Southwest Regional Airport Fort Myers Florida, officially known as Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), serves as a vibrant hub for travelers exploring the Gulf Coast’s sun-soaked beaches and cultural attractions.
Located in Fort Myers, this modern airport, with its Southwest Florida International Airport code RSW, handled over 11 million passengers in 2024, making it one of the top 50 U.S. airports. Offering nonstop flights to 72 destinations, efficient Southwest Florida airport parking, and seamless Fort Myers airport rental car options, RSW ensures a smooth travel experience.
Overview of Southwest Florida International Airport
Southwest Regional Airport Fort Myers Florida is a cornerstone of the region’s tourism and economic growth:
- History: Opened in 1983 as Southwest Florida Regional Airport, it was renamed Southwest Florida International Airport to reflect its growing global connectivity.
- Location: Situated at 11000 Terminal Access Rd., Fort Myers, FL 33913, approximately 15 miles from downtown Fort Myers and near popular destinations like Fort Myers Beach, Naples, and Sanibel Island.
- Passenger Volume: Served over 11 million travelers in 2024, with peak traffic on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Infrastructure: Features a single main terminal with three concourses (B, C, and D) and 28 gates, designed for efficiency and passenger comfort.
The airport’s strategic location near Interstate 75 makes it an ideal gateway for exploring Southwest Florida’s pristine beaches and natural reserves.
Flights from Southwest Florida Airport
Flights from Southwest Florida Airport connect travelers to 67 domestic and 5 international destinations, served by 15 airlines. Here’s a breakdown:
- Domestic Routes: Major hubs include Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, New York, and Seattle, with flight times ranging from 2 hours (Atlanta) to 6.5 hours (Seattle).
- International Routes: Seasonal flights to Canada (Toronto, Montreal) and Germany (Frankfurt, Dusseldorf) via carriers like Air Canada, WestJet, and Discover Airlines.
- Popular Airlines:
- Southwest Airlines: Operates the most flights, with around 112 weekly departures.
- Delta Air Lines: Offers frequent connections to major U.S. cities.
- Low-Cost Carriers: Breeze Airways, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines provide budget-friendly options.
Travelers can check Fort Myers airport arrivals and departures on real-time flight information displays throughout the terminal or via airline mobile apps for updates on gate assignments and RSW flight delays today.
Flight Statistics
- Busiest Routes: Chicago (152 weekly flights), Boston (146 weekly flights).
- Longest Flight: Fort Myers to Frankfurt (9 hours, 20 minutes on an Airbus A330-300).
- Peak Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays see the highest number of departures, averaging 5–6 flights daily.
RSW Terminal Information
The RSW terminal information highlights a user-friendly layout:
- Main Terminal: Divided into upper (departures) and lower (arrivals) levels, with check-in desks, baggage claim, and amenities.
- Concourse Breakdown:
- Concourse B: Serves Air Canada, Porter, Discover Airlines, Frontier, and Sun Country.
- Concourse C: Hosts Avelo, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, United, and WestJet.
- Concourse D: Home to JetBlue and Frontier, with gates D1–D10.
- Amenities:
- Dining options include quick-service spots like Dunkin’ and full-service restaurants serving local seafood.
- Retail ranges from beachwear to luxury goods.
- Free Wi-Fi via the “RSWiFly” network is available throughout the terminal.
- Visitor information booths are located in the upper-level atriums and lower-level baggage claim.
The terminal’s design prioritizes convenience, with clear signage and a compact layout that minimizes walking distances.
Accessibility Features
- Wheelchair Assistance: Available through airlines upon request.
- Baby Care Rooms: Located near airline counters for breastfeeding and diaper changing.
- Baggage Carts: Available in the arrivals area for a nominal fee.
Southwest Florida Airport Security Wait Times
Southwest Florida airport security wait times are generally efficient due to modern infrastructure:
- Checkpoints: Three security checkpoints serve Concourses B, C, and D, open 2 hours before the first flight and closing 30 minutes before the last departure.
- TSA PreCheck: Dedicated lanes at all checkpoints, plus an enrollment center in the baggage claim area (open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.).
- Global Entry: Kiosks available for international arrivals in Concourse B, though enrollment is at nearby airports like Tampa or Fort Lauderdale.
- Average Wait Times: Typically 10–20 minutes during peak hours (early morning and late afternoon), with shorter waits for TSA PreCheck users.
Passengers are advised to arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to account for check-in, security, and potential RSW flight delays today.
RSW Fort Myers Airlines List
The RSW Fort Myers airlines list includes 15 carriers offering diverse travel options:
- U.S. Carriers:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Avelo Airlines
- Breeze Airways
- Delta Air Lines
- Frontier Airlines
- JetBlue
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- United Airlines
- Canadian Carriers:
- Air Canada
- Porter Airlines
- WestJet
- European Carrier:
- Discover Airlines (Lufthansa Group, serving Germany)
Each airline provides direct communication for delays, cancellations, or lost baggage, ensuring passengers stay informed.
Southwest Florida Airport Parking
Southwest Florida airport parking offers flexible options for all travelers:
- Short-Term Parking: Located in the parking garage opposite the terminal, ideal for quick drop-offs or pickups. Rates start at $2/hour, with a daily maximum of $18.
- Long-Term Parking:
- Garage: Conveniently located near the terminal, with daily rates of $11.
- Economy Lot: Located further out, with a daily rate of $9 and frequent shuttle service to the terminal.
- Cell Phone Lot: Free parking near the airport plaza for those picking up passengers, with flight information monitors and a nearby gas station.
- Parking Tips:
- Short-term parking is limited during peak travel seasons, so consider long-term options.
- Shuttles from the economy lot run every 10–15 minutes, ensuring quick terminal access.
Due to ongoing terminal expansion, some parking areas may experience temporary lane closures, particularly near the upper-level departures roadway.
Fort Myers Airport Rental Car Options
Fort Myers airport rental car services are conveniently located on-site and off-site:
- On-Site Agencies (in the parking garage, ground level, opposite the terminal):
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Sixt
- Thrifty
- Off-Site Agencies: ACE, Advantage, EZ, Fox, and Easyrent offer free shuttle service from the terminal to their nearby locations.
- Booking Tips:
- Reserve in advance during peak seasons (winter and spring) to secure availability.
- Compare rates, as off-site agencies may offer lower prices but require a short shuttle ride.
Renting a car is recommended for exploring nearby areas like Fort Myers Beach or Naples, as public transport can be less reliable.
How to Get to RSW Airport
How to get to RSW airport depends on your starting point and preferred transportation:
- By Car:
- From downtown Fort Myers (15 miles): Take I-75 to Exit 131 (Daniels Parkway), then follow signs to Terminal Access Rd.
- From Naples (40 miles): Take I-75 north to Exit 128 (Alico Rd.), then follow Terminal Access Rd.
- From Fort Myers Beach (20 miles): Take San Carlos Blvd. to Summerlin Rd., then Daniels Parkway to the airport.
- By Public Transport:
- LeeTran Bus No. 50: Operates hourly from 6 a.m.–10 p.m., connecting the airport to Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41 for transfers to Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and beyond. Fare: $1.50.
- By Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis to downtown Fort Myers cost approximately $30 and take 20 minutes. Uber and Lyft are also widely available.
- By Hotel Shuttle: Many nearby hotels, such as Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Myers Airport, offer free shuttles within a 3-mile radius.
The airport’s proximity to I-75 ensures easy access for drivers, with clear signage guiding visitors to the terminal.
Driving Directions Snapshot
- From I-75 Northbound: Exit 131, turn right onto Daniels Parkway, then left onto Terminal Access Rd.
- From I-75 Southbound: Exit 128, turn left onto Alico Rd., then right onto Terminal Access Rd.
- From U.S. 41: Turn onto Daniels Parkway, then follow signs to the airport.
Southwest Regional Airport Map
The Southwest Regional Airport map is straightforward, aiding navigation:
- Main Terminal:
- Upper Level: Departures, check-in desks, security checkpoints, and access to Concourses B, C, and D.
- Lower Level: Arrivals, baggage claim (10 carousels), rental car counters, and ground transportation.
- Concourse Layout:
- Concourse B: Near Entrance 1, serving international and select domestic flights.
- Concourse C: Central, hosting major U.S. carriers.
- Concourse D: Near Entrance 5, primarily for low-cost carriers.
- Key Amenities:
- Art exhibits and live music throughout the terminal.
- ATMs, information desks, and a TSA PreCheck enrollment center near baggage claim.
- Airport Service Plaza (near the entrance) offers 24-hour dining, gas, and Wi-Fi.
Maps are available at visitor information booths and on digital displays throughout the terminal.
Airport Near Fort Myers Beach
As the primary airport near Fort Myers Beach, RSW is just 20 miles away, a 30-minute drive via San Carlos Blvd. and Summerlin Rd.
Its proximity makes it ideal for beachgoers visiting Estero Island, Bowditch Point Park, or Lovers Key State Park. Alternative airports like Punta Gorda Airport (40 miles) or Sarasota Bradenton International (90 miles) are less convenient for Fort Myers Beach access.
Fort Myers Airport Travel Tips
Maximize your experience with these Fort Myers airport travel tips:
- Arrive Early: Allow 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international to navigate check-in and security.
- Check Flight Status: Use airline apps or terminal displays to monitor RSW flight delays today and gate changes.
- Use TSA PreCheck: Enroll at the baggage claim center to reduce security wait times to 5–10 minutes.
- Opt for Economy Parking: Save money on long trips with the $9/day economy lot and reliable shuttle service.
- Leverage Free Wi-Fi: Connect to “RSWiFly” for seamless browsing and flight updates.
- Explore Dining: Try local seafood at restaurants in the main terminal or grab quick snacks at Concourse C kiosks.
- Plan Ground Transport: Book rental cars early or use LeeTran for budget-friendly travel to downtown Fort Myers.
These tips ensure a stress-free journey, whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time visitor.
FAQs About Southwest Florida International Airport
- What is the Southwest Florida International Airport code?
The Southwest Florida International Airport code is RSW, derived from its original name, Southwest Florida Regional Airport. - Which airlines operate at RSW Fort Myers?
The RSW Fort Myers airlines list includes 15 carriers, such as Southwest, Delta, American, Air Canada, and Discover Airlines, serving 72 destinations. - How can I check Fort Myers airport arrivals and departures?
Monitor Fort Myers airport arrivals and departures using real-time flight displays in the terminal or airline mobile apps for updates on gates and delays. - What are the parking options at Southwest Florida airport?
Southwest Florida airport parking includes short-term ($18/day), long-term garage ($11/day), economy lot ($9/day), and a free cell phone lot for pickups. - How do I get to RSW airport from Fort Myers Beach?
To reach RSW airport from Fort Myers Beach, drive 20 miles via San Carlos Blvd. and Summerlin Rd., or take a $30 taxi ride (30 minutes). - What are the security wait times at RSW?
Southwest Florida airport security wait times average 10–20 minutes, with TSA PreCheck lanes offering faster screening (5–10 minutes). - Where are the rental car services at Fort Myers airport?
Fort Myers airport rental car services are located in the parking garage (on-site) or accessible via free shuttles to off-site agencies like Fox and Easyrent.
Conclusion on Southwest Regional Airport Fort Myers Florida
Southwest Regional Airport Fort Myers Florida stands as a dynamic gateway to the Gulf Coast, blending modern amenities with seamless connectivity.
With its Southwest Florida International Airport code RSW, the airport serves over 11 million passengers annually, offering flights from Southwest Florida Airport to 72 destinations. Its efficient RSW terminal information, diverse RSW Fort Myers airlines list, and convenient Southwest Florida airport parking and Fort Myers airport rental car options make travel effortless.
Whether you’re heading to Fort Myers Beach or exploring further afield, RSW’s strategic location, clear Southwest Regional Airport map, and practical Fort Myers airport travel tips ensure a smooth journey. Embrace the vibrancy of Southwest Florida with RSW as your starting point, and enjoy the region’s beaches, culture, and natural beauty.
