What Terminal is Southwest Airlines at Tampa International Airport (TPA)?
Southwest Airlines operates from the Main Terminal, Airside C at Tampa International Airport (TPA). This concourse is dedicated to domestic and select international flights, managing both arrivals and departures for Southwest Airlines. Airside C is structured with multiple levels, where check‑in and baggage claim are located on the landside terminal, while boarding gates are positioned in the airside concourse connected by the automated people mover.
Quickly Find Your Gate, Check-In Desk, or Flight Info!
Don’t Miss Your Flight — Get Expert Help with Changes & Refunds
What Terminal Is Southwest Airlines at Tampa Airport?
Southwest Airlines flights are handled through Airside C. The concourse is equipped with ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates.
- Terminal: Main Terminal
- Concourse: Airside C
- Levels: Landside for check‑in and baggage claim, airside for boarding
- Flight type: Domestic and limited international routes
Southwest Airlines Check‑in at TPA
Passengers traveling with Southwest Airlines can check in at counters located in the landside terminal before proceeding to Airside C. Online check‑in is available 24 hours before departure and closes 1 hour prior to take‑off.
- Check‑in location: Landside terminal, Level 2
- Counters: Southwest Airlines zone
- Operating hours: Counters open daily according to flight schedule
- Closing time: 45 minutes before departure
- Bag drop: Accepted during counter hours, up to 4 hours before flight
Travelers are advised to arrive at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights to complete check‑in and security screening without delays.
Southwest Airlines Departures at TPA
Departures are managed at Airside C. After check‑in, passengers proceed through security and then move to boarding gates via the automated people mover.
- Departure level: Airside C concourse
- Boarding gates: C30–C39 (assigned per flight)
- Security: TSA checkpoint at Airside C entrance
- Boarding start time: 30–40 minutes before departure
Digital boards provide real‑time updates on gate assignments and boarding status.
Southwest Airlines Arrivals at TPA
All Southwest Airlines flights arrive at Airside C. Domestic passengers proceed directly to baggage claim in the landside terminal, while international passengers clear customs before reaching baggage claim.
- Arrival level: Landside terminal, Level 1
- Baggage claim: Assigned carousels per flight
- Immigration & customs: Located before baggage claim for international arrivals
- Ground transport: Taxis, hotel shuttles, rental car center, and public buses available outside the terminal
Tampa Airport Southwest Airlines Terminal Map
The TPA terminal map highlights Southwest Airlines check‑in counters, gates, TSA checkpoints, and baggage claim zones.
- Key areas: Check‑in counters, boarding gates, baggage claim
- Signage: Clearly marked throughout the terminal
- Digital boards: Show flight and gate information
Amenities for Southwest Airlines at TPA Airside C
Tampa Airport’s Airside C offers a wide range of facilities for Southwest Airlines passengers.
Common amenities at Airside C
- Free Wi‑Fi network
- Restrooms and nursing suites
- Charging points and seating areas
- ATMs and currency exchange counters
- Dining options and retail stores
- Ground and public transportation access
- Parking garages nearby
Airline‑specific facilities
- Southwest Airlines check‑in counters
- Customer service desks for booking and rebooking
- Information windows for flight queries
- Access to partner lounges for eligible passengers
Southwest Airlines operates from the Main Terminal, Airside C at Tampa International Airport, managing all check‑in, boarding, and arrivals in a structured setup. With organized counters, efficient security, and multiple transport options, Airside C ensures a reliable experience for Southwest Airlines passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Southwest Airlines operates from the Main Terminal, Airside C at TPA.
Check‑in counters are located in the landside terminal, Level 2.
Arrivals are processed at the landside terminal, Level 1, with baggage claim facilities nearby.
Southwest Airlines does not operate its own lounge, but passengers may access common seating and partner facilities in Airside C.
Flights usually depart from gates C30–C39 in Airside C.
Yes, the Tampa Airport map highlights Airside C facilities.
Yes, mobile boarding passes are accepted at TPA for Southwest Airlines flights.
Taxis, rideshares, public buses, hotel shuttles, and rental car shuttles are available outside the landside terminal.