denver international airport southwest airlines terminal
Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the largest hubs in the United States, and Southwest Airlines plays a major role in connecting the Mile‑High City to the rest of the country. This guide explains everything you need to know about navigating the Southwest terminal, spotting the best amenities, and timing your trip for maximum convenience.
🛬 Overview of Southwest Operations at DEN
Southwest Airlines operates out of the main Galleries Terminal 1 at DEN. It is the airport’s busiest gate‑count passenger terminal, serving a diverse mix of domestic and some international routes. The airline’s focus on low fares and quick turnarounds is reflected in its comfortable yet efficient layout.
- Terminals Served: Galleries (Terminal 1)
- Main Gate Area: 0 to 248 (most Southwest flights are in the 20–90 range)
- Average Shuttle Time: 3–5 minutes from Dallas to galleries
✈️ Navigating the Southwest Gateway
Below are the step‑by‑step instructions to help you find your way through the airport, from arrival gates to baggage claim.
Arriving at the Gate
- Where to go? Once you have your boarding pass, proceed to the Denver Galleries Terminal 1.
- Finding your gate: The terminal’s “X” atrium has a large digital directory with color‑coded floors (Red for T1, Blue for T2).
- Security: Southwest flights use a dedicated Southwest security lane in the Galleries, usually a shortened version of TSA’s standard process.
In‑Flight Experience
- Seats offered: Southwest’s standard “open seating” model means you choose your seat upon boarding, making the most of every row.
- Free Wi-Fi: Available in the Galleries free zones (signal stronger between Gates 20–70).
- Airport lounges: Southwest’s “Hi Fly cabin lounge” is located outside the main gate area and open to elite travelers. For others, the PREMIER lounge is shared among the airline’s partners.
Baggage Claim
- Check‑in Process: Southwest’s priority check‑in allows you to skip the long queues; card points can expedite the process.
- Carousel assignment: Southwest operates its own carousel in Galleries; typically Carousel 22 for domestic flights.
- Baggage fees: 20% discount if you check in online and carry a Southwest “Red” pass.
After Flights
- Ground transportation:
- Parking: The “Gold” and “Silver” park&ride lots are directly adjacent to the Galleries.
- Car Rentals: All major rental companies have dedicated counters in Ground Transportation Center, a short walk from Terminal 1.
- Public Transit: The RTD’s A Line trains run from the depot near Gallery Terminal 1 straight to downtown Denver.
💡 Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience
| Tip | Why it Matters | How to Execute |
|---|---|---|
| Arrive 90 min early | Southwest has quick security lanes but the Galleries are large | Use the Denver airport app for real‑time wait times |
| Checkout free Wi‑Fi | Need to stay connected while frequenting the best food spots | Scan QR codes posted near Gate Adverts |
| Bring a reusable water bottle | Saltwater and dry climate at Denver | Hotel can refill in the lobby lounge |
| Order snacks online | Unlimited ala‑carte is not available for all flights | Use Southwest’s "SHOP" feature in the app |
| Wear comfortable shoes | The Galleries cover more than a mile | Stick to flat soles, limit heels |
📊 Quick Comparison: Southwest vs. Other Major Airports at DEN
| Feature | Southwest (DEN) | United Airlines (DEN) | Delta Air Lines (DEN) | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Terminal | Galleries (T1) | Galleries (T1) | Galleries (T1) | Same terminal: easier multi‑airline transfers |
| Security wait time (avg) | 15 min | 20 min | 19 min | Southwest advantage |
| Lounge Access | 2 dedicated lounges | 3 partnership lounges | 3 partnership lounges | More options for Delta+ |
| Baggage fees | $25 per bag | $30 per bag | $35 per bag | Southwest cheaper |
| In‑flight Wi‑Fi | Free (limited data) | Free (unlimited) | Free (unlimited) | Equal for all |
| Parking cost (daily) | $35 (Gold) | $35 (Gold) | $35 (Gold) | Same |
| TSA Pre✓ requirement | E‑tite for frequent flyer | TSA Pre✓/Global Entry required | TSA Pre✓/Global Entry required | Southwest accepts both |
🛍️ Dining & Shopping Near the Southwest Gates
| Vendor | What They Offer | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Café Carolina | Fresh sandwiches & salads | 7 am–6 pm |
| Nando’s South | Peruvian‑style peri‑peri chicken | 6 am–11 pm |
| Bacon & Society | Gourmet coffee & baked goods | 6 am–9 pm |
| Kaizer’s Catch | Global seafood market | 8 am–8 pm |
| Lucky Cow | Speciality meats & charcuterie | 7 am–10 pm |
Quick tip: Order online through the Denver Airport Mobile App during peak times to avoid long wait times.
🚗 Parking & Ground Options Simplified
| Parking Type | Cost (per day) | Availability | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold (Premium) | $35 | Premium lift access | 0 m |
| Silver (Standard) | $30 | Check‑in lifts | 400 m |
| Taxicab/Ride‑Share | $8–$12 per ride | 10 min walk | 150 m |
Pro Tip: Book your lot in advance via the DEN website. A “Regular” pass with a QR code saves ~5 minutes at the kiosk.
📱 Digital Tools to Help You Win
| Tool | What It Does | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest® Mobile | Check‑in, flight status, gate changes | Real‑time alerts |
| DEN Airport App | Terminal maps, wayfinding, real‑time delays | In‑app navigation |
| Google Maps | Visual walking routes | Bridges the tech gap |
| FlightAware | Flight tracking, live ETA | Less anxiety on the runway |
| Roadtrippers | Car‑route planner from Denver | Optimizes GPS entries |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bring a carry‑on in addition to the standard Southwest allowance?
Yes—carry‑on is included. You may also bring an additional personal item (backpack, laptop bag).
What if I miss my Southwest gate because of a delay?
Check the airlines’ live “Schedule Change” notifications available in the Southwest app or on DEN’s gate monitors.
Is the Southwest sandwich menu available at DEN?
Yes, find the Southwest Food Hall on the lower plaza of Galleries Terminal 1; they serve the same classic sweet potato, albatross, and fish sandwiches.
- Do I need TSA Pre✓ for Southwest flights at DEN?
Not required. Southwest’s dedicated lane typically shortens the wait.
🗺️ Final Checklist Before You Go
- [ ] Confirm gate number on the Southwest app
- [ ] Print boarding pass or confirm e‑ticket via mobile
- [ ] Verify luggage allowance and fees
- [ ] Sync your seat preference (open seating)
- [ ] Charge your phone, bring chargers & adapters
- [ ] Prepare a list of nearby restaurants & shops
- [ ] Set calendar reminders for shuttle pickup times
Sources
- https://www.southwest.com/
- https://www.denver.org/airport/
- https://shop.deenaairport.com/ (DEN Dining & Shopping)
- https://www.tsa.gov/ (TSA Pre✓, general guidelines)
- FlightAware, 2025. “Flight Tracking for DEN”.
