9 May 2025, 03:30 PM
Navigating Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal can be straightforward and enjoyable when you know what to expect. Miami International Airport (MIA), one of the busiest air travel hubs in the U.S., provides an efficient base for Southwest Airlines’ growing presence in South Florida. Whether you’re flying domestically or connecting to another city, this guide will help you make the most of your experience at Southwest Airlines’ terminal at MIA.
Terminal Location and Layout
Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal operates out of Concourse H, which is part of the Central Terminal at Miami International Airport. Concourse H offers 13 gates (H1-H13), with Southwest typically using several gates in this concourse for its departing and arriving flights.
This terminal is centrally located, allowing easy access from parking garages, ground transportation services, and MIA’s main check-in areas. From Concourse H, travelers can conveniently connect to other parts of the airport if needed, thanks to well-marked corridors and pedestrian walkways.
Check-in and Ticketing
Travelers flying out of the Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal will find the airline’s check-in counters on Level 2 of Concourse H. This area offers full-service ticketing, baggage check-in, and assistance for travel changes. To save time, Southwest encourages passengers to check in online via the Southwest app or website up to 24 hours before departure.
It’s advisable to arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours before international flights to ensure sufficient time for check-in and security screening, especially during peak travel seasons at MIA.
Baggage Claim and Ground Transport
Arriving passengers at the Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal can collect their luggage at Baggage Claim on Level 1, beneath the Central Terminal. This location offers direct access to a wide range of ground transportation options, such as taxis, rideshares, rental cars (via the MIA Mover), and public transit at the nearby MIA Central Station.
Travelers can also use hotel shuttles or Tri-Rail for connections to other parts of South Florida, making onward travel convenient from the Southwest terminal.
Dining and Shopping
Passengers passing through Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal will find several dining and shopping options in and around Concourse H. For a quick bite or sit-down meal, notable restaurants include Cafe Versailles for Cuban coffee and snacks, Corona Beach House for light fare and drinks, and Islander Bar & Grill for hearty meals.
Retail shops such as NewsLink and Sound Balance offer travel essentials, snacks, electronics, and reading materials to help pass the time while waiting for your flight.
Security and Amenities
The security checkpoint for Concourse H is located on Level 2, close to the Southwest Airlines check-in counters. TSA PreCheck lanes are available for eligible passengers, and CLEAR lanes offer another expedited screening option.
While Southwest does not operate its own lounge at MIA, the terminal provides helpful amenities such as:
Destinations and Routes
Although Southwest’s largest South Florida base remains at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), its service from Miami International Airport continues to expand. Nonstop flights from the Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal often include key domestic destinations like:
Parking and Accessibility
Travelers driving to the airport will find the Central Terminal Garages (Dolphin and Flamingo) the most convenient for accessing the Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal. These parking facilities are connected via pedestrian walkways and offer daily parking for approximately $25 per day as of 2025. Long-term and economy parking options are also available with shuttle connections to the terminal.
Final Thoughts
The Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal at Concourse H offers travelers a user-friendly, well-equipped space to begin or end their journey. With accessible check-in counters, convenient baggage claim, a range of dining and shopping options, and smooth connections to ground transportation, Southwest passengers flying from Miami International Airport can expect a seamless travel experience.
For the best experience, arrive early, take advantage of online check-in, and familiarize yourself with the layout of Concourse H. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal serves as a comfortable and efficient gateway to destinations across the U.S. and beyond.
Terminal Location and Layout
Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal operates out of Concourse H, which is part of the Central Terminal at Miami International Airport. Concourse H offers 13 gates (H1-H13), with Southwest typically using several gates in this concourse for its departing and arriving flights.
This terminal is centrally located, allowing easy access from parking garages, ground transportation services, and MIA’s main check-in areas. From Concourse H, travelers can conveniently connect to other parts of the airport if needed, thanks to well-marked corridors and pedestrian walkways.
Check-in and Ticketing
Travelers flying out of the Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal will find the airline’s check-in counters on Level 2 of Concourse H. This area offers full-service ticketing, baggage check-in, and assistance for travel changes. To save time, Southwest encourages passengers to check in online via the Southwest app or website up to 24 hours before departure.
It’s advisable to arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours before international flights to ensure sufficient time for check-in and security screening, especially during peak travel seasons at MIA.
Baggage Claim and Ground Transport
Arriving passengers at the Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal can collect their luggage at Baggage Claim on Level 1, beneath the Central Terminal. This location offers direct access to a wide range of ground transportation options, such as taxis, rideshares, rental cars (via the MIA Mover), and public transit at the nearby MIA Central Station.
Travelers can also use hotel shuttles or Tri-Rail for connections to other parts of South Florida, making onward travel convenient from the Southwest terminal.
Dining and Shopping
Passengers passing through Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal will find several dining and shopping options in and around Concourse H. For a quick bite or sit-down meal, notable restaurants include Cafe Versailles for Cuban coffee and snacks, Corona Beach House for light fare and drinks, and Islander Bar & Grill for hearty meals.
Retail shops such as NewsLink and Sound Balance offer travel essentials, snacks, electronics, and reading materials to help pass the time while waiting for your flight.
Security and Amenities
The security checkpoint for Concourse H is located on Level 2, close to the Southwest Airlines check-in counters. TSA PreCheck lanes are available for eligible passengers, and CLEAR lanes offer another expedited screening option.
While Southwest does not operate its own lounge at MIA, the terminal provides helpful amenities such as:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout Concourse H
- Power outlets and charging stations near gates
- Pet relief areas and nursing rooms nearby
- Access to VIP Lounge Miami (available via day pass)
Destinations and Routes
Although Southwest’s largest South Florida base remains at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), its service from Miami International Airport continues to expand. Nonstop flights from the Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal often include key domestic destinations like:
- Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
- Chicago Midway (MDW)
- Houston Hobby (HOU)
- Nashville (BNA)
- Tampa (TPA)
Parking and Accessibility
Travelers driving to the airport will find the Central Terminal Garages (Dolphin and Flamingo) the most convenient for accessing the Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal. These parking facilities are connected via pedestrian walkways and offer daily parking for approximately $25 per day as of 2025. Long-term and economy parking options are also available with shuttle connections to the terminal.
Final Thoughts
The Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal at Concourse H offers travelers a user-friendly, well-equipped space to begin or end their journey. With accessible check-in counters, convenient baggage claim, a range of dining and shopping options, and smooth connections to ground transportation, Southwest passengers flying from Miami International Airport can expect a seamless travel experience.
For the best experience, arrive early, take advantage of online check-in, and familiarize yourself with the layout of Concourse H. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, Southwest Airlines MIA Terminal serves as a comfortable and efficient gateway to destinations across the U.S. and beyond.