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Finding Southwest at Burbank Airport

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what terminal is southwest at burbank airport

H2 – Introduction: Finding Southwest at Burbank Airport

Travelers flying Southwest Airlines into Burbank’s Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) often ask one key question: What terminal is Southwest at Burbank Airport? This guide explains exactly where to go. It also walks you through terminal layout, check‑in, amenities, transportation, and tips for a smooth experience.You know about theglobespot, andaazdaily, openrendz and what terminal is southwest at burbank airport also Buzzfeed.

In this article, we’ll cover:

Southwest’s terminal location at BUR
How terminals A and B are configured
Check‑in, boarding, and ground handling
Amenities available at Southwest’s terminal
Transportation and parking options
Airport layout and future expansion
Travel tips and FAQs

Let’s get started.

H2 – Terminal Basics at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

H3 – The Two-Terminal Setup

Hollywood Burbank Airport has two terminals inside the same building. They’re labeled Terminal A with gates A1–A9, and Terminal B with gates B1–B5. Both connect via a central common area and share facilities like ticketing and security checkpoints—each with its own TSA lane www.terminalsdetail.com+1burbank-airport.com+1Los Angeles Times+5Hollywood Burbank Airport+5Fly With Airline+5Wikipedia+9Wikipedia+9Reddit+9.

H3 – Shared Main Terminal Core

The airport’s layout is compact. A central core offers services like restrooms, shops, and dining. Terminals A and B branch off from that core. Both terminals share access to the same parking, curbside, and shuttle zones WikipediaHollywood Burbank Airport.

H2 – Southwest Airlines at Burbank Airport

H3 – Southwest Uses Terminal A

Southwest Airlines operates exclusively out of Terminal A at film‑class Hollywood Burbank Airport burbank-airport.comAirports DataAirports Data. That includes ticket counters, check-in, baggage services, boarding, and gates.

Terminal A hosts Southwest Airlines along with American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, and Flair People.com+15Airports Data+15www.terminalsdetail.com+15Alternative Airlines+1burbank-airport.com+1.

H3 – Terminal A and Southwest Services

At Terminal A, Southwest provides:

Ticketing desk and kiosks on the upper check-in level
Dedicated TSA Pre✓ and standard lanes
Boarding from gates A1 through A9 depending on aircraft gate assignment Invastor+6Fly With Airline+6Wikipedia+6Wikipedia

Self-service kiosks and assistance desks are close to the security ingress.

H2 – Check-In and Boarding at Terminal A

H3 – Check-In Process

Head to the upper level of Terminal A to find Southwest counters and kiosks. The line typically moves fast due to the airport’s small size and fewer passengers. Luggage tags print at kiosks or counters. TSA awaits just beyond check-in Airports Data.

Southwest boards using Groups A, B, or C and positions numbered 1–60. You’ll queue at poles near your numbered gate Fly With Airline+1Reddit+1.

H3 – Boarding Without Jetways

At BUR, Southwest uses open-air ramps rather than jetways. You walk across the ramp to board the aircraft. Many travelers find this refreshing and efficient Fly With Airline+7Reddit+7Reddit+7.

H2 – Amenities in Southwest’s Terminal A

H3 – Passenger Comfort and Services

Terminal A offers:

Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
Multiple charging stations near seating areas
Quiet areas for relaxation
Family restrooms and kid play areas
ATM and lost & found services Airports Data+12Invastor+12www.terminalsdetail.com+12Hollywood Burbank Airport+3iFly+3Alternative Airlines+3

Terminal A also includes assistive services for passengers with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, and VIP customers via Southwest or airport staff Fly With Airline+2www.terminalsdetail.com+2iFly+2.

H3 – Dining and Retail Selection

Inside Terminal A, you’ll find:

Guy Fieri’s Kitchen & Bar Express
Jones Coffee Roasters, Lunchbox, Wolfgang Puck’s Kitchen, Peet’s Coffee
Shops like Hudson News, Benefit Cosmetics, and local souvenir stores
Spa and self-care services, including chair massages and aromatherapy options Fly With Airline+1iFly+1

Though there’s no official Southwest or airline lounge, nearby third-party lounges require day passes.

H2 – Ground Access and Transportation

H3 – Parking and Drop-Off Zones

Southwest Terminal A sits adjacent to valet and short‑term lots. It’s just steps from the curb. Long‑term lots require a short shuttle ride. This proximity makes drop-off and pick-up convenient Fly With AirlineWikipedia.

H3 – Shuttles, Rail, Bus Connections

Hollywood Burbank Airport links with Metrolink stations north and south:

Burbank Airport–North is one mile away. Riders use a free on-demand shuttle or Metro bus 294.
Burbank Airport–South sits across Empire Avenue and connects via pedestrian bridge to the main terminal Invastor+15Wikipedia+15Wikipedia+15.

Metro bus routes 222, 165, and 169 also serve both termini. Uber, Lyft, and taxis use the front drop-off lane in Terminal A Wikipedia+1Alternative Airlines+1.

H2 – Why Southwest Uses Terminal A

H3 – Airline Allocation

BUR assigns airlines to terminals to optimize flow. Southwest shares Terminal A with American, JetBlue, Delta, and Flair. That clustering enables shared security lines and entry flow Los Angeles Times+5Airports Data+5Alternative Airlines+5.

H3 – Small Airport Efficiency

Hollywood Burbank is a compact, efficient facility with just 14 gates total (9 in A, 5 in B). Terminal A houses Southwest because it’s larger and handles higher passenger volume. It’s close to TSA check-in and curbside pickup areas Hollywood Burbank Airport.

Southwest’s ramp boarding method suits the smaller terminal.

H2 – Terminal B: Not for Southwest

H3 – Airlines at Terminal B

Terminal B hosts Alaska Airlines, Avelo, Frontier, Spirit, and United. Southwest does not operate from Terminal B Alternative Airlines+3Airports Data+3Airports Data+3.

If signage or airport staff direct you to Terminal B for Southwest, that would be an error.

H3 – Facilities at Terminal B

Terminal B is smaller with only five gates. It includes its own TSA checkpoint, retail outlets, and services geared toward the airlines that operate there—but no Southwest presence WikipediaAlternative Airlines.

H2 – Future: New Terminal Coming in 2026

H3 – Terminal Modernization Project

BUR is building a new 355,000 sq ft terminal set to open in October 2026. This project will replace the current 94‑year-old structure. The new facility will have 14 gates and likely change boarding layout and airline assignments Wikipedia.

H3 – Impact on Southwest’s Terminal

In future planning, Southwest may get designated space in the new single-terminal structure. That means boarding procedures, drop‑off, and amenities may change—and jetways may be introduced instead of ramp boarding.

Current signage and pre-flight info will update as project completion nears.

H2 – Navigating BUR for Southwest Travelers

H3 – Pre-Flight Checklist

Confirm your flight number and terminal assignment: Southwest = Terminal A.
Check-in online early to get a better boarding position (Group A/B/C).
Pack light for easier ramp boarding.
Arrive by car or shuttle to Terminal A curbside zone burbank-airport.comHollywood Burbank Airport.

H3 – At the Airport

Check in using kiosks or counters on upper Terminal A.
Proceed to TSA—there’s often a PreCheck lane.
After security, grab snacks or coffee from Jones, Lunchbox, or Guy Fieri’s spot.
Walk to your assigned gate and board directly from the ramp—no jetway.
Ask staff about quiet areas or assistance if needed.

H3 – Arrival and Baggage Claim

Baggage claim is on the lower level.
From there, choose a rideshare, taxi, or airport shuttle.
The terminal is compact, so moving between levels is quick.

H2 – Southwest Flight Incident Context (LA Times & AP References)

H3 – Flight 1496 Incident from BUR

On July 25, 2025, Southwest Flight 1496 departed BUR for Las Vegas and abruptly descended ~475 feet to avoid collision. The maneuver injured two flight attendants; passengers reported distress. Southwest confirmed crew handled the alert, and the FAA is investigating; Hollywood Burbank Airport confirmed no unusual airspace behavior near the field during departure Fly With Airline+1Reddit+1RedditHollywood Burbank Airport+1www.terminalsdetail.com+1Invastorwashingtonpost.com+5People.com+5sfchronicle.com+5.

Though dramatic, the incident does not affect the terminal location or boarding procedures.

H2 – Comparison Table: Southwest vs Other Airlines at BUR

Feature	Southwest Airlines (Terminal A)	Airlines at Terminal B (Alaska, United, etc.)
Terminal Location	Terminal A (gates A1–A9)	Terminal B (gates B1–B5)
Check‑in Counters	Yes, upper A level	Yes, separate counters
Boarding Method	Ramp boarding (no jetway)	Some use jetways or ramp
Shared TSA Screening	Dedicated lanes in Term A	Own checkpoint in Term B
Amenities & Shops	Full range in A and central core	Smaller retail and dining
Transportation Access	Curbside adjacent to A	Access via common terminal areas
Future Terminal Impact	Will likely remain main Southwest space	May be redistributed in 2026 rebuild

H2 – FAQs: Southwest at Burbank Airport

H3 – Which terminal does Southwest use?

Southwest operates out of Terminal A at BUR for all flights—check-in, boarding, and arrival.

H3 – Does Southwest use jet bridges at Burbank?

No. Southwest uses open ramp boarding—you walk directly onto the plane from the tarmac.

H3 – Can I connect to Terminal B airlines?

Yes. Both terminals connect via a central core. But Southwest does not operate in Terminal B.

H3 – How early should I arrive?

At least 60 minutes before departure is recommended. During busy seasons, aim for 90 minutes to 2 hours.

H3 – What amenities are available?

Southwest Terminal A offers Wi-Fi, dining, retail, play areas, quiet zones, assistance services, and charging stations.

H3 – How will the new terminal affect Southwest?

The new terminal under construction may modify boarding processes and airline assignments. Updates will follow before opening in 2026.

H2 – Travel Tips and Best Practices

H3 – Pre-Flight Planning

Confirm your flight status and terminal (Terminal A). Download your boarding pass early. Pack carry-on bags smartly for ramp walk boarding.

H3 – At the Airport

Use TSA PreCheck if eligible to shorten screening. Grab a coffee or snack while waiting. Monitor boarding announcements—Southwest boards by group.

H3 – Arrival Strategy

If you park in long-term lots, use airport shuttle to get to Terminal A quickly. Use the pedestrian bridge or shuttle if arriving by train.

H3 – Weather Considerations

Ramp boarding exposes you to outdoor temperature. Wear layers if it’s cold or bring a light jacket in summer evenings.

H2 – Summary & Key Takeaways

Southwest Airlines at Burbank Airport operates exclusively from Terminal A (gates A1–A9).
Terminal A shares a central core with Terminal B. Security, check-in, and amenities are all in that area.
Southwest uses ramp boarding, not jet bridges.
Great amenities, transportation, and fast navigation define the Southwest experience at BUR.
A new consolidated terminal opening in 2026 will reshape operations—but Southwest will continue utilizing Terminal A space until then.
Safety incidents (like Flight 1496) do not impact terminal assignment but underline the importance of crew protocols and airport coordination.

H2 – Conclusion

If you’re flying Southwest from Hollywood Burbank Airport, head to Terminal A. That’s where all Southwest services are located—from check-in and TSA to gates A1‑A9 and ramp boarding. The airport’s layout makes navigating easy. The new terminal under construction will bring changes in 2026, but currently Terminal A remains your dedicated Southwest zone.