southwest airlines florida airports
Southwest Airlines has become a favorite for travelers in the Sunshine State, offering convenient routes, low fares, and an award‑winning customer experience. Whether you’re headed to the theme‑park capital of Orlando, the beaches of Tampa, or the vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale, Southwest serves a handful of key Florida airports. This guide walks you through every Southwest‑served Florida destination, compares their features, and provides practical tips to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Southwest’s Florida Airport Network
| Airport | City | Airport Code | Comments & Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando International Airport | Orlando | MCO | The most visited airport in North America. Ideal for theme‑park trips and a large domestic network. |
| Tampa International Airport | Tampa | TPA | Home to Tampa International and a popular gateway to Gulf‑Coast, theme parks, and sports events. |
| Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport | Fort Lauderdale | FLL | Serves the South Florida region; convenient to Miami, Palm Beach, and the Caribbean. |
| Jacksonville International Airport | Jacksonville | JAX | Southwest added service in 2023; it’s the largest airport in the Southeast by land area. |
| Palm Beach International Airport | West Palm Beach | PBI | No Southwest service yet, but a short drive from Fort Lauderdale; worth checking for future routes. |
| Miami International Airport | Miami | MIA | Southwest does not currently operate here despite its popularity. |
Why these airports? Southwest chooses hubs that offer a blend of high passenger volume, ample slot space, and a strong domestic network. All four served airports provide two‑way flights to the Southwest hub cities such as Dallas‑Fort Worth (DFW), Phoenix (PHX), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), and Minneapolis (MSP).
How to Book Southwest Flights to Florida
1. Use Southwest’s Mobile App
Southwest’s mobile app gives you the most up‑to‑date flight information, real‑time updates on changes, and the ability to change your itinerary without fees (you’ll pay only the fare difference). It’s especially handy for last‑minute adjustments.
2. Reward Your Loyalty
Sign up for Rapid Rewards to earn points for every dollar spent. These points can be redeemed for free flights, seat upgrades, and other perks.
3. Be Mindful of Heyday Timing
Southwest’s “Heyday” is the most crowded time of the year (late March–April, early November–December). If you need flexibility, book outside of these peak windows or add a Travel Credit at the time of booking for a small discount later.
4. Check Baggage Policy Daily
Southwest allows up to 10 bags per seat (with additional fees). The first two bags per passenger are usually free. It’s a good idea to double‑check the latest baggage allowance on their website before you pack.
Pro Tips for Flying with Southwest in Florida
| Tip | Why It Matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Arrive Early at MCO | Orlando is the busiest airport in North America; crowds are intense. | Arriving 45 minutes early will give you plenty of time to find your gate. |
| Use the “Free Anytime” Award | Flexibility for award flights without hassle. | Book a “Free Anytime” flight to TPA and you’ll get maximum flexibility. |
| Opt for Southwest’s “Open Pricing” Fare | If you’re traveling during Heyday holidays, this fare can keep your ticket price steady. | A ticket for Miami‑Florida on “Open Pricing” will retain the price despite demand spikes. |
| Take Advantage of Airport Lounges via Rapid Rewards Elite | Premium comfort after your flight. | Elite members can access Southwest’s lounges at MCO and FLL. |
| Stay Informed About Weather Delays | Florida is notorious for sudden storms. | Use the Southwest app’s push alerts to be apprised of any weather‑related flight changes. |
Florida Airport Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Orlando (MCO) | Tampa (TPA) | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Jacksonville (JAX) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Departures | 150+ | 70 | 50 | 20 |
| Airport Terminal(s) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Ground Transport Options | Public bus, rideshare, rental cars, taxis | Public Ion BART, rideshare, rental cars | Public bus, rideshare, rental cars | Rail (RTA), rideshare, rental cars |
| Nearby Major Attractions | Disney, Universal Studios | Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium | Miami, Everglades | Amway, Busch Gardens |
| Southwest Flight Frequency | 4–6 daily | 3–4 daily | 2–3 daily | 1–2 daily |
| Annual Passenger Traffic (2023) | 30M+ | 13M | 10M | 2M |
Why different traffic volumes? Orlando’s "theme‑park traffic" heavily influences flight demand, while Tampa is primarily a business and leisure hub. Fort Lauderdale draws daytime travelers going to Miami, and Jacksonville serves a broader regional market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Southwest fly to Miami International Airport?
A1: No. Southwest currently does not operate flights into or out of Miami’s MIA airport.
Q2: What is Southwest’s baggage allowance for domestic flights?
A2: The first two checked bags per passenger are typically free; the third and subsequent bags incur a fee. Confirm details on the Southwest website before traveling.
Q3: Can I change or cancel my Southwest flight without a fee?
A3: Yes—Southwest’s fare rules allow free changes and cancellations, with you only paying the fare difference (plus any cost of the new location).
Q4: How many miles do I earn with Rapid Rewards on a Florida flight?
A4: You earn 2 points per dollar spent, plus a 1.5x multiplier if your flight time is between 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Q5: Are there price guarantees if I book a Southwest flight to Florida?
A5: Southwest does not offer a “price‑guarantee” policy, but you can stabilize your ticket price using “Heyday” or “Open Pricing” fares.
Resources
- Southwest Airlines Official Site – www.southwest.com
- Southwest Rapid Rewards – Rapid Rewards
- Airport Guides
- Orlando International: MCO Airport
- Tampa International: TPA Airport
- Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood: FLL Airport
- Jacksonville International: JAX Airport
- Travel Planning Apps – Hopper, SeatGuru, and FlightRadar24 for real‑time flight status
Happy traveling, and enjoy the sunny skies and seamless service that Southwest brings to Florida!
