Southwest Florida Airport RSW Airport Traveler Guide

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RSW Airport Insights & Guide

Key RSW Airport Topics:

• Frequent Flier Tips
• Airport Recent News
• Navigating the Terminals
• Connecting Between Terminals
• Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
• Parking Facilities & Options
• Transportation Options
• Airport Hotels
• Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
• Passenger Services
• Flight Status Info
• Airport Facts & Stats
• Airport History
• Airport Contact Information
• Frequently Asked Questions

Getting to Know RSW Airport

Welcome to the Southwest Florida Airport Online Guide. As one of the busiest airports in Florida, RSW serves as a crucial hub for travelers exploring the beautiful Southwest Florida region. The airport features a main terminal and three concourses, all designed for passenger convenience and ease of navigation. A standout feature of RSW is its diverse dining and shopping options, ensuring that every traveler's needs are catered to. Whether you're departing, arriving, or connecting, RSW promises a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. If you're interested in exploring more about other airports you may encounter on your journey, our world airports overview is a great resource.

Airport News

Southwest Florida Airport (RSW) is undergoing significant changes to enhance the traveler experience. The airport is currently in the midst of a major expansion project that includes updates to the TSA checkpoint and the terminal concourse, set to be completed by the end of 2024. Additionally, Silver Airways is introducing a new route in April 2024, offering more options for travelers flying out of Fort Myers. These developments are aimed at improving both security and convenience for passengers. (sources: Naples Daily News, The News-Press)

Navigating RSW's Terminals

If you're flying in or out of Fort Myers Airport, it's important to know the layout of the airport terminals. RSW has one main terminal and three concourses: Concourse B, Concourse C, and Concourse D. The main terminal is where you'll find the ticket counters, baggage claim, and security checkpoints. Concourse B is home to gates B1-B9 and serves Southwest Airlines. Concourse C has gates C1-C9 and serves Delta, United, and American Airlines. Concourse D has gates D1-D10 and serves JetBlue and Frontier Airlines.

Each terminal at RSW has a variety of dining and shopping options to choose from. In the main terminal, you'll find Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, and Hudson News. Concourse B has a Burger King and a few grab-and-go options like Sbarro and Nathan's Famous. Concourse C has a PGA Tour Shop and a few restaurants like Harvest & Grounds and Fresh Attractions. Concourse D has a few fast food options like Wendy's and Quiznos.

When it's time to board your flight, make sure to check the flight information displays to confirm your gate number and departure time. You can also use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

RSW has a Main Terminal and three concourses, B, C, and D. To get between these terminals, passengers can walk or take the shuttle bus. The shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes and is free of charge. Passengers can find the shuttle bus stops located outside of the baggage claim area on the lower level of the Main Terminal and at each concourse. The walking times between terminals are as follows:

• Main Terminal to Concourse B: 5-10 minutes
• Main Terminal to Concourse C: 5-10 minutes
• Main Terminal to Concourse D: 10-15 minutes

Passengers should plan accordingly and allow enough time to get to their next flight. For those with mobility issues or requiring assistance, the airport offers wheelchair and electric cart services. These services can be requested at the airline ticket counter or by calling the airport's customer service department in advance.

Tips from RSW Frequent Flyers

To help make your experience at Southwest Florida International Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from RSW-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"When you're at RSW, remember that all concourses are accessible from the main terminal. If you have a tight connection, the shuttle bus is a great option. It runs every 10 minutes and saves you the hassle of walking between concourses." — Maria S., Cape Coral, FL, December 2023

"The layout is pretty straightforward. Just keep an eye on the signage, and if in doubt, the airport staff are very helpful in directing you to your gate." — John D., Fort Myers, FL, March 2024

Getting To/From the City

"Taking the LeeTran bus is a budget-friendly way to get to downtown Fort Myers. It's only .50, and the bus stop is right outside baggage claim." — Emily R., Bonita Springs, FL, January 2024

"If you're in a hurry, taxis are quick and convenient. Just be prepared for the fare to downtown. But it's worth it for the speed and comfort, especially after a long flight." — Carlos T., Lehigh Acres, FL, April 2024

Parking

"For long trips, the economy parking lot is a lifesaver. It's cheaper, and the shuttle service to the terminal is reliable and frequent." — Linda K., Estero, FL, February 2024

"If you're picking someone up, use the cell phone waiting area. It's free and just a short drive from the terminal, so you can time your arrival perfectly." — Raj P., Naples, FL, May 2024

Inside the Airport

"RSW has some great dining options. If you're in Concourse C, don't miss The Shrimp Shack for a tasty seafood meal before your flight." — Hannah L., North Fort Myers, FL, June 2024

"For a quick coffee fix, Dunkin' in Concourse D is my go-to spot. It's perfect for grabbing a coffee and donut before boarding." — Alex G., Punta Gorda, FL, August 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Arrive early, especially during peak travel times. Security lines can get long, and you don't want to be stressed about missing your flight." — Sam B., Sanibel, FL, July 2024

"Check the flight information displays regularly. They are updated in real-time, so you’ll know if there are any changes to your gate or departure time." — Lisa M., Fort Myers Beach, FL, September 2024

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

Fort Myers Airport has designated areas for picking up and dropping off passengers. The curbside area directly in front of the terminal is reserved for active loading and unloading only. Drivers must stay with their vehicles at all times and are not permitted to leave their cars unattended. Violators may be ticketed or towed.

If you need to wait for arriving passengers, RSW offers a convenient cell-phone waiting area. This area is located just a few minutes away from the terminal and allows drivers to park for free while waiting for their passengers to arrive. Once your passengers have collected their luggage and are ready to be picked up, you can proceed to the curbside area for loading.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're flying out of RSW, you'll find a variety of parking options to choose from. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking in several lots and garages, located conveniently close to the terminals.

Short-term parking is available in the parking garages located on the ground level of the terminal building. If you're picking up or dropping off passengers, you can use the cell phone waiting area located near the airport entrance. This area allows you to wait in your car until your arriving passenger is ready to be picked up.

For long-term parking, the airport offers several options. The long-term parking garage is located across from the terminal building and provides covered parking for your vehicle. The economy parking lot is located off-site and provides a more economical option for long-term parking. Shuttle service is provided to and from the terminal building every 15 minutes.

If you require handicapped parking, designated spaces are available in all parking areas. The airport also offers wheelchair assistance and other services for passengers with disabilities.

If you're looking for a more economical option for parking, off-airport parking is available near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the terminal building and can be a great option for longer trips.

Get details about RSW parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

RSW Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to help you get to your destination.

• Car Rentals: If you prefer to rent a car, you can choose from several car rental companies located on-site, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. You can easily access the car rental facilities by taking the shuttle from the terminal to the rental car facility.
• Taxis: If you need a taxi, you can find them outside of the baggage claim area. The fare from the airport to downtown Fort Myers is approximately , and the ride takes around 20 minutes.
• Ride Share Services: You can also use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, which have designated pick-up areas outside of the terminal.
• Airport Shuttles: If you're looking for a more affordable option, you can take advantage of the shared ride services offered by companies like SuperShuttle and Go Airport Shuttle. These services have designated pick-up areas outside of the terminal, and fares are based on the distance traveled and the number of passengers.
• Public Transportation: If you prefer to take public transportation, you can use the LeeTran bus service, which operates several routes that stop at the airport. The Route 50 bus, for example, travels from the airport to downtown Fort Myers, and the fare is .50 per ride. You can find the bus stop outside of the baggage claim area.

Airport Hotels

Traveling can be an exciting yet exhausting experience. The convenience of a comfortable and accessible hotel near the airport can make your journey significantly more enjoyable. Our guide provides you with a comprehensive list of the best hotel options, ranging from luxurious condos to comfortable suites, all within a short distance from the airport. Whether you're seeking a hotel with a picturesque view, a condo with a heated swimming pool, or a suite with a complimentary shuttle service to the airport, we've got you covered. Each hotel listed offers unique amenities and services, ensuring that you'll find the perfect fit for your needs. Discover the best hotels with our Southwest Florida Airport Hotels guide.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight, RSW Airport has plenty of options to choose from. In Concourse B, you'll find local favorite The Great American Bagel, serving up fresh bagels and breakfast sandwiches. For a sit-down meal, head to Concourse C and check out The Shrimp Shack, which offers a variety of seafood dishes and a full bar. If you're in Concourse D, stop by Dunkin' for a quick coffee and pastry.

When it comes to shopping, the Main Terminal has a variety of options, including a PGA Tour Shop for golf enthusiasts and a Coastal News & Gifts for souvenirs and travel essentials. In Concourse B, you'll find a Tech on the Go for any last-minute tech needs, and in Concourse C, there's a Brighton Collectibles for jewelry and accessories.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, find your choice of amenities here.

Passenger Services

The airport is committed to providing a comfortable and convenient travel experience for all passengers. Here is an overview of the passenger services available at the airport:

For those who need to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport.

If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located in the main terminal.

Traveling with children? There are several play areas located throughout the airport, including a children's play area in the main terminal.

Special-needs services are available upon request, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

For banking needs, there are several ATMs located throughout the airport, including in Concourse B, Concourse C, and Concourse D.

If you require medical assistance, there is a medical clinic located in the main terminal, as well as first aid stations located throughout the airport.

Flight Status Info

As a traveler, it is important to stay updated on the status of your flight departure to avoid any inconvenience. At Southwest Florida Airport, passengers can easily access flight status information through various methods.

One of the most common ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Passengers can simply locate their flight number on the display to view the latest status.

In addition to FIDS, many airlines offer mobile phone apps that allow passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes. These alerts can be received through text messages, emails, or push notifications. Passengers can download their airline's app and enable notifications to stay informed about any changes to their flight status.

Another way to check flight status is by visiting the airline's website and entering the flight number or departure city and date. This will provide the latest information on the flight's status and any changes that may have occurred.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Fort Myers Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Airport Facts & Stats

• Location: Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in Fort Myers, Florida, United States.
• Terminals: The airport features a Main Terminal, which includes Concourse B, Concourse C, and Concourse D.
• Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. For a list of all airlines, check out the RSW Airlines Served page.
• Passenger Traffic: Southwest Florida International Airport handles approximately 20,000 passengers daily.
• Daily Flights: The airport sees around 200 daily flights.
• Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from RSW are Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, New York, and Detroit.
• Hub Status: Southwest Florida International Airport is a key hub for Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

Airport History

The Southwest Florida Airport, also known as RSW, is a public airport located in Fort Myers, Florida. The airport serves the Southwest Florida region and is one of the busiest airports in the state. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

• 1983 - The airport opened as Southwest Florida Regional Airport with a single runway and a small terminal building.
• 1993 - A new terminal building was constructed, increasing the airport's capacity to handle more passengers.
• 1996 - The airport was renamed to Southwest Florida International Airport to reflect its growing importance as an international gateway.
• 2005 - A new runway was opened, allowing the airport to handle more flights and larger aircraft.
• 2017 - The airport completed a major renovation project, which included the expansion of the terminal building and the addition of new shops, restaurants, and amenities.
• 2020 - The airport experienced a significant decrease in passenger traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a temporary closure of one of its terminals.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Southwest Florida Airport remains an important transportation hub for the region, connecting travelers to destinations around the world.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about RSW Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

• IATA Code: RSW
• Airport Website
• Phone: +1 239-590-4800
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: Southwest Florida International Airport, 11000 Terminal Access Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33913, United States

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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Southwest Florida Airport Q&A