Southwest Airlines SAN Terminal has a presence in Terminal 1 of San Diego International Airport (SAN), offering efficient and customer-friendly services. The terminal has several check-in options, such as online, mobile, kiosks, and staffed counters. Southwest's open-seating policy allocates boarding groups at check-in. One free checked bag for all fares except the highest, except two bags for the top fares, is offered by the airline, while carry-on remains complimentary. Terminal 1 has a variety of food outlets, stores, and amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi and charging points. Baggage claim facilities are convenient, with lost or delayed bag help available. Easy access to ground transportation, such as ride-shares and car rentals, makes flying with Southwest at SAN convenient, comfortable, and trouble-free for all travelers.
Southwest Airlines departs from Terminal 1 of San Diego International Airport (SAN), one of the largest West Coast hubs for passengers with a reputation for being highly user-friendly and convenient to navigate. With extensive domestic coverage and a focus on customer experience through well-designed terminals and highly efficient services, Southwest is one of SAN's largest carriers. From reserving flights to picking up bags, each phase of the flight at the SAN Terminal 1 is designed to ensure a hassle-free, pleasant journey experience for Southwest passengers.
Terminal 1, where Southwest Airlines is based, is on the airport's western side and is being renovated in phases to enhance passenger flow and facilities. Even with continuous upgrades, Southwest operations are seamless and uninterrupted. The terminal has an open, expansive concourse that has ample natural light with a range of customer amenities such as dining facilities, retail outlets, and seating space. The check-in facility is on the ground floor, and the security checkpoint opens to the upper-floor gates.
In booking flights, Southwest Airlines provides passengers with the option of booking tickets through a variety of media, such as its own website, mobile app, airport ticket counters, or through travel agencies. The company is famous for having a flexible fare system, which presents customers with choices such as Wanna Get Away, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select. Every type of fare provides different degrees of benefits like refundable tickets, priority boarding, or extra Rapid Rewards points. Southwest's fare transparency and customer-friendly policies like no change fees are still drawing leisure and business fliers alike.
Check-in options at Southwest Terminal San Diego are efficient and flexible for customers. Fliers can check in using the internet or through the Southwest app 24 hours in advance. Within the airport, full-service desks and self-service machines are provided. The machines permit passengers to check in, print boarding passes, and label bags. The primary Southwest check-in counters in Terminal 1 operate approximately two hours prior to the first daily flight and remain open until the final departure. Agents at the desks are on hand to handle any problem that may arise, including name changes, travel inquiry, or special needs like wheelchair assistance.
One of the hallmarks of Southwest Airlines is its open seating policy. Rather than assigning specific seats, passengers are given a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number when they check in. Early check-in increases the chances of boarding sooner and selecting a preferred seat. Passengers can also purchase EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks them in and assigns a boarding position 36 hours before departure. Business Select fares offer priority boarding in group A, which is particularly suitable for passengers who enjoy having their seat assigned and gaining access to overhead storage bins first.
Southwest Airlines recently revamped its baggage policy at San Diego International Airport, a system-wide change that occurred on May 28, 2025. With the new format, the iconic two free checked bags policy now relies on fare type. Passengers traveling on Business Select or Anytime fares continue to get two free checked bags. Passengers on Wanna Get Away Plus or Wanna Get Away fares can now take one free checked bag. Beyond that, checked bags beginning with the second or third depending on the fare type cost extra, with the third costing $150. Carry-on allowances have not changed. One carry-on bag and one personal item may be brought onboard by passengers. Overweight and oversized bags continue to have extra charges, and oversized or overweight items have to be sent separately or paid for in the appropriate manner.
For baggage assistance, Southwest Terminal San Diego has a special Baggage Services Office that is inside the terminal, close to the baggage claim. Lost or delayed baggage reports, damaged baggage claims, and reuniting items left on planes are all serviced by this office. Travelers with a problem can talk to a representative or make a claim online on the airline's website. The majority of lost baggage is found and returned in 24 hours. The airport is also provided with baggage carousels, which show the flight information clearly to facilitate easy and convenient pickup.
Flight updates and gate assignments for Southwest flights at SAN are shown on overhead boards throughout Terminal 1. Real-time information is also provided through the Southwest app and airport site. The gate lounges are large with power outlets and plenty of seating for waiting passengers. On delays or gate changes, Southwest staff are generally helpful in announcing and assisting passengers with rebooking or other arrangements. The company is also highly rated for its helpful customer service staff, accessible through phone, social media, and email, that can manage flight adjustments, refunds, and special assistance requests.
Terminal 1 in SAN also features a variety of dining and retail choices for Southwest passengers. From quick service to sit-down eateries, passengers are able to find meals to suit all appetites and dietary requirements. Ciao Gourmet Market, which provides fresh grab-and-go options with vegan and gluten-free choices, and Bankers Hill Bar & Restaurant, which features full-service dining with local craft drinks, are just a few popular choices. For lighter foods, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Peet's Coffee offer breakfast and snack food, while The Counter offers customizable burgers. Terminal 1 retail shops offer travel necessities, magazines, snacks, souvenirs, and electronics, so passengers can shop or grab last-minute items prior to boarding.
Accessibility and special assistance services are a significant part of Southwest's services at SAN. The terminal offers barrier-free access to restrooms, elevators, and gates. Passengers who need wheelchair services may apply for it while booking the ticket or when arriving at the terminal. TSA Cares can also be contacted by travelers who need a little extra help during the security screening. For customers with service animals or traveling with small children, special relief and play facilities are available close by in the concourse.
Southwest Terminal San Diego also offers convenient ground transportation choices for Southwest travelers. Near Terminal 1, passengers have access to taxis, ride-shares, shuttles, and public transit. The airport's Cell Phone Waiting Lot, short- and long-term parking garages, and rental car center are all within easy reach via complimentary airport shuttles. All of the major rental brands occupy the consolidated rental car center and are a brief drive from the terminal via branded shuttles that operate every few minutes.