Traveling through Sacramento International Airport (SMF)? If you’re flying with Southwest Airlines, you’ll be making your way to the SMF Southwest terminal, also known as Terminal B. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent flyer, knowing the layout and amenities of the SMF Southwest terminal can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
1. Location of the SMF Southwest Terminal
The smf southwest airlines terminal is housed entirely in Terminal B at Sacramento International Airport. Terminal B sits to the east of Terminal A and is connected by a short, covered pedestrian walkway. As the dedicated space for Southwest Airlines, Terminal B handles all Southwest departures and arrivals, ensuring you remain in the right place from curb to gate.
2. Getting to the SMF Southwest Terminal
Driving: Follow airport signage for “Terminal B” once you approach the airport on Airport Boulevard.
Rideshare/Taxi: Drop-off and pick-up zones for Terminal B are located on the departures curb outside the upper level.
Public Transit: Sacramento Regional Transit’s Yolobus and Sacramento Regional Transit routes serve the airport; disembark at the Terminal B stop and follow signs.
3. Check-In and Security
Check-In Counters: Southwest’s check-in desks are on Level 2 of Terminal B, easily visible as you enter the upper level. Self-service kiosks flank the staffed counters for rapid bag drops and boarding pass printing.
Online Check-In: Southwest opens online check-in 24 hours before departure—ideal for skipping kiosks and heading straight to security.
TSA Screening: Terminal B offers multiple security lanes, including a dedicated TSA PreCheck line. During peak hours (mornings and late afternoons), allow at least 90 minutes before domestic departures to clear security without stress.
4. Gates and Boarding
Once through security, you’ll enter the spacious gate area serving Gates B1 through B18. Southwest typically assigns flights to these gates, with clear overhead monitors displaying real-time updates:
Gate Pods & Seating: Comfortable bench seating alongside individual pods equipped with USB and AC outlets.
Flight Information Displays: Distributed evenly so you can track boarding groups and gate changes at a glance.
5. Dining and Shopping at the SMF Southwest Terminal
Terminal B offers a variety of options to fuel up before your flight:
Quick Bites & Coffee: Grab a sandwich, salad, or cup of locally roasted coffee at the grab-and-go café near Gate B5.
Sit-Down Options: A small bistro near Gate B12 serves hot meals and local craft brews.
Retail & Essentials: Pick up magazines, snacks, travel essentials, and last-minute souvenirs at the newsstand adjacent to the main corridor.
6. Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation
Upon arrival at the smf southwest airlines terminal, collected baggage will appear on the lower level baggage belt beneath Terminal B:
Baggage Carousels: Clearly numbered and located directly beneath the security checkpoint.
Ground Transportation: Exit the lower level doors to find rental car shuttles, rideshare staging, taxi stands, and airport shuttles waiting just beyond the curb.
7. Parking Options
Terminal B Garage: A multi-level garage sits just steps from the Terminal B departures entrance.
Economy Lot: For longer stays, the airport’s economy lot offers a free shuttle to Terminal B every 10–15 minutes.
Short-Term Parking: Row A of the garage is ideal for quick drop-offs and pick-ups at the SMF Southwest terminal.
8. Pro Tips for the SMF Southwest Terminal
Download the Southwest App: Mobile boarding passes, flight alerts, and gate updates keep you informed on the go.
TSA PreCheck: Enroll to breeze through security—even during Sacramento’s busiest travel times.
Board Early: Southwest’s open seating means early A-List members and those in Groups A or B enjoy the best seat selection.
Bring a Charger: Outlets can get crowded—carry a power bank or multi-port adapter for peace of mind.
Stay Hydrated: Fill up at the water bottle refill station near Gate B8 before boarding.
Final Thoughts
The smf southwest airlines terminal at Sacramento International Airport is designed with efficiency and traveler comfort in mind. From streamlined check-in to diverse dining options and convenient ground transport connections, knowing what Terminal B offers ensures a stress-free start (or end) to your journey. By arriving early, downloading the Southwest app, and familiarizing yourself with the terminal layout, you’ll be ready to sail through SMF and onto your next adventure. Safe travels!