The Southwest Airlines LAX Terminal. The terminal is used only by Southwest and provides a streamlined, customer-friendly experience. It has contemporary amenities, plenty of dining choices, and speedy check-in and security procedures. Travelers can access free Wi-Fi, comfortable waiting areas, and convenient access to ground transportation. Terminal 1 is located close to the airport entrance, making arrivals and departures easy and hassle-free. Whether you're flying domestically or catching a connecting flight, Southwest at Terminal 1 ensures a hassle-free journey.
Flying Southwest at LAX: A Complete Guide to Terminal 1
Los Angeles International Airport is one of the busiest and most iconic airports in the world. Known for its sprawling layout, constant traffic, and endless hustle, can be overwhelming especially for first-time travelers. But if you're flying with Southwest Airlines, your journey begins at Terminal 1, one of the airport’s most streamlined and traveler-friendly terminals.In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into what you can expect when flying Southwest Airlines.Terminal 1—from check-in to takeoff, including food options, security wait times, and useful tips to make your experience smoother.
Overview of Terminal 1 at LAX
Terminal 1 underwent a major renovation in recent years, transforming from an outdated space to a modern, efficient terminal with updated amenities and a sleek, stylish design. The $516 million renovation, completed in partnership with Southwest Airlines and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), brought substantial improvements to passenger flow, security, and comfort.Southwest Airlines is the sole carrier operating out of Terminal 1, which simplifies things for travelers. Whether you’re arriving, departing, or connecting, everything you need is under one roof.
Getting to Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is located on the north side of the Airlines horseshoe, between Terminal 2 and Terminal 7 (International Terminal B/TBIT is on the opposite side). If you’re arriving by car, rideshare, or shuttle, just follow signs for Terminal 1 – Southwest.
Here’s how to get there:
- Driving & Parking: Use Parking Structure P1, directly across from Terminal 1. It’s convenient for short-term parking and pickup/drop-off. For long-term parking, Economy Lot E or other off-site lots offer cheaper rates with shuttle service.
- Rideshare & Taxis: Uber, Lyft, and taxis drop off directly at the terminal. For pickups, you may need to head to the Airlines -it lot, which is accessible by a free shuttle from the terminal curbside.
- Public Transit: Airlines is accessible via the Metro Green Line, which connects to the free Airlines Shuttle (G Bus) that takes you to the terminal area. It's not the most convenient, but it’s economical.
Check-In and Baggage Drop
As you enter Terminal 1, you’ll be greeted by Southwest’s signature self-service kiosks and friendly staff. The check-in area is spacious and designed for easy navigation.
- Self-Tagging Kiosks: If you've checked in online or via the Southwest app, you can quickly print your bag tag here and proceed to the baggage drop.
- Curbside Check-In: Available for Southwest flights—perfect if you want to skip the lines inside.
- Bag Drop: After tagging your bag, proceed to the baggage drop counters with a Southwest agent. The lines typically move quickly thanks to well-trained staff.
Tip: For faster service, check in via the Southwest mobile app up to 24 hours before your flight. This also helps secure a better boarding position (more on that later).
Security Screening
The TSA checkpoint at Terminal 1 is modern and fairly efficient, but lines can still get long during peak hours (early morning and late afternoon). However, there are a few ways to breeze through:
- TSA PreCheck: There is a dedicated PreCheck lane at Terminal 1. If you're enrolled, you'll avoid removing shoes, laptops, and liquids—huge time-saver.
- CLEAR: If you're a CLEAR member, use their fast-track biometric screening lane.
- Wait Times: Average wait times range from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on time of day. To avoid stress, arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights.
Dining & Shopping Options
Once past security, you’ll find a solid lineup of restaurants, cafes, and retail stores to help you relax or stock up before your flight.
Dining Highlights:
- Cassell’s Hamburgers: A must-try for burger lovers—classic American comfort food with quality ingredients.
- Trejo’s Tacos: LA’s favorite taco joint by actor Danny Trejo serves bold, flavorful tacos and burritos.
- Shake Shack: Always a crowd-pleaser with burgers, fries, and shakes.
- Pei Wei Asian Diner: Quick, tasty Asian dishes from noodles to rice bowls.
- Starbucks: Get your caffeine fix at one of the two locations—lines move quickly.
Shopping:
- Hudson News: Grab snacks, books, magazines, and travel essentials.
- Tech on the Go: Forgot headphones or a charger? You’ll find all your gadget needs here.
- LAX Store: Souvenirs and Airlines -branded merchandise for travelers and tourists.
Bonus: There are plenty of charging stations and seating areas throughout the terminal, making it easy to relax while waiting for your flight.
Boarding and Gates
Southwest uses its unique boarding group system (A, B, and C groups with position numbers), rather than assigned seats. Here’s how it works:
- Check in as early as possible (24 hours before your flight) to secure a better boarding group.
- Line up in numerical order within your boarding group when called.
- Choose any open seat once onboard—first-come, first-serve.
Terminal 1 has Gates 9 through 18B, all easily walkable and clearly marked. There are plenty of seating areas near each gate, many with power outlets and charging stations. Boarding usually starts 30 minutes prior to departure, and Southwest gate agents are efficient and upbeat.
Connections and Transfers
If you’re connecting to another Southwest flight, it’ll usually be within Terminal 1, which makes transfers quick and painless. However, if you’re switching to a flight with another airline in a different terminal, you’ll likely need to exit security and re-enter through the new terminal’s checkpoint.There are free shuttle buses (the Airline Connections shuttle) that run airside (within security) between some terminals, but not all. If you need to connect landside, allow extra time for travel and re-screening.
Additional Amenities & Tips
- Wi-Fi: Free airport-wide Wi-Fi is available and usually reliable for streaming or work.
- Pet Relief Area: Located near Gate 13, this space is perfect for travelers with furry companions.
- Family Services: Changing tables and nursing stations are available in most restrooms.
- Accessibility: Elevators, escalators, and accessible restrooms are available throughout the terminal.
Final Thoughts
Flying LAX Southwest Terminal offers a surprisingly smooth and enjoyable experience, especially considering the airport’s notorious reputation. The terminal’s modern design, efficient layout, and traveler-friendly amenities make it easy to navigate, even during busy times. Plus, Southwest’s no-frills, friendly service is well-matched to this upgraded space.
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