Southwest Terminal MCO at Orlando Airport: Check‑In, Gates and Baggage Guide

Overview of Southwest Terminal A at MCO

Southwest Airlines primarily operates from Terminal A, which is part of the North Terminal Complex at Orlando International Airport. From here, the airline focuses on domestic routes and some near‑international destinations using the Airside 2 concourse and gates in the 100–129 range.​

The terminal layout is designed so that check‑in, security, baggage claim, and ground transportation are stacked across different levels of the same building, reducing long walking distances and confusion for passengers. This structure makes {Southwest terminal mco} especially convenient for families, first‑time flyers, and infrequent travelers who want a straightforward airport experience.​

Key benefits of using Southwest Terminal A

• Convenient access
  Terminal A is directly connected to the North Terminal road system, parking garages, and curbside drop‑off areas, so drivers and rideshare vehicles can reach Southwest check‑in quickly. Passengers can choose between terminal garages, economy parking with shuttle service, and dedicated drop‑off lanes right outside departures.​

• Streamlined security and boarding
  Southwest passengers use the 70–129 security checkpoint, which feeds directly into Airside 2 and the gates used by the airline. With TSA PreCheck lanes available during operating hours, frequent flyers can move through screening faster and head straight to gates 100–129.​

• Good mix of amenities
  Inside {Southwest terminal mco}, travelers find restaurants, cafes, grab‑and‑go counters, retail shops, and charging stations both in the main terminal and at Airside 2. Seating zones, restrooms, and family‑friendly facilities are placed near the gates, so passengers can relax without straying far from their boarding area.​

• Baggage and ground transport made easy
  Southwest arrivals use Terminal A baggage claim carousels, located on the lower levels close to ground transportation. From here, it is simple to connect to rental car centers, taxis, shuttles, and ride‑hail pick‑up points using clearly marked signs throughout the hall.​

For a more detailed explanation of levels, services, and airline locations at MCO, travelers can refer to AirlineAirport’s dedicated Southwest terminal guide:

Step‑by‑step: How to use Southwest Terminal A

1. Arriving at the airport

When driving or being dropped off, follow road signs for Terminal A at the North Terminal Complex. Choose your parking option (terminal garage, economy lot, or curbside drop‑off) based on how long you plan to stay; shuttles connect the economy lots to the main building if needed.​

Inside the terminal, digital boards display Southwest flight numbers, departure times, and check‑in areas so you can verify your counter or kiosk zone before getting in line. This reduces last‑minute confusion and keeps your pre‑flight process efficient.​

2. Check‑in and bag drop

On the departures level, Southwest offers staffed counters and self‑service kiosks where passengers can check bags, print boarding passes, or make itinerary changes. At busy times, curbside check‑in may also be available, allowing you to drop luggage outside and go straight to security with only your carry‑ons.​

Passengers who check in online or via the Southwest app can often use shorter bag‑drop lines, which is especially helpful during Orlando’s peak tourist seasons. For more local terminal guidance, travelers can revisit the AirlineAirport page at

3. Security and access to Airside 2

After check‑in, follow signs to checkpoint 70–129, the security area serving {Southwest terminal mco} and related gates. Standard and TSA PreCheck lanes are clearly separated, helping to manage lines and reduce waiting times for eligible travelers.​

Once you clear security, you will board the automated people mover that connects the main terminal to Airside 2, where Southwest gates are located. The ride is short, and on arrival you are only a brief walk from gates 100–129 and nearby amenities.​

4. At the gate and during boarding

Airside 2 features a straightforward concourse layout, with Southwest gates grouped in the 100–129 range. Overhead monitors and announcements provide up‑to‑date boarding details, including group numbers and any gate changes.​

While waiting, passengers can access food outlets, coffee shops, snack counters, and retail stores that sell travel essentials, electronics, books, and souvenirs. Power outlets and USB charging points near many seating areas allow you to recharge devices before your flight.​

5. Arrival, baggage claim, and onward travel

Upon landing at Orlando, arriving Southwest passengers take the tram back from Airside 2 to the main Terminal A building. From there, clear directional signs guide you down to the appropriate baggage claim carousels, which are grouped by airline and flight range.​

After collecting luggage, you can move directly into the ground transportation level to choose taxis, rideshare, hotel shuttles, public buses, or walk to the rental car center. Airport help desks and Southwest customer service counters are available if you need assistance with delayed or lost baggage.​

FAQs

1. Which terminal does Southwest use at MCO?

Southwest Airlines uses Terminal A at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Its flights are mainly handled through Airside 2 at gates 100–129, which are accessed via the 70–129 security checkpoint.​

2. Where do I go for security when flying Southwest from MCO?

Southwest passengers should proceed to the 70–129 security checkpoint on the departures level of Terminal A. From this checkpoint, all travelers are funneled toward the tram that leads to Airside 2 and the Southwest gate area.​

3. Are there good food and shopping options at Southwest Terminal A?

Yes, {Southwest terminal mco} offers a variety of dining and shopping options both in the main terminal and at Airside 2. Passengers can find sit‑down restaurants, quick‑service counters, coffee chains, convenience shops, and travel‑related retail outlets within a short walk of most gates.​

4. Where is baggage claim for Southwest flights at MCO?

Baggage claim for Southwest is located on the lower levels of Terminal A, where carousels are assigned based on arriving flight numbers. From baggage claim, it is easy to connect to ground transportation, including shuttles, taxis, rideshare zones, and rental cars.​

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Travelers planning their next trip through Orlando can benefit from reviewing a clear, terminal‑specific guide before they fly. For more structured maps, level information, and airline details about {Southwest terminal mco}, visit AirlineAirport dedicated page.