So, you’re flying Southwest out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). You’ve probably heard people complain about the construction or the traffic on the lower level, and honestly, they aren’t wrong. It can be a mess if you don't know exactly where you’re going. If you are looking for the Fort Lauderdale Southwest terminal, you need to head straight for Terminal 1, also known as the "Yellow Terminal."
Don't let the different names confuse you. FLL is laid out in a big, looping horseshoe shape. Terminal 1 is the first one you’ll hit when you enter the airport grounds from I-95 or US-1. It’s the bright, modern-looking building that handles the bulk of the domestic low-cost carrier traffic. While other airlines like United and Allegiant also live here, Southwest is the undisputed king of this space.
They operate out of Concourses B and C.
If you’ve flown through here five years ago, it looks different now. The airport spent a massive amount of money—hundreds of millions—modernizing the gates and adding a post-security walkway that connects Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. This is a big deal. It means if you have a long layover, you can actually wander over to the Delta terminal (Terminal 2) to check out their food options without having to go through TSA again.
Why Terminal 1 is Actually the Best Spot at FLL
Most people dread airport terminals, but Terminal 1 is arguably the most "civilized" part of FLL. Why? Because it’s been the focus of the most recent renovations. You have high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and—most importantly—charging stations that actually work.
Southwest occupies gates in both Concourse B and Concourse C. Usually, if you are on a flight to Baltimore or Midway, you’re looking at Concourse B. If you’re heading down to the Caribbean or Central America—Southwest does a ton of international hops from here—you might find yourself in Concourse C. Always check the monitors the second you walk in.
Gate assignments at FLL shift constantly.
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One thing that trips people up is the check-in process. Southwest has a massive ticket counter presence on the upper level (Departures). If you aren't checking a bag, just skip the kiosks and go straight to the security line. There are two main security checkpoints in Terminal 1. One serves Concourse A (mostly United), and the other serves B and C. If you’re flying Southwest, make sure you enter the checkpoint labeled for Gates B and C. If you go into the Concourse A line, you’ll end up walking a lot further than you need to, although the airside connectors do technically link them all now.
Parking and Getting to the Gate
Parking at FLL is a gamble. The Hibiscus and Palm garages are your best bets for the Fort Lauderdale Southwest terminal. The Hibiscus garage is literally right next to Terminal 1. It’s the color-coded "Yellow" section.
If you see the "Full" sign, don't panic. Just keep driving toward the Palm garage. It’s a bit of a hike, but there are moving walkways. Pro tip: use the FLL app to check parking availability before you even leave your house. It updates in real-time. There’s nothing worse than circling for forty minutes while your boarding group (hopefully A-List!) is already getting on the plane.
Speaking of boarding, Southwest’s open seating policy makes the gate area at Terminal 1 feel a bit more chaotic than others. People start "lining up" by their pillars way before the flight is called. Because the concourses are somewhat narrow, it can get cramped. If you want a quiet spot to sit, walk toward the very end of Concourse B. There’s usually a little more breathing room there than at the "hub" where the shops are located.
Food and Coffee: What’s Actually Edible?
Let's be real. Airport food is usually overpriced and disappointing. But Terminal 1 has a few gems. If you need a "real" meal, Rocco’s Tacos is the local favorite. It’s a branch of the famous South Florida chain. It’s loud, the margaritas are strong, and the guacamole is actually decent. It’s located in the Concourse B/C connector area.
For a quick caffeine fix, you’ve got Starbucks, obviously. But the line is always a nightmare. Honestly, just walk a little further. You can often find smaller kiosks or "Grab and Go" spots like Offerdahl’s Off-the-Grill that have shorter lines and better breakfast sandwiches.
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- Sergio’s Cuban Cafe: This is where you go for a "Cafecito" or a Cuban sandwich. It’s authentic to the region and way better than a soggy pre-made wrap.
- Shula Burger: Named after the legendary Dolphins coach. It’s a solid burger, though it’ll sit heavy if you’re about to fly for four hours.
The International Connection
A lot of travelers don't realize Southwest uses FLL as a major gateway to places like Nassau, Montego Bay, and Grand Cayman. If you are arriving from an international destination at the Fort Lauderdale Southwest terminal, you will arrive at Terminal 1, but you’ll be funneled through the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area on the lower level.
The processing time here has improved. They have those automated passport control kiosks now. If you have Global Entry, you can usually breeze through in under five minutes. If you don't, and three flights from the islands land at the same time, prepare to wait.
The baggage claim for Southwest is on the lower level of Terminal 1. There are several carousels, and they are usually pretty efficient. However, because FLL is a "linear" airport, the walk from the international arrivals gate to the domestic baggage claim can feel like a marathon. Wear comfortable shoes.
Surprising Details About FLL Infrastructure
Did you know Terminal 1 is technically an "award-winning" design? It won several architectural accolades for its sustainability and use of recycled materials during the last big overhaul. You’ll notice the terrazzo floors have recycled glass in them. It’s a nice touch, even if you’re just trying to rush to your gate.
There is also a hidden gem: the Pet Relief Area. If you’re traveling with a dog, there’s an indoor relief station post-security. This is a lifesaver. You don't have to exit the building, go through the grass, and re-clear security just because your pup needs a break. It’s located near the entrance to Concourse B.
Common Misconceptions
People often think Spirit and Southwest are in the same terminal because they are both "budget" airlines. They are not. Spirit is over in Terminal 4. If you accidentally take the shuttle to Terminal 4, you’re going to have a bad day. It’s a long walk or another shuttle ride back to Terminal 1.
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Another mistake: thinking the "Cell Phone Waiting Lot" is close. It’s actually quite a bit further out than at many other airports. If someone is picking you up, tell them to wait at the nearby gas station or the designated lot off of Perimeter Road until you are actually standing on the curb with your suitcases. The FLL police are notoriously strict about "lingering" at the arrivals curb. They will move you along within thirty seconds if you aren't actively loading a car.
Nuance in the Experience
The experience at the Fort Lauderdale Southwest terminal changes drastically depending on the time of day. Between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM, it is a madhouse. This is when all the "commuter" flights to Orlando, Tampa, and Atlanta take off. If you have a flight during this window, give yourself two hours.
Mid-afternoon? It’s a ghost town. You can get through security in six minutes.
It’s also worth noting that FLL is very prone to weather delays. South Florida thunderstorms in the summer are no joke. Because Southwest uses a "point-to-point" system rather than a "hub-and-spoke" system, a delay in FLL can ripple across their entire network. If the sky looks dark, check the Southwest app immediately. They are usually pretty good about posting updates before the gate agents even announce them.
Logistics Checklist for Success
- Check the FLL airport website for real-time parking capacity before leaving.
- Confirm your gate in the Southwest app—don't trust the printed boarding pass from three hours ago.
- If the security line at Concourses B/C is backed up, check if the Concourse A line is shorter; you can walk across airside.
- Download a digital boarding pass to save time at the kiosks.
- If you are arriving internationally, have your Mobile Passport Control app ready to skip the standard customs line.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
- Arrive early for international: Even though it’s Southwest, international document verification often requires you to see a human at the ticket counter. Do not rely on the kiosk for a flight to Cancun.
- Use the Upper Level for Pickups: If the lower level (Arrivals) is jammed with cars, tell your ride to meet you on the Upper Level (Departures). It’s usually much faster to jump in a car there.
- Locate the "Escape Lounge": While Southwest doesn't have its own club, Terminal 1 features an Escape Lounge (near Concourse A) that you can pay to enter or access with certain credit cards. It’s a great way to escape the gate noise.
- Monitor the bridge: Use the new bridge to Terminal 2 if you have a long delay and want to see the art installations or different food vendors over at the Delta terminal.
The Fort Lauderdale Southwest terminal is a high-traffic, high-energy environment. It reflects the chaotic but vibrant nature of South Florida itself. As long as you remember that you are heading to Terminal 1, keep an eye on the color-coded signs, and stay flexible with your gate number, you'll find it’s one of the easier major airport experiences in the country. Just don't forget to grab a croqueta at Sergio's before you board.