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Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is one of the newest and busiest airports in the United States, having served over 11 million passengers in 2024. With its focus on convenience, comfort, and efficiency, the airport offers a seamless travel experience for passengers. RSW provides non-stop service to 72 destinations and is committed to enhancing airport efficiency by expanding its terminal to provide more amenities and options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Southwest Florida International Airport |
| Location | Fort Myers, Southwest Florida |
| Operating Authority | Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) |
| Year of Certification | May 1983 |
| Passenger Footfall | Served more than 11 million passengers in 2024 |
| Non-stop Service | 72 destinations by 15 air carriers |
| Security Checkpoints | 3 |
| Recommended Arrival Time | 2-3 hours before scheduled flight departure |
| Security Wait Times | Generally manageable |
| TSA PreCheck | Available |
| Real-time Wait Times | Available, but may not be accurate |
| Delays | Gate hold and taxi delays of 15 minutes or less |
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What You'll Learn
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) served 11 million+ passengers in 2024
- RSW offers nonstop flights to 72 destinations with 15 airlines
- TSA PreCheck is available at RSW, but hours vary
- RSW has three security checkpoints with smart technology
- RSW recommends arriving 2-3 hours before departure for parking, check-in, and security
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) served 11 million+ passengers in 2024
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in Fort Myers and is one of the top 50 airports in the US. In 2024, the airport served 11,028,182 passengers, the most in its history. This was a nearly 10% increase from 2023, with an average of 6,030,849 passengers per year since its opening in 1983. RSW is the second busiest single-runway airport in the United States, after San Diego International Airport.
The airport is focused on providing a convenient, comfortable, and exceptional travel experience. It offers nonstop connections worldwide through 15 airlines serving major US hubs, Canada, and Germany. The airport is easily accessible, with quick connections to Interstate 75 and U.S. 41, and it is just a 30-minute drive from the beach. RSW is committed to providing a smooth and efficient travel experience with streamlined security procedures. The airport has three security checkpoints equipped with smart technology, and passengers are advised to arrive 2 to 3 hours early to allow for parking, check-in, and security. Real-time wait times are available, although they are estimates.
The airport covers 13,555 acres of land, making it the third-largest airport in the US by land size. It has a design capacity of 10 million passengers per year, with 28 gates on three concourses (B, C, and D). However, the terminal buildings can be expanded to 65 gates on five concourses. There is ample parking available, with 11,250 spaces for hourly or daily parking and a three-story parking structure for short-term parking.
RSW is strategically located to serve the Southwest Florida region, including the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas. It is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection port of entry and has seen significant growth over the years, with over 3.1 million aircraft operations since its opening. In 2024 alone, there were 97,077 aircraft operations, averaging 265 per day. The airport is an essential gateway to the region, with thousands of visitors attracted to its warm beaches, golf courses, and outdoor activities.
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RSW offers nonstop flights to 72 destinations with 15 airlines
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is a busy airport, serving more than 11 million passengers in 2024. It is one of the top 50 busiest airports in the US. The airport is focused on providing a convenient, comfortable, and exceptional travel experience for its passengers.
RSW offers a lot of options for travellers, with nonstop flights to 72 destinations with 15 airlines. The airport is committed to providing a smooth and efficient travel experience, with streamlined security procedures. It is advisable to arrive 2 to 3 hours before your scheduled flight departure to allow for parking, check-in, and security screening procedures. RSW has three security checkpoints, all equipped with smart technology to ensure a smoother experience for passengers.
The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) advises that the hours for TSA PreCheck may vary depending on operational requirements. TSA PreCheck is the expedited screening option available at RSW. Real-time wait times are available at the airport, although they are estimates and may vary. It is recommended to arrive early to accommodate security screening and airline check-in procedures.
The airport is currently expanding its terminal to improve efficiency and provide passengers with more amenities and options. RSW is committed to providing the region's commercial air service and an exceptional travel experience for the millions of passengers who use the airport each year.
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TSA PreCheck is available at RSW, but hours vary
TSA PreCheck is available at the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, offering a more efficient screening process. However, it's important to note that the operating hours for TSA PreCheck at RSW vary by checkpoint and day of the week. The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) advises that the availability of TSA PreCheck lanes may change based on operational requirements, and expedited screening is not guaranteed for any traveller.
To provide a specific example of how the hours vary, consider the following schedule for each checkpoint at RSW, as of March 2024:
- Checkpoint C Lower: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Friday from 3:00 AM to 9:00 PM; and Sunday from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Checkpoint B Lower: Monday from 3:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Tuesday from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Thursday from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Friday from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday from 3:00 AM to 9:00 PM; and Sunday from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- Checkpoint D Lower: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Tuesday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM; and Thursday from 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
It's recommended to arrive at RSW 2 to 3 hours before your scheduled flight departure to accommodate parking, check-in, and security screening procedures. Real-time wait times are available at the airport and online, but they are estimates and may not always accurately reflect the actual wait time upon your arrival.
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RSW has three security checkpoints with smart technology
Southwest Florida International Airport, also known as RSW, is committed to providing a smooth and efficient travel experience for its passengers. The airport has three security checkpoints, all equipped with smart technology, to ensure a seamless journey.
Each of the three checkpoints at RSW serves all passengers and offers TSA PreCheck lanes, which provide a more efficient screening process. Enrolled passengers can benefit from shorter wait times, often experiencing a security check of less than five minutes. The TSA PreCheck operating hours vary by checkpoint and day of the week, with real-time wait information displayed at each checkpoint.
For example, Checkpoint B's TSA PreCheck hours are as follows: Monday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Tuesday, 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Wednesday, 4:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Thursday, 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM; Saturday, 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM; and Sunday, 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before their scheduled flight departure to allow for parking, check-in, and security procedures. By checking the status of their flight using iFly's Flight Tracker, passengers can better plan their arrival time and have a more relaxed airport experience.
RSW's smart technology and TSA PreCheck lanes contribute to a streamlined security process, making the airport experience smoother and more efficient for travellers.
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RSW recommends arriving 2-3 hours before departure for parking, check-in, and security
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is a busy airport, serving more than 11 million passengers in 2024, and is one of the top 50 airports in the US. The airport is focused on providing an exceptional travel experience to its passengers. However, to ensure a smooth journey, RSW recommends arriving 2-3 hours before departure to account for parking, check-in, and security.
RSW offers three security checkpoints, all equipped with smart technology to streamline security procedures and improve the overall passenger experience. Despite the efficient processes, security wait times can vary and are influenced by several factors. Real-time wait times are available, but they are estimates and may not always accurately reflect the actual wait time.
To avoid any unexpected delays, it is advisable to check your flight status before heading to the airport. iFly's Flight Tracker is a convenient tool for this purpose. Additionally, understanding the security wait times in advance can significantly improve your experience, allowing you to relax, dine, shop, or even attend online meetings while at the airport.
Arriving 2-3 hours early, as recommended by RSW, provides a comfortable buffer for any unforeseen delays. This allows you to navigate parking options, complete check-in procedures, and clear security checkpoints without feeling rushed. By following this recommendation, you can ensure a more relaxed and efficient travel experience through Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers.
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Frequently asked questions
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers served more than 11 million passengers in 2024, making it one of the top 50 busiest airports in the US. The airport is committed to providing a smooth and efficient travel experience and offers streamlined security procedures, with three security checkpoints equipped with smart technology.
It is recommended to arrive 2 to 3 hours before your scheduled flight departure to allow for parking, check-in, and security screening procedures. This will give you plenty of time to relax, grab a bite to eat, or do some shopping before your flight.
The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) provides real-time wait times at each checkpoint, which you can view on digital displays throughout the airport. You can also use the iFly website or app to check security wait times and flight status before heading to the airport.
