SAN Airport Southwest Terminal: Check-In, Gates & More

Southwest uses Terminal 1 at SAN. The Southwest Airlines San Diego Terminal has two levels. Along with the quantity of domestic flights, the terminal offers many convenient amenities to help make the travel better. Free WiFi, charging stations for mobile devices, and sky caps to help passengers with their luggage are available. You will also find self-tagging kiosks. The terminal also has a Priority Lane for speeding up check-in for Southwest Airlines passengers. Not only Southwest, but San Diego Airport also serves Japan Airlines. Read this article to get all about this airline using this terminal.

What Terminal is Southwest San Diego?

Southwest flies from Terminal 1 at SAN. You can easily find it with the help of clear signs at the airport. It has free Wi-Fi access, many charging outlets, baggage assistance, self-service tag machines, & priority lane access for check-in. All Southwest flights to/from San Diego get served by T1, which has two levels. 

• Level 1: In this level, you will pick up your luggage after you arrive at the airport.
• Level 2: Passengers on this level can check in & complete security screening before boarding their flight. 

Layout Of Terminal 1 At SAN: Attached Map

Southwest takes off from the new San Diego Airport Southwest Terminal 1 at SAN. This modern terminal was completed in late 2025. Check out the attached map below:

Arrivals of Southwest Flights at SAN

After arriving at SAN, follow the signs to claim your bags. There are approximately 7 carousels available to retrieve your check-in luggage. You will view baggage claim tickets on these carousels & the related baggage when recovering your checked baggage. After you claim your baggage, exit to the taxi, rideshare, and parking lots. This area has plenty of signage to assist travelers arriving at Southwest Airlines Terminal 1.

Southwest Departures from San Diego Airport

The flights departing from San Diego should use Level 2, the upper departures level of the Airport. Here, all Southwest departures can get dropped off at the curbside location. Go to the ticket counter area inside the airport & use the automated check-in machine or the preferred check-in counters provided by the airline. Passengers must drop off all their checked bags at least 45 minutes before departure. After dropping off your checked luggage & going through security, walk to your assigned gate to board the plane. All gates for Southwest are located in the 100s, but will get displayed on either your boarding pass or the airport’s display monitors. You will have options for food, shops, seating & views over the San Diego Bay while you wait for your Flight.

Facilities Provided At SAN’s Terminal 1

You will witness a handful of modern amenities provided at Terminal 1. It also has open spaces that give passengers many traveling amenities. Have a look at the facilities they offer at this terminal.

Complimentary WiFi

Free wireless Internet service is available to all passengers for two hours at a time when they connect to the Wireless Network. Passengers can just sign up again for another two-hour connection when their 2 hour connection ends.

Charging Stations

Power outlets and charging stations are plenty all over the terminal. It allows you to charge your device while you wait for your flight. You can also use the charging stations at other parts of the airport, even if you’re flying with other airlines like British Airways at San Diego Airport.

Dining Facilities

Over 12 food and beverage establishments in Terminal 1 offer delicious, well-prepared meals for passengers. Food choices go from light snacks to sit-down meals. Some of the popular places include:

Shopping

There are five specialty shops that sell travel items and gifts, and offer local goods in the terminal mentioned below:

• Liberty Station Gifts
• The Arts District Market
• SAN Supply Co.
• No Boundaries
• Univision Travel Store.

Baggage Services

There are seven carousels on level one (arrivals) that allow for fast baggage claim processing. Also, the baggage service office is available for assistance.

Security Checkpoint

The security checkpoint has 13 lanes and is very spacious. It allows easy processing. It’s recommended that you arrive at least 2 hours in advance of peak periods to confirm an expedited experience.

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