Last Updated on July 24, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal B at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Departing passengers check in and enter security from the Level 3 departures area, while arriving passengers follow signs to baggage claim on Level 2. Southwest currently lists gates 53 through 57, but you should always confirm your gate in the Southwest app or on the airport screens before boarding.
Quick Answer
Southwest operates from Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport. Go to the Level 3 departures area for check-in and security. Southwest normally uses gates 53–57. Arriving passengers collect checked bags on Level 2, while ride-app pickup is on Level 2 of the Terminal B parking garage.
Key Takeaways
- Terminal: Southwest uses Terminal B for arrivals and departures at LGA.
- Departures: Use Level 3 for ticketing, bag check, curbside check-in, and security.
- Gates: Southwest currently lists gates 53–57, although your assigned gate can change.
- Arrivals: Follow Level 2 signs to baggage claim and ground transportation.
- Arrival time: Southwest recommends reaching LGA about 120 minutes before departure.
What Terminal Is Southwest at LGA?
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport. The official LGA airline directory lists Southwest in Terminal B, and Southwest’s current airport information lists gates 53 through 57.
Terminal B has separate curb levels for arrivals and departures. The main departures hall is on Level 3, while arrivals and baggage claim are on Level 2. After clearing security, follow the signs toward the 40–59 gate concourse.
Southwest at LGA at a Glance
| Airline | Southwest Airlines |
| Terminal | Terminal B |
| Departure Area | Level 3 |
| Arrival and Baggage Area | Level 2 |
| Published Gates | 53–57 |
| Suggested Arrival Time | About 120 minutes before departure |
Note: Gates 53–57 are Southwest’s currently published LGA gates. Weather, maintenance, congestion, and operational changes can affect the final gate, so check your boarding pass, the Southwest app, and the terminal screens.
Southwest Arrivals at LGA Terminal B
When your Southwest flight lands at LGA, follow the overhead signs toward Terminal B arrivals and baggage claim on Level 2. Screens in the baggage area show the carousel assigned to each arriving flight.
Do not depend on a restaurant or shop as a permanent landmark. Businesses and carousel assignments can change. Your flight number on the baggage screen is the most reliable guide.
Level 2 Baggage Claim
After leaving the secure area, continue to Level 2 and check the monitors for your flight number and carousel. Keep your baggage receipt until you have collected and inspected your luggage.
If a checked bag is delayed, damaged, or missing, speak with a Southwest representative at the airport. You can also use Southwest’s digital bag-tracking service to see available loading and unloading updates.
Pro Tip: Take a quick photo of your checked bag before the flight. A clear picture of its color, size, and identifying marks can help airline staff locate it if it is delayed.
Carousel Locations
Southwest does not use one permanent public carousel for every LGA arrival. The belt is assigned according to the arriving flight and airport operations. Look for your flight number on the baggage monitors and listen for announcements after landing.
If your carousel changes, the screen should show the updated belt. Ask an airport information representative or Southwest employee if your flight does not appear.
Ground Transport Access
After collecting your luggage, follow the official signs for your chosen transportation:
- Uber, Lyft, and other ride apps: Terminal B pickup is on Level 2 of the Terminal B parking garage. Follow the “Ride App Pick Up” signs and confirm the exact zone in your app.
- Taxis: Follow the signs to the authorized taxi dispatch area. Ignore anyone inside the terminal who approaches you with an unofficial ride offer.
- Public transportation: MTA bus stops are available outside the terminal. The fare-free Q70 LaGuardia Link connects Terminals B and C with Jackson Heights and Woodside transit hubs.
- Private car pickup: Your driver cannot wait at the terminal curb before you are ready. Ask the driver to use the airport’s cell phone waiting area until you have your bags.
Check the official LGA ride-app instructions before requesting a vehicle because pickup zones can be adjusted during busy periods or construction.
Southwest Departures at LGA Terminal B
For a Southwest departure, ask your driver to take you to Terminal B departures on Level 3. You can check in online before arriving, use an available self-service kiosk, visit the Southwest ticket counter, or use curbside check-in when the service is operating.
After checking any bags, continue to the Terminal B security checkpoint. Once screened, follow signs toward gates 53–57 and check the flight-information screens for your exact gate.
Check-In and Security
Southwest’s LGA ticket counter does not have one fixed opening time such as 4:30 a.m. The airline currently states that the counter opens 120 minutes before the first scheduled Southwest departure.
Southwest lists the following Terminal B services at LGA:
- Self-tagging kiosks
- Skycap or curbside service
- TSA PreCheck
- Priority Lane
- Airport-provided Wi-Fi
- Charging stations
Curbside check-in can be useful when you have luggage, but checked-bag fees and allowance rules still depend on your fare, status, card benefits, and itinerary.
Warning: For a domestic Southwest flight, complete check-in at least 30 minutes before the original departure time. Checked bags generally must be accepted at least 45 minutes before departure. You must also have your boarding pass and be available in the gate area at least 10 minutes before departure, or Southwest may cancel your reserved space.
Gates and Boarding
Southwest currently lists gates 53 through 57 at LGA. These gates are in Terminal B’s 40–59 gate area. LaGuardia estimates that gates 40–59 are normally about a 6–9-minute walk from security, but crowds, mobility needs, and the exact gate can increase that time.
Southwest now uses assigned seating and numbered boarding groups rather than its former A/B/C open-seating process.
| Boarding Category | General Position |
|---|---|
| Preboarding | Eligible passengers who need specific disability-related boarding assistance and unaccompanied minors |
| Priority and elite benefits | Priority Boarding, eligible military passengers, and qualifying Rapid Rewards members |
| Groups 1–7 | Assigned according to fare, seat type, status, and eligible card benefits |
| Group 8 | Generally used for Basic-fare passengers who do not qualify for an earlier group |
Your boarding group and assigned seat appear on your boarding pass. When your group is called, enter the boarding line, scan your pass, and sit in the seat assigned to you.
Check-In, Security, and Boarding at LGA
Use this sequence for a Southwest departure from LaGuardia:
- Confirm Terminal B. Check your Southwest reservation and flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Go to Level 3. Use the departures roadway for the ticket counter, curbside service, kiosks, and bag check.
- Complete check-in and bag drop. Do not treat the 10-minute gate rule as the check-in deadline.
- Clear security. Keep your accepted identification and boarding pass ready. Use TSA PreCheck or a qualifying priority lane when available.
- Walk to the assigned gate. Southwest normally uses gates 53–57, but follow the gate shown on your boarding pass and airport screens.
Southwest recommends arriving about 120 minutes before departure at LGA. Allow more time during holidays, severe weather, major events, or periods with unusually long security lines.
The 10-minute rule is a gate deadline, not permission to arrive at the airport or begin check-in 10 minutes before your flight.
Southwest Gates and Baggage Claim at LGA
Southwest keeps its LGA operation within Terminal B, but departures and arrivals use different parts of the building. Use the following summary to avoid going to the wrong curb or level.
| Location | What You Will Find | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal B, Level 3 | Departures, Southwest check-in, bag drop, and security access | Use this level when beginning a Southwest trip |
| Gates 53–57 | Southwest’s currently published gate range | Confirm the final gate on your boarding pass |
| Terminal B, Level 2 | Arrivals and baggage claim | Check the monitor for your assigned carousel |
| Parking Garage, Level 2 | Designated ride-app pickup | Follow “Ride App Pick Up” signs and app instructions |
Getting to Southwest at LaGuardia
Enter LaGuardia Airport Terminal B as your destination when using a navigation or ride app. Before the vehicle enters the airport roadway, confirm whether you need the departures or arrivals level.
Driving or Getting Dropped Off
For a departing flight, follow the signs for Terminal B departures and Level 3. Private vehicles should unload passengers and luggage promptly because waiting at the curb is not allowed.
Southwest offers curbside check-in at Terminal B without an extra curbside-service charge, although normal checked-bag fees may still apply. Service availability can depend on staffing and operating hours.
Using a Ride App
Drivers normally drop departing passengers at the Terminal B departures curb. For pickup after an arriving flight, walk to Level 2 of the Terminal B parking garage and follow the marked ride-app route. Request the ride only after you are close to the assigned pickup zone.
Using Public Transportation
LaGuardia does not have a direct subway station, but MTA buses connect the airport with subway and rail stations. The Q70 LaGuardia Link is fare-free and serves Terminals B and C. It connects with transit at Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue, 74 Street-Broadway, and Woodside.
Other bus services may also stop at or near Terminal B. Check the MTA app or official trip planner on your travel day because routes, stops, and service conditions can change.
Connecting Between LGA Terminals
If you need another LGA terminal, use the complimentary All Terminals Shuttle. It runs 24 hours a day and connects the airport terminals with several parking and pickup areas.
A terminal change may require you to leave the secure area and pass through security again. Allow enough time and confirm whether checked luggage must be collected and rechecked.
Terminal B Amenities for Southwest Travelers
LaGuardia’s Terminal B offers dining, shopping, seating, charging stations, and airport Wi-Fi. Southwest also lists self-tagging kiosks, TSA PreCheck, Skycap service, and a priority security lane among its LGA facilities.
The terminal includes several services that can make a longer wait easier:
- Quick-service and sit-down dining
- Retail stores and travel essentials
- Charging outlets and airport Wi-Fi
- Family restrooms and nursing rooms
- Children’s play spaces
- Pet relief areas
- A meditation room
- Accessibility services and guest-information desks
You can review current businesses and services on the official Terminal B guide. Restaurant locations and opening hours may change, so check the airport directory before relying on one specific business.
Tips for a Smooth Southwest Trip at LGA
- Check your flight before leaving home. Confirm the terminal, departure time, and gate in the Southwest app.
- Use Terminal B departures. Start on Level 3 when checking in or dropping bags.
- Arrive about two hours early. Southwest currently recommends 120 minutes for LGA departures.
- Do not confuse the deadlines. Domestic check-in closes earlier than the 10-minute gate-presence rule.
- Allow time to walk. The airport estimates a 6–9-minute walk from security to gates 40–59 under normal conditions.
- Keep essential items in your carry-on. Bring medicine, identification, chargers, and one change of clothing when checking luggage.
- Follow official transportation signs. Terminal B ride-app pickup is in the parking garage, not directly at the arrivals curb.
- Request accessibility help early. Contact Southwest before travel if you need a wheelchair or other assistance.
- Watch the screens. Gates and baggage belts can change even after your boarding pass is issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 10-minute rule for Southwest?
You must have your boarding pass and be present in the gate area at least 10 minutes before the flight’s original scheduled departure. This is not the normal check-in deadline. Domestic check-in must generally be completed at least 30 minutes before departure, and checked bags must normally be accepted at least 45 minutes before departure.
Is Southwest at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 at LGA?
Neither. LaGuardia names its passenger buildings Terminals A, B, and C. Southwest uses Terminal B. Departing passengers normally begin on Level 3, and arriving passengers use Level 2 for baggage claim.
Which gates does Southwest use at LaGuardia?
Southwest currently publishes gates 53–57 for LGA. Your exact gate can change, so use the gate shown in the Southwest app, on your boarding pass, and on the airport’s flight-information screens.
How early should I arrive for a Southwest flight at LGA?
Southwest currently recommends arriving about 120 minutes before departure. Consider arriving earlier during holidays, severe weather, major local events, or periods with long security lines.
Where is ride-share pickup at LGA Terminal B?
Ride-app pickup for Terminal B is on Level 2 of the Terminal B parking garage. After baggage claim, follow the “Ride App Pick Up” signs and confirm the pickup zone in your app.
Does Southwest fly into Dallas Fort Worth Airport?
Southwest’s main Dallas airport is Dallas Love Field, airport code DAL, rather than Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, airport code DFW. Always search by airport code when booking because airline networks can change.
What is Southwest’s new boarding process?
Southwest now uses assigned seating and boarding Groups 1–8. Your group depends on factors such as fare, seat type, Rapid Rewards status, and eligible credit-card benefits. Basic-fare passengers normally receive a Standard seat at check-in or at the gate and generally board in the last group unless another benefit applies.
Conclusion
Southwest uses Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport. Start on Level 3 for departures, check-in, and security, and follow Level 2 signs for arrivals and baggage claim. Southwest currently lists gates 53–57, but your live boarding pass and airport screens should guide you on the day of travel. Arrive about two hours early and keep the 30-minute check-in, 45-minute bag-drop, and 10-minute gate deadlines separate.
Sources
- Southwest Airlines Airport Information — Terminal B, gates 53–57, suggested arrival time, counter opening, and airport amenities.
- LaGuardia Airport Terminal B Guide — terminal layout, gate walking times, dining, family services, accessibility, and amenities.
- Southwest Online Check-In Guidance — online check-in availability and domestic check-in deadlines.
- Southwest Boarding Process — assigned seating and current numbered boarding groups.
- LaGuardia Ride-Share Services — Terminal B ride-app pickup location.
- LaGuardia Public Transportation — MTA bus service and the fare-free Q70 LaGuardia Link.
