Southwest Airlines, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is recognized as the preeminent low-cost carrier globally, operating a comprehensive network of over 4,000 daily flights to numerous domestic, and international destinations.
The key operating bases for Southwest are Atlanta (ATL), Baltimore (BWI), Chicago-Midway (MDW), Dallas-Love (DAL), Denver (DEN), Houston-Hobby (HOU), Las Vegas (LAX), Los Angeles (LAX), Oakland (OAK), Orlando (MCO), and Phoenix-Sky Harbor (PHX).
In this informative travel guide, we will explore Southwest Denver Terminal as DEN is one of the primary Southwest flights’ operational bases.
Table of Contents
Which terminal is Southwest at Denver?
Located in the western region of the United States, Denver International Airport (DEN), also known as DIA, is one of the eight primary hubs for United Airlines, serving as an international gateway. Positioned at an impressive elevation of 5,434 feet (1,656 meters) above mean sea level (AMSL), DEN Airport boasts modern facilities and infrastructure.
DEN Airport ranks as the third busiest airport in the United States, accommodating over 50 million passengers annually. In 2021, the airport welcomed nearly 60 million passengers, with projections indicating that this number will surpass 70 million by the close of 2022.
Related: What are the 3 Busiest Airports in the U.S.?
The airport has six robust concrete runways, with a minimum length of 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), ensuring that multiple flights can take off and land simultaneously. The airport has a single terminal named the Jeppesen Terminal, which comprises three concourses: Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C.
Concourse A and Concourse B are located to the west of the Jeppesen Terminal, while Concourse C is situated to the east. Together, these three concourses hold 146 gates, with Concourse A having 51 gates, Concourse B having 66 gates, and Concourse C having 29 gates.
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal East (Concourse C) at Denver International Airport (DEN). The airline offers various amenities, and services to the arriving, and departing passengers at the airport’s terminal.
Southwest Gates at Atlanta Airport (Concourse C): Gates 23-37, 40-47, 49, and 51
Amenities offered by Southwest at ATL
- Charging Stations
- Skycap
- Airport-Provided WiFi
- Priority Lane
- Express Lane
- Self-Tagging
Southwest Ticket counters at Denver Airport are operational every day (Monday through Sunday). The counter services begin 120 minutes before the first departing flight.
If you’re traveling with your pets with Southwest Airlines, don’t forget to check out Southwest Pet Policy.
Southwest advises its passengers to arrive at the airport at least 120 minutes prior to their domestic departure, and 180 minutes prior to their international departure. This gives enough time for them to go through check-in, security screening, avoid unexpected delays, and enjoy airport amenities.
Important Note: All bags must be checked 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
PRO TIP: If you’re traveling with Southwest Airlines and want to save time, consider using their free bag check service. With this service, you can easily check your bags and outdoor gear, and also obtain your boarding pass in one convenient location. To take advantage of this service, simply head to either the Southwest Skycap at Doors 507 and 607, or the bag check locations at the Transit Center or Pikes Peak Lot. It’s important to note that you should check your bags at least 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to ensure enough time for processing. By using this free service, you can streamline your check-in process and enjoy a stress-free travel experience.
Denver Airport Ground Transporation Facilities
- A Line Commuter Train – The A Line commuter train, operated by the Regional Transportation District (RTD), offers convenient transportation between DEN and downtown Denver.
- Car Sharing Services – DEN has partnered with Avail and Turo car-sharing services to provide customers with an alternate way to get to their destinations across the state.
- Charter Buses – Charter bus companies provide pre-arranged service to various locations within Colorado and surrounding states.
- Hotel Shuttle – Offers shuttle and public transit services, including the A Line commuter train, to downtown Denver.
- Limousines – Luxury limousines offer pre-arranged services to destinations within the Denver metro area and the state of Colorado.
- Mountain Carriers – Mountain carriers provide pre-arranged, charter, and some on-demand shuttle and/or coach services to many of Colorado’s ski and resort areas.
- Public bus service – To and from DEN within the metro area is provided by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and the “Bustang” service, is provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation.
- Ride Share Services – Ride Apps like Lyft and Uber offer pickup and drop-off transportation services for passengers at Denver International Airport.
- Taxicabs – Taxicabs are readily available and provide service to the Denver metro area and surrounding counties.
- Share-Ride Services – Shared-ride service, also known as commuter shuttles, operate regularly from Denver International Airport.
Southwest Denver Terminal Map
Southwest Denver Departure Terminal
Southwest Airlines departures from Denver Airport (DEN) are handled from Terminal East (Concourse C). The terminal is located on the east side of the Jeppesen Terminal, which is the main terminal building at DEN. Southwest Airlines gates are located in Concourse C.
All terminal facilities including baggage service, ticket counter, customer service, curb-side check-in, and other basic services are offered at the departure terminal.
What terminal does Southwest arrive at at Denver Airport?
Like departure, all Southwest arrival flights are operated from Terminal East (Concourse C). Arrival services including baggage claim, customer service, security clearance, immigration, and other basic amenities are offered to the arriving passengers.
Baggage Claim Level 5 East is the main baggage claim area for Southwest Airlines arrivals. It is located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal, east side. There are 9 carousels in this area, numbered 1-9.
Dining and Shopping Options at Denver Airport
Southwest Airlines doesn’t offer its own lounge amenity at Denver International Airport (DEN). Passengers can enjoy food and beverages at various restaurants in terminals.
| RESTAURANTS IN CONCOURSE C | LOCATION IN CONCOURSE C |
| Auntie Anne’s Pretzels (Snacks & Sweet Treats) | Near Gate C26 |
| Big Bowl (Asian Cuisine) | Near Gate C28 |
| Caribou Coffee (Breakfast, Coffee, Snacks & Sweet Treats) | Near Gate C32 |
| Coors Silver Bullet Bar (American Cuisine) | Near Gate C29 |
| Dazbog Coffee (Breakfast, Coffee, Snacks & Sweet Treats) | Near Gate C47 |
| Einstein Bros. Bagels (American, Breakfast & Coffee) | Center Core |
| Grab & Go Marketplace (American, Breakfast & Sweet Treats) | Near Gate C53 |
| Great Divide Brewing (American & Breakfast) | Near Gate C32 |
| Jamba Juice (Snacks & Sweet Treats) | Near Gate C32 |
| McDonald’s (American, Breakfast & Coffee) | Center Core |
| Smashburger & Bar (American, Breakfast) | Near Gate C51 |
| Tapas Sky Bar (American Cuisine) | Near Gate C24 |
| The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Breakfast & Coffee) | Near Gate C29 |
In addition to dining options, passengers can enjoy shopping at various retail shops in Denver Terminal.
Some famous shops located on Concourses A, B, and C include Aksels, Be Hippy, Bearfruit Jewelry, Bjorn’s Colorado Honey, Brookstone, Centennial Cuts, CNBC, Colorado Limited, Denver Duty Free, Earth Spirit, Fix ‘N Fly, Fly Fly Baby, Hudson, InMotion, Sky Market, Sunglass Hut, and TUMI.
Where to park at Denver Airport for Southwest?
Southwest Airlines customers can park their vehicles at various on-site airport parking spaces at Denver Airport. The available parking lots at the airport include Garage Parking, Economy Parking, Shuttle Parking, Short-Term Parking, and 61st and Pena Parking.
| PARKING | COST |
| Garage Parking (East, and West) | $7 per hour$30 per day |
| Economy Parking (East, and West) | $6 per hour$18 per day ($16 for fourth, and subsequent days) |
| Shuttle Parking | $8 per day (No Hourly rate available) |
| Short-Term Parking | $7 per hour$168 per day |
| 61st and Pena | $5 (12 hours)$7 per day |
Car Rental Services at Denver Airport
DEN Airport is served by several on-site car rental companies including Budget, Avis, Hertz, Alamo, Fox Rent A Car, National, Thrifty, Enterprise, Dollar, Payless, and SiXT.
All these rental car service providers are located near Island 4, and Rental Car Lots in the Jeppesen Terminal.
If you are an AAA member, AARP member, active-duty military personnel, national guard, and federal government employee, you get exclusive car rental discounts, and benefits.
(Check out the following blogs to grab the discounts, and amenities.)
How to get car rental discounts with AAA?
A Comprehensive Guide to Car Rental Discounts with AARP.
Discover Military Discounts for Car rental services.
Explore 15+ PRO TIPS to get cheaper car rental discounts every time.
Conclusion on Navigating Southwest Denver Terminal
As we come to the end of this article, we explored Southwest Airlines terminal at Denver Airport including terminal map, arrivals/departures, amenities, services, travel tips, and more.
If you are traveling with Southwest Airlines via Denver International Airport (DEN), this guide may be highly beneficial for you to navigate, and enhance your stress-free travel experience.
Let’s wrap up with the key points listed below.
- Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the major airports in the DC area, and the third-highest busiest airport in the United States. It is also one of the 8 primary hubs for United Airlines.
- DEN airport is equipped with one passenger terminal named ‘Jeppesen Terminal’. There are three concourses; Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C.
- Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal East (Concourse C) at DEN Airport. All arrival, and departure flights are handled from this terminal.
- Southwest passengers can enjoy various amenities at the airport such as dining at popular restaurants, and shopping at retail stores.
- Parking space is sufficient at Denver Airport with the availability of different lots including Garage Parking, Economy Parking, Shuttle Parking, and Short-Term Parking.
FAQs on Southwest Terminal at Denver Airport
How many terminals are at Denver Airport?
Denver International Airport (DEN) is equipped with only one terminal which is known as ‘Jeppesen Terminal’. The terminal holds three Concourses: Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C.
Is Southwest Terminal East or West at Denver?
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal East at Denver International Airport (DEN). The boarding gates for Southwest are located in Concourse C.
How many gates does Southwest have in Denver?
There are 25 gates available for Southwest Airlines in Denver Airport. Gates 23-37, 40-47, 49, and 51 are the boarding gates for the airline.
Can you walk between terminals at Denver Airport?
To get to Concourses B and C, you can take the Train to the Gates from Jeppesen Terminal. However, if you want to reach Concourse A, you have the option to either walk across the passenger bridge or hop on the train from the terminal. To make your journey faster, make use of the moving walkways that can be found throughout the Gates and the terminal.
