airline codeshares described in the original article.
A partner itinerary that starts in San Diego may connect through a shared gateway such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, or another listed airport. Booking, baggage, seat, and disruption rules can differ by operating carrier. Review the entire itinerary and confirm which airline operates the first flight before checking in.
Sustainability Efforts and Initiatives at Terminal 1
Most of the visible sustainability features at Terminal 1 are airport projects rather than Southwest-only programs. SAN states that the new terminal runs on 100% carbon-free electricity. The Terminal 1 Parking Plaza includes more than 250 EV charging stations and additional EV-ready spaces, while a large cistern captures stormwater for reuse.
Airfield upgrades include an underground fuel-delivery system intended to reduce fuel-truck movements. The terminal was also designed for future climate conditions and is pursuing LEED Gold certification. These measures improve the environmental performance of the facility used by Southwest and other Terminal 1 airlines.
Future Developments and Expansions for Southwest Airlines at San Diego Airport
Terminal 1 construction is continuing. Phase 1B is planned to add 11 gates, customer lounges, a children’s play area, more concessions, and other passenger-space improvements. The Airport Authority says the completed 30-gate Terminal 1 is scheduled for 2028.
A post-security connector between Terminals 1 and 2 is also planned for 2028. Until it opens, passengers changing terminals must exit the secure area and use the curbside inter-terminal shuttle, then clear security again at the other terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What terminal is Southwest Airlines in San Diego?
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport. Confirm the current gate in the Southwest app or on your boarding pass.
Is Southwest in the old or new Terminal 1?
Southwest uses the new Terminal 1, which opened in September 2025. The former Terminal 1 is permanently closed.
How early should I arrive for a Southwest flight at SAN?
SAN recommends arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Add more time during holidays, road congestion, or construction.
How many security checkpoints are in Terminal 1?
Terminal 1 has one main security checkpoint. The new checkpoint was built with 13 screening lanes, but the number operating at any moment can vary.
Does Southwest still use open seating?
No. Southwest moved to assigned seating on January 27, 2026. Most fares permit seat selection before travel, while Basic fares normally receive a Standard seat at check-in.
Does Southwest still include two free checked bags?
Not on every fare. Choice Extra includes two checked bags, while standard fees generally apply to Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred unless a traveler has an eligible status or credit-card benefit.
Is there a Southwest lounge in Terminal 1?
No dedicated Southwest lounge is currently listed in Terminal 1. Additional customer lounges are planned as part of the Terminal 1 expansion scheduled for 2028.
Can I walk between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 after security?
Not currently. Use the curbside inter-terminal shuttle, then clear security again at the other terminal. A post-security connector is planned for 2028.
What transportation is available from Terminal 1?
Options include authorized rideshare services, taxis, hotel shuttles, the Rental Car Center shuttle, MTS Route 992, the San Diego Flyer to Old Town, private pickups, and airport parking.
Sources
- San Diego International Airport: Airlines and terminal locations — confirms Southwest’s current terminal.
- San Diego International Airport: New Terminal 1 opening — supports the opening date, gates, checkpoint lanes, concessions, parking, and sustainability details.
- San Diego International Airport: Services and facilities — supports Wi-Fi, charging, terminal security, and recommended arrival times.
- Southwest Airlines: Assigned seating — supports the current seat-selection and boarding process.
- Southwest Airlines: Optional travel charges — supports current checked-bag fees and exemptions.
- San Diego International Airport: Ride services — supports Terminal 1 rideshare and ground-transportation guidance.
