LaGuardia Airport (LGA), one of the busiest airports serving New York City, has dramatically transformed in recent years. Once known for cramped terminals and frustrating layouts, it has now emerged as a modern, traveler-friendly hub. For those flying with Southwest Airlines, the experience at LaGuardia is notably smooth—thanks to the newly designed Terminal B, where Southwest operates. If you're planning a trip through LGA and want a hassle-free journey, knowing the ins and outs of the Southwest Airlines LaGuardia Terminal is essential.
This blog covers everything you need to navigate Terminal B confidently—from check-in tips and boarding details to dining, parking, and travel hacks. Whether you're a frequent flyer or a first-time visitor, this guide will help you maximize comfort, save time, and enjoy your flight experience.
Southwest Airlines operates out of Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport. Terminal B is LaGuardia’s crown jewel after a multibillion-dollar overhaul that turned it into one of the most modern terminals in the country. The terminal features spacious check-in halls, centralized security screening, wide walkways, high ceilings, modern restrooms, and ample seating with charging stations.
As soon as you enter Terminal B, Southwest’s check-in counters are clearly marked and located on the Departures Level (Level 2). From there, you proceed to the centralized TSA security area, which leads to four concourses, with Southwest primarily operating from the Eastern Concourse.
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Southwest Airlines allows passengers to check in 24 hours before departure using its mobile app or website. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding group assignment—especially important because Southwest doesn’t assign seats. Instead, it uses an open-seating model based on boarding groups (A, B, C) and numbers (1–60).
If you’re checking luggage, head to Southwest's dedicated counters at Terminal B. The airline continues to lead with its generous baggage policy—two free checked bags per passenger, which makes it especially attractive for families and frequent flyers.
Once checked in, proceed to the self-tag kiosks or agent-assisted counters to drop off your bags. Make sure they’re within size and weight limits to avoid delays or additional fees.
Terminal B’s central security area is a major improvement over the old LGA. It features:
TSA PreCheck lanes for faster screening
Smart lanes with automated bins
Ample signage to direct you efficiently
After clearing security, you’ll follow overhead signs to the Eastern Concourse, where Southwest gates are located. Boarding follows the airline’s well-known system of group-letter-number combinations, which appear on your boarding pass.
One of the biggest perks of traveling through Terminal B is its impressive range of food, drink, and retail options. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet sit-down meal, a grab-and-go snack, or a quick espresso, the terminal has you covered.
Shake Shack: NYC’s iconic burgers and crinkle-cut fries.
Irving Farm Coffee Roasters: For artisan coffee lovers.
Bar Veloce: An Italian wine bar for those with a longer layover.
La Chula Taqueria: Authentic Mexican street-style food.
Green Leaf’s: Healthy salad and wrap choices.
Hudson News
MAC Cosmetics
Tech On The Go (electronics and accessories)
Duty-Free for international travelers
Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
Though Southwest doesn’t operate a lounge at LaGuardia, the modern gate areas offer a “lounge-like” experience with comfortable seating, ample power outlets, and even art installations that reflect New York's culture.
Navigating ground transportation to and from LGA is now more streamlined. Terminal B has a dedicated arrivals and departures roadway, making pick-up and drop-off smoother. Additionally, you have multiple options for reaching the airport or your final destination:
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft): Clearly marked pick-up zones outside Terminal B.
NYC Taxi: Flat-rate fares to Manhattan available.
Q70 SBS LaGuardia Link: A free and direct MTA bus to subway lines (E, F, M, R, 7).
Parking Garage: Adjacent to Terminal B with hourly and daily rates, including online reservations for convenience.
For travelers who prefer to drive themselves, Terminal B’s parking garage offers EV charging stations, accessible parking, and pedestrian walkways to the terminal itself.
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