Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Lee County connects you to some of Florida’s most popular destinations. The Everglades, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Naples, Marco Island, Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands are all within easy reach.
RSW served more than 11 million passengers in 2024, and I find the modern terminal is easy to navigate. Here’s everything you need to know to make your trip through this gateway to paradise as smooth as possible.
Airlines serving Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
Fifteen airlines connect RSW to destinations across North America and Europe, making it your gateway to Southwest Florida’s beaches and cities. US carriers include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country and United Airlines.
Canadian travelers have three options: Air Canada, Porter and WestJet. For international connections, check with airlines directly for current routes.
When is the best time to travel through RSW?
Winter brings pleasant weather and heavy crowds. From November through April, RSW handles twice as many passengers as summer months, and you’ll pay premium prices for that pleasant climate.
Summer offers cheaper rates if you can handle the heat and humidity. Just know that hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, which requires some planning.
Having lived through several hurricanes, I recommend leaving at least three days before tropical storm winds arrive if there’s a threat. If you’re stuck, follow all emergency advice and evacuation alerts from authorities.
Budget for an unexpected extended stay during hurricane season. Smaller hotels and resorts may struggle to meet your needs during and after a storm, and you might end up in a shelter waiting for a return flight.
Airports handle hurricane conditions well, but flights might not resume for several days depending on storm intensity.
Transportation
If you’re spending more than a night in Southwest Florida, I recommend renting a car. Public transport can be unpredictable with long waits between buses, stops are far apart, and it gets really hot—not ideal with luggage.
Car rental offices sit on the ground level of the parking garage, accessible from Bag Claim. Onsite services include Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt and Thrifty. Fox and other off-site services provide shuttle service to their locations. Returns go back to the lower level of the parking garage, accessible through a road at the back.
Rideshares and taxis work for shorter trips. Check your app for current pickup locations as construction may affect where drivers can collect passengers. Due to construction, taxis, shuttles and buses now pick up on the first floor of the parking garage—follow airport signage.
LeeTran Route 50 buses run from the airport to Tanger Outlets (formerly Sanibel Outlets Mall), with transfers at Daniels Parkway on US 41 to Fort Myers, Cape Coral and other cities. Monday through Saturday service runs from early morning to late evening. Sunday hours are more limited and service times vary seasonally, so check current schedules before your trip.
Parking at RSW
Short-term parking is available at the garage adjacent to the main terminal, with a grace period for quick pickups. For those picking up passengers who might have a longer wait, the airport also has a Cell Phone lot for free waiting.
A long-term parking lot at the airport offers better rates for longer journeys. A shuttle service brings passengers from the long-term parking lot to the terminal.
Arrivals at Southwest Florida International Airport
The airport gates are distributed through the three concourses: B, C and D. Each concourse serves different airlines. International arrivals are processed through immigration and customs. Global Entry kiosks are available at immigration for those registered with the program.
Baggage claim
You’ll find the baggage claim area on the lower level of the main terminal building, with multiple luggage carousels. Other facilities nearby include visitor information booths, a concessions kiosk for snacks and beverages and a TSA PreCheck enrollment office.
Departures at Southwest Florida International Airport
All airline check-in desks are located in the upper level of the main terminal building. Airlines are grouped near their respective concourses (B, C, or D), so check your boarding pass for your concourse before choosing where to check in.
Getting through security at RSW
Each concourse has its own TSA security checkpoint, which means you’ll need to know which concourse your gate is in before choosing where to enter. PreCheck lanes are available for qualifying travelers. The new airport expansion project will eventually integrate these into one central checkpoint.
Food and drinks at Southwest Florida International
The dining selection at RSW is a bit limited, but you’ll find cafes, bars and food outlets both before and after security across the three concourses. Starbucks stands are everywhere if you need a caffeine fix.
Since this airport has no lounges, I recommend relaxing in the main terminal before security. Shula’s Bar & Grill is my go-to sit-down spot with breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Their burgers are great, though service can be slow.
Past security, try Great American Bagel for a substantial breakfast.
Shopping at Southwest Florida International Airport
Several shops are located in the main terminal before security and at the three concourses after passing security. You’ll find news shops that sell travel essentials, souvenir shops and gift shops. You’ll also find specialty stores featuring golf and toy merchandise.
Staying connected at RSW
Southwest Florida International Airport offers free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. You can connect to it through “RSWiFly.”
Sunflower Program at RSW
Southwest Florida Airport offers special assistance to travelers with hidden disabilities through its Sunflower Program. Sunflower lanyards, pins, bracelets and other accessories provided at any airport information booth will alert staff that the passenger might need guidance and attention. Passengers should also ask for assistance separately from TSA and airlines.
Pet relief areas at RSW
If you’re traveling with a furry companion, I recommend you plan ahead. Pet owners must clean up any accidents in the terminal. Pet relief areas are outside the terminal on both sides of the lower level and across the road at the parking garage. Pets (not service animals) must be kept in carriers or on a leash (no longer than 5 feet) inside the terminal.
Hotels near Southwest Florida International Airport
Several hotels and motels near the airport offer shuttle service. Popular chains include Best Western, Comfort Inn and Suites, Crowne Plaza, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Express.
Lee County has many hotels, resorts and motels, ideal for extended stays and families. Some beach-side cottages offer several bedrooms, living rooms and full kitchens.
If you want something more upscale with a refined resort hotel atmosphere, I recommend the Ritz-Carlton in Naples, which is typically a 30-minute drive south depending on traffic.
What to do near Southwest Florida International Airport
In Lee County, you’ll be spoiled for pleasant activities and beautiful locations. I recommend visiting the Sanibel or Captiva islands, which are connected. These two islands offer a peaceful beach escape with a charming village atmosphere, cottage-style motels and no crowding on the beaches. Sanibel is typically a 40-minute drive from the airport, and Captiva is generally an hour away after crossing the island of Sanibel and Blind Pass Bridge, though drive times vary with traffic and causeway conditions.
RSW Airport improvement ongoing
The airport is expanding, and construction is ongoing to improve the passenger experience. The project will centralize the security checkpoints, enhance retail and food options and add more seating in waiting areas.
Until then, connecting from one Concourse at RSW to another is only possible by leaving the airport’s secure area and going through a TSA checkpoint again. The terminal update project will extend the main terminal and include a walkway connecting the concourses.
Future phases of the airport improvement plan include additional concourse expansion.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
