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Southwest Airlines operates at Terminal 1 (T1), also known as ” the Southwest LAX Terminal,” and is the dominant carrier at this terminal. The terminal is known for its efficient check-in system, automated security screening, and world-class amenities.
Whether you’re wondering what terminal Southwest is at LAX, seeking details on boarding, or navigating the arrivals, this guide is for you.
This in-depth guide covers the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Southwest departure terminal, arrivals, food outlets, parking, and more. Thus, it focuses on the practical and essential information for travelers.
Overview of Southwest Airlines LAX Terminal – Los Angeles International Airport
Below is the quick reference with important information and contact details about the Southwest LAX Terminal:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Los Angeles International Airport |
| Airport Code (IATA) | LAX |
| LAX Southwest Terminal Address | 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA |
| Airport Phone Number | (424) 646-5252 |
| Airline Code (IATA) | WN |
| Southwest Airlines LAX Terminal Phone Number | (800) 435-9792 |
| Website | www.southwest.com |
| Primary Terminal | Terminal 1 (LAX Southwest domestic terminal) |
| International Arrivals Terminal | Tom Bradley International Terminal |
| Terminal Connections | Airside walkways to Terminals 2, 3, B; shuttle bus to other terminals |
| Ticket Counter Hours | Opens 90–120 minutes before the first departure |
| Self-Service Kiosks | Available in Terminal 1 check-in lobby |
| Baggage Drop | Self-service and traditional counters |
| Recommended Arrival Time (Domestic) | 2 hours before departure (120 minutes on busy days) |
| Recommended Arrival Time (International) | 3 hours before departure (180 minutes) |
| TSA Security Checkpoint | Open 4:00 AM – 1:00 AM; TSA PreCheck available |
| Priority Security | For Business Select, A-List, and TSA PreCheck enrollees |
| Wi-Fi | Free throughout Terminal 1 |
| Charging Stations | At seating areas, gates, and dining venues |
| Pet Relief Area | Outdoor area near Terminal 1 |
| Nursing Room | Near Gate 13 in Terminal 1 |
| Lost and Found | Contact Southwest at (800) 435-9792 |
What Terminal is Southwest Airlines at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)?
Southwest handles its departures and arrivals for domestic travel at Terminal 1 of LAX Airport. The airline handles select international departures from Terminal 1. Southwest International arrivals are handled at Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B).
For international arriving passengers, the customs and immigration process is facilitated at Terminal B. Terminal 1 has 14 boarding gates numbered between (Gates 9, 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 13–16, 17A, 17B, 18A, 18B).
Check out our latest in-depth guide on airlines that operate at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Departures
LAX’s Terminal 1 handles the domestic and international departures for Southwest Airlines. The airline offers multiple check-in options for passengers’ convenience:
- Check-In location: The Southwest check-in desk is located on the upper level of Terminal 1.
- Self-Service Kiosks: The self-service check-in kiosks are located at the lobby of Terminal 1. It will allow you to print a boarding pass and select seats.
- Online check-in: The airline allows online check-in through the official Southwest website 24 hours before scheduled departure.
- Traditional Check-In Counter: A staffed check-in counter offers check-in up to 45 minutes before departure at Terminal 1. For international passengers, it must be completed 60 minutes before departure.
Boarding Process: Southwest Airlines uses an open seating policy where boarding group (A, B, and C) is based on the check-in time. The boarding options include:
- Pre-Boarding: For passengers with reduced mobility, unaccompanied minors, and families traveling with children under 6.
- Priority-Boarding: Business Select fares would be offered the highest priority. Upgraded Boarding available for Give Away fares for 30-80 USD each way. In addition, Early Bird check-in assigns a better boarding position for 15 USD.
- General Boarding: Passengers queued by group and boarding position.
Security screening: The TSA security checkpoint in Terminal 1 operates from 4:00 AM to 2:00 AM. Terminal 1 has TSA PreCheck for faster screening. Priority security is offered to Business Select passengers, A-List members, and pre-registered TSA PreCheck members.
Arrivals
Southwest Airlines flying within the US arrives at Terminal 1. The baggage claim for the LAX Southwest domestic terminal is on the lower levels and is identified with clear signage. The baggage claim is equipped with Southwest Airlines’ ground staff who assist passengers with baggage-related issues.
Terminal B is also known as LAX Southwest International Terminal, handles the arrival of international passengers. Arriving Southwest passengers need to complete the customs and immigration here. Passengers need to collect their baggage at the lower level and transfer to Terminal 1 via an airside walkway, if necessary.
Baggage Claim: The baggage claim at LAX for Southwest passengers is located on the lower level after customs. The airline representative will be available for assistance.
Lost and Found: Lost items in Terminal 1 can be reported at the Southwest customer service desk next to baggage claim on the lower level. Passengers who have lost an item or baggage and have already left the airport must call Southwest Airlines’ LAX terminal phone number at 800-435-9792.
Read our latest guide on how passengers can retrieve their lost or misplaced items via the LAX Lost and Found Office.
Amenities and Services at Southwest LAX Terminal
The Southwest LAX Terminal offers a range of amenities for passenger comfort, including:
- Wi-Fi: Free WiFi is available for Southwest passengers throughout Terminal 1, including gates and dining areas.
- Charging Stations: There are multiple power outlets and USB ports near boarding gates, the departure hall, and seating areas.
- Nursing Room: A private nursing suite is located near Gate 13 for mothers traveling with an infant.
- Pet Relief Area: An outdoor area near Terminal 1, accessible from the arrivals level.
- Customer Service: Southwest’s desks in Terminal 1 handle ticketing, baggage, check-in, special service requests, and flight inquiries.
Lounges
Southwest Airlines does not have a dedicated lounge at Terminal 1. However, passengers can relax at the Relax Spa.
For lounge access, passengers can visit the American Airlines Admirals Club in Terminal 4. The access is available for a day pass costing around 80 USD. T4 is accessible via an airside walkway.
Read more about all the lounges available at Los Angeles Airport (LAX).
Food Options
For Southwest passengers, all food outlets are located after security at Terminal 1. Check out the list below that highlights the lax southwest terminal food scene at T1.
| Restaurant | Location |
|---|---|
| 7-Eleven | Before TSA |
| 7-Eleven | After TSA |
| Ace Tacos | After TSA |
| Betcha Burger | After TSA |
| California Pizza Kitchen | After TSA |
| Chick-Fil-A | After TSA |
| Einstein Bros. Bagels | After TSA |
| Panda Express | After TSA |
| Reilly’s Irish Pub | After TSA |
| Rock & Brews Concert Bar and Grill | After TSA |
| The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf | After TSA |
| Urth Caffé & Bar | After TSA |
| Wetzel’s / Quench | After TSA |
Read more about our latest guide on all restaurants and food outlets available at LAX Airport.
Shopping
Southwest LAX Terminal caters to the diverse range of shopping options for its passengers. From newsstands to luxury cosmetics to daily travel essentials, you will find everything at Terminal 1:
| Store Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Brookstone | After TSA |
| Hudson | Before TSA |
| I Love LA | After TSA |
| Kiehl’s | After TSA |
| MAC Cosmetics | After TSA |
| SOL Surf | After TSA |
| Stellar News Express | After TSA |
| The New Stand (Gate 11A) | After TSA |
| Treat Me Sweet | After TSA |
Check out our latest guide on all shopping options available at Los Angeles Airport (LAX).
Parking at LAX Southwest Terminal
The parking for Southwest passengers is available at the P1 parking lot near Terminal 1. Below are the parking options available for Southwest passengers at T1:
- Central Terminal Area Parking Structure P1: Located across from Terminal 1, it offers short-term and long-term parking for Southwest Airlines passengers. The parking is free for the first 15 minutes and 9 USD for the first hour. This parking lot charges a recurring 7 USD for every 30 minutes. Southwest passengers flying for a week or longer can opt for day parking at 60 USD for 24 hours.
- Valet Parking: Southwest passengers can access valet parking at the curbside of the departure level. It is available for 10 USD per hour, and a maximum of 30 USD for 24 hours.
- Cell Phone Waiting Lot: It is located near Economy Lot C, which is a 5-10 minute drive from Terminal 1. The parking is free for 2 hours.
Want to know the rates and location of all parking lots at LAX Airport? Read our detailed guide on parking options at LAX Airport.
Transportation at LAX Southwest Terminal
Southwest passengers have several transportation options to and from LAX Terminal 1. It includes:
- LAX Shuttle: Free shuttle facility that offers inter-terminal transit from Terminal 1. The frequency for LAX Shuttle is 7-10 minutes and connects to parking, rideshare pickups, and the car rental facility.
- Metro Rail: The metro pick-up point is LAX Station outside Terminal 1, which connects to the Metro C Line (Green Line).
- FlyAway Bus: The non-stop bus service is available from lower levels that connect to Union Station or Van Nuys. The fares for the FlyAway Bus service for this route are 9.75 USD each way.
- Taxis: Pick-up is available at the curbside of Southwest LAX Terminal. It offers a flat rate to Downtown LA for 50 USD.
- Rental Cars: Hertz, Alamo Enterprise are located at the car rental facility, which is an off-site location. It is accessible via the LAX-it Shuttle.
Map of Southwest Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The LAX Southwest terminal map can be accessed via the airline’s website or at Terminal 1 information desks. The interactive map highlights gates, check-in counters, baggage claim, dining, shopping, and other amenities.
Check out our latest guide on the LAX Airport map that helps passengers identify.
The Southwest LAX Terminal at Terminal 1 offers comfort and convenience, thus creating a welcoming environment for passengers. The airline from Terminal 1 offers streamlined departures and arrivals, a convenient check-in facility, and automated baggage retrieval. With convenient parking, easy pickup, and smooth access to transportation, navigating LAX airport elevates passengers’ travel experience.
FAQs
Southwest Airlines operates out of Terminal 1. People also know it as Southwest LAX Terminal.
The LAX Southwest departure terminal is Terminal 1, where all Southwest domestic and international flights depart. The check-in service is available at the upper level of Terminal 1.
The LAX Southwest arrival terminal is Terminal 1 for domestic flights. The baggage claim is located on the lower levels. LAX handles international arrivals at the Southwest International Terminal, Terminal B.
For LAX Southwest terminal pickup, drivers can pick up passengers curbside on the lower/arrivals level of Terminal 1.