Southwest Terminal mco

orlando international airport (mco) is a bustling hub of activity and a gateway to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world: florida. with millions of travelers passing through its doors annually, the airport is known for its modern facilities and traveler-friendly design. southwest airlines, a major carrier at mco, operates primarily out of terminal a, commonly referred to as the southwest terminal mco. this terminal is designed to cater to the needs of both leisure and business travelers, offering a range of amenities, services, and conveniences. in this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about navigating the southwest terminal mco, ensuring your travel experience is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

an overview of orlando international airport and the southwest terminal mco

orlando international airport is located about 18 miles southeast of downtown orlando, making it a convenient choice for visitors heading to central florida’s attractions. the airport is divided into two main terminals: terminal a and terminal b, each serving multiple airlines. southwest airlines operates exclusively out of terminal a, which is why it is often referred to as the southwest terminal mco.

the southwest terminal mco is well-organized, with clear signage and a layout that makes navigation straightforward. whether you’re arriving for a flight or landing at mco, the southwest terminal mco provides everything you need to make your journey pleasant.

arriving at the southwest terminal mco

parking and drop-off options

if you’re driving to the airport, several parking options are available near terminal a. the parking garages offer short-term and long-term parking, and valet parking services are also an option for added convenience. economy parking lots are available for budget-conscious travelers, with free shuttle services connecting these lots to the southwest terminal mco.

rideshare services like uber and lyft have designated pickup and drop-off zones near terminal a, making it easy for passengers to arrive without the hassle of parking. shuttle services from nearby hotels and resorts also drop passengers off at terminal a, making the southwest terminal mco accessible for a variety of transportation options.

check-in counters and self-service kiosks

southwest airlines’ check-in counters are located on the first level of terminal a. upon arrival, you’ll find helpful signage guiding you to the southwest check-in area. for passengers with luggage to check, staffed counters are available, while self-service kiosks offer a quick and efficient way to print boarding passes and luggage tags.

travelers with carry-on luggage and mobile boarding passes can skip the check-in counters entirely and head straight to security. southwest’s user-friendly mobile app allows passengers to check in online and access their boarding passes directly from their smartphones.

security checkpoints at the southwest terminal mco

after checking in, you’ll proceed to the security checkpoint. the tsa checkpoint at terminal a is equipped to handle large volumes of passengers efficiently, but wait times can vary depending on the time of day and season. for this reason, it’s recommended to arrive at least two hours before your domestic flight and three hours before an international departure.

for expedited screening, travelers enrolled in tsa precheck or clear can use dedicated lanes. tsa precheck allows you to keep your shoes, light jackets, and belts on, as well as leave laptops and liquids in your bags, significantly reducing screening time. clear provides a biometric screening option, allowing you to bypass traditional document checks.

exploring amenities at the southwest terminal mco

once you’ve cleared security, you’ll enter the main concourse of the southwest terminal mco. this area is packed with amenities designed to make your wait for your flight as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

dining options

the southwest terminal mco offers an array of dining options to suit every palate. whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a caffeine fix, you’ll find plenty of choices:

• quick bites: grab-and-go options include sandwiches, salads, and wraps from outlets like grab’n go market and fast-food chains like chick-fil-a.
• sit-down dining: for a more leisurely meal, consider visiting restaurants such as outback steakhouse or mco’s signature eatery featuring local florida flavors.
• cafes and coffee shops: recharge with a cup of coffee or tea from popular spots like starbucks or dunkin’.

many dining establishments also cater to dietary restrictions, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

shopping opportunities

shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of retail stores in terminal a. from travel essentials to luxury goods, the southwest terminal mco offers something for everyone:

• souvenirs: pick up keepsakes and gifts to remember your trip, including items featuring iconic florida landmarks.
• duty-free shopping: for international travelers, duty-free stores offer a range of products, including cosmetics, liquor, and electronics, at tax-free prices.
• travel essentials: forgot something at home? stores like hudson news carry everything from snacks to toiletries and electronics.

relaxation areas

whether you’re looking to unwind or catch up on work, the southwest terminal mco offers several seating areas with charging stations for your devices. for a quieter experience, seek out designated relaxation zones designed to help you de-stress before your flight.

family-friendly amenities

traveling with children? the southwest terminal mco features play areas for kids to burn off some energy while you wait. family restrooms equipped with changing tables make it easier to travel with little ones.