Fort Myers SW Florida Intl Airport (RSW) Flights & Flight Status

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 serves over 10 million passengers a year. I find the modern terminal is easy to navigate.

Airlines serving Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

15 airlines currently service RSW. Canadian carriers serving RSW include Air Canada, Porter and WestJet. 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.

Additionally, Lufthansa Group’s Discover Airlines offers flights from Europe to RSW.

Arrivals At Southwest Florida International Airport

The airport’s 28 gates are distributed through the three concourses: B, C and D. Each concourse serves different airlines. International arrivals are processed through immigration and customs at the lower level of Concourse B. Global Entry kiosks are available at immigration for those registered with the program. Canadian travellers who are Nexus members can also use Global Entry kiosks when entering the US.

Baggage claim

You’ll find the baggage claim area on the lower level of the main terminal building. There are 10 luggage carousels. Other facilities nearby include an information desk, a concessions kiosk for snacks and beverages and a TSA PreCheck enrollment office .

Transportation

Taxi stands, shuttles and bus services are located on the lower level just outside the main terminal. Lyft and Uber drivers can also pick up passengers at the curb in front of the terminal at this airport.

Buses are available at RSW. LeeTran Route 50 operates Monday to Saturday 7:24 am to 8:50 pm. On Sundays, buses run from 8:26 am to 5:30 pm. Be aware that bus service times vary seasonally. Buses run from the airport to Sanibel Outlets Mall. There is a bus transfer location along Daniels Parkway on US 41. Buses to Fort Myers, Cape Coral and other cities depart from there.

However, if you spend more than a night in Florida, I recommend renting a car. Public transport can be unpredictable, so you might have a long wait for your next bus. Bus stops may be far apart, and it can get really hot. It’s not ideal, especially with luggage.

At RSW, car rental offices are in the parking garage on the ground floor, opposite the pick-up road. Onsite services include Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt and Thrifty. Additionally, two off-site car rental services, Fox and Easyrent, provide shuttle service to their locations.

The car rental return is also located in the parking garage and is accessible through a road at the back.

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 little treasures offer a peaceful beach escape with a charming village atmosphere, cottage-style motels and no crowding on the beaches. Sanibel is a 40-minute drive from the airport, and Captiva is an hour away after crossing the island of Sanibel and Blind Pass Bridge.

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 only a 30-minute drive south.

Parking at RSW

Short-term parking is available at the garage across from the main terminal. The first 20 minutes are free. For those picking up passengers who might have a longer wait, the airport also has a Cell Phone waiting area at the airport plaza on the terminal access road near the entrance to the airport property, next to a gas station and convenience store.

A long-term parking lot at the airport, just after the Cell Phone lot, offers better rates for longer journeys. A shuttle service brings passengers from the long-term parking lot to the terminal.

Departures at Southwest Florida International Airport

All airline check-in desks are located in the upper level of the main terminal building. You’ll find check-in for Air Canada, Porter and Discover Airlines, as well as Frontier and Sun Country, at the first set of check-in desks by Entrance 1 of the terminal, near Concourse B.

At the check-in desks, between Entrances 2 and 5, near the centre Concourse C, you’ll find Avelo, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, United Airlines and WestJet.

On the furthest set of check-in desks, through Entrance 6, you’ll find American Airlines, Alaska, Avelo, Breeze and JetBlue near Concourse D.

Getting through security at RSW

Each concourse has separate TSA security lanes, though the new airport expansion project will integrate these into one. PreCheck lanes are available for qualifying travellers.

When is the best time to travel through RSW?

The airport is generally busiest during the winter season, from November to April, with twice as many passengers as in the summer months. The weather is more pleasant in winter, but that also means prices are higher.

If you’re willing to endure the heat and humidity, you can enjoy a less expensive summer vacation on the Gulf Coast. However, it’s essential to consider that hurricane season in Florida runs from July to November.

Having lived through several of them, I recommend leaving the area if there is a hurricane threat at least three days before the onset of tropical storm winds. If you are stuck, follow all emergency advice and evacuation alerts issued by authorities.

Smaller local hotels and resorts may be unable to meet your needs during and after a hurricane, and you might spend your vacation in a shelter waiting for a return flight. I recommend you budget for an unexpected extended stay if travelling to Florida during hurricane season.

Airports are generally well-equipped to handle hurricane conditions in Florida, but depending on the storm's intensity, there might not be flights available for several days after.

Sunflower Program at RSW

Southwest Florida Airport offers special assistance to travellers 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 travelling 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 152 cm) inside the terminal.

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, as well as souvenir and gift shops. There is a PGA Tour store selling golf accessories in the main terminal before security and a LEGO store past security in Concourse D.

Food and drink at Southwest Florida International

There are several cafes, bars and food outlets both at the main terminal before passing security and after security at the three concourses. I find the selection is a bit limited, but there is no shortage of Starbucks stands, so it’s easy to get a caffeine fix. I’d try the Great American Bagel for a more substantial breakfast treat.

Enjoy a Cuba Libre at Casa Bacardi in Concourse D to get into a Florida state of mind. Or, if you like, Piña Colada. They also offer a nice food selection and table service. Many food and beverage outlets past security do not offer seating.

Since this airport has no lounges, I recommend relaxing in the main terminal before going through security. I’d go to Shula’s Bar & Grill, a sit-down restaurant. They have a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, and their burgers are great. However, service can be slow. The Jose Cuervo Tequileria bar is a good alternative and also offers food.

RSW Airport improvement ongoing

The airport is expanding, and construction is ongoing to improve the passenger experience. The project, expected to be completed by late 2025, will centralize the security checkpoints between concourses, 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.

A second phase of the airport improvement plan will introduce a new Concourse E. It is expected to be completed by late 2027.

Staying connected at RSW

Southwest Florida International Airport offers free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. You can connect to it through “RSWiFly.”