When it’s time to fly to Fort Myers, it’s time to catch flights to RSW. In fact, flying into Southwest Florida International Airport, also known as RSW, puts you right in the heart of everything that makes this region great.
Southwest Florida is a world-class vacation destination. Flights to RSW come from all around the country — and around the world. This means that getting to Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Bonita Springs, Naples, and the surrounding areas is easy for folks from all over.
What are the need-to-know details about flying into Southwest Florida International Airport? Let’s learn more about flights to RSW to help you make travel to Fort Myers and the surrounding region a hassle-free experience.
Why Catch a Flight to RSW?
Nearly 7 million people, 6.8 million to be exact, visit the 5 counties that make up the Southwest Florida region each year. They come to destinations right on the Gulf of Mexico like Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Bonita Springs, Captiva Island, Estero, and other breathtaking locales.
What makes visiting Southwest Florida so great? The region is known for its rich history, breathtaking beaches, award-winning restaurants, world-famous shelling, chic retail shops, astounding natural wonders, and much more. You’ll find both cosmopolitan and classic places to visit, which means there is truly something for everyone in this thriving region.
What’s the best way to get to Southwest Florida? Consider hopping on a plane and flying into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). You’d be in good company, as 82% of all visitors flying to the region arrive via flights to RSW. Around 24,000 people come and go from this airport each day.
Why is the airport so popular? Flights to RSW are affordable, easy to book, and put you in the center of all the things that make Southwest Florida a fantastic destination for your next trip.
There are many reasons why flying to Florida for vacation is a good idea. Get the information you need to book travel for your next time to Southwest Florida below.
Where is RSW Airport?
You’ll find RSW on a large swath of land located at 11000 Terminal Access Road in Fort Myers.
Southwest Florida International Airport is located just southeast of the city of Fort Myers, Florida. The airport is about 3 miles from I-75, a major interstate that travels down the country and serves as a major travel artery through Florida. The airport’s easy access to I-75 makes coming and going a hassle-free experience.
You’ll find Fort Myers in Lee County, about 160 miles southwest of Orlando and about 160 miles northwest of Miami. This puts Fort Myers in a prime location. It is accessible to great other vacation spots like Disney World and South Beach, but it’s a true destination all on its own.
What Does RSW Stand For?
You might be wondering what RSW stands for. What’s in a name (or airport code), anyway? The code for the Fort Myers airport, RSW, dates all the way back to when the airport opened in 1983. Back then, the airport was known as Southwest Regional Airport. That means in the airport code, the R is for “regional,” and the SW is for “southwest.”
This makes sense because catching a flight into RSW is one of the best ways to get to the southwest Florida region!
The airport’s name was changed to Southwest Florida International Airport in 1993, just 10 years after opening. The name was changed to represent that the airport now saw international take-offs and landings. The name change was slightly delayed, as RSW saw overseas flights come and go since 1984 and had a U.S. Customs presence since 1987.
What Do I Need to Know About RSW Before Booking a Flight?
RSW is one of the easiest airports to navigate in the United States. What makes Southwest Florida International Airport so easy to get around? There’s only one airport terminal here, with only 3 concourses. This makes getting to the gate quick and easy.
Despite its small size, RSW offers all the airport amenities you’d expect at a major airport. You’ll find lots of retail shops, food options, ample seating, and even free wifi when flying in and out of RSW.
There are also a lot of ground transportation options available to those flying into RSW. MBA Airport Transportation Service, LLC is the only taxi service authorized to operate at the airport, but you’ll also find shuttles and ride share services like Uber and Lyft to help you get from the airport to your vacation rental or hotel.
How to Book a Flight to RSW
Southwest Florida International Airport makes getting to the gems of the region easy. Catching a flight to RSW puts you within an easy drive of destinations like Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and many other great places to enjoy.
Booking a flight to RSW is easy. You can book a flight online directly through ths airline or you can choose to book through a third-party like Expedia. If you don’t want to take the DIY route, consider reaching out to a travel agent to help you book the right flight to RSW.
No matter whether you book your flight yourself or let the pros handle it, it might be a good idea to shop around and compare prices. Booking your flight in advance might save you some cash, but you might find last minute deals as well.
No matter how you book your flight to RSW, you’ll find that flying into this airport can be a fun and hassle-free experience.
Is RSW Close to Naples, Florida?
Wondering what major airport is close to Naples? RSW Airport is quite close to Naples, Florida. You’ll find that Naples and RSW Airport are only about 35 miles apart, which adds up to an easy drive down I-75.
In fact, many visitors catching flights to RSW are heading to Naples. This means RSW is the airport to choose if Naples is your vacation destination.
Other Southwest Florida destinations that are easily accessible from RSW include:
- Sanibel Island
- Bonita Springs
- Estero
- Cape Coral
- Marco Island
- Iona
- Fort Myers Beach
- Captiva
- Lehigh Acres
All of the information above makes RSW the perfect place to fly into when you want to spend time in the Southwest Florida region.
What Airlines Fly In and Out of Fort Myers, Florida?
Many airlines service Fort Myers at RSW (or Southwest Florida International Airport). These airlines include everything from budget-friendly options and those dedicated to international travel, and many offer daily and weekly service from various starting points. Let’s take a look at some of the airlines flying in and out of RSW.
Air Canada
Air Canada is a major domestic and international airline. RSW is just one of the many decisions serviced by this Canadian airline. In fact, you’ll find Air Canada planes flying in and out of more than 200 airports on 6 continents. Air Canada connects RSW to places like Toronto and Montreal.
Air Transat
Air Transat is another international airline that offers flights to RSW from Canada. Currently, the airline services the route between Montreal and Fort Myers, giving Canadian visitors another option when they crave Florida sun and fun.
Alaska Airlines
Visiting Fort Myers from the West Coast is easy with flights to RSW from Alaska Airlines. Hop on a place in places like Anchorage, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, and even Santa Ana and you can be on a Florida beach in only hours.
American Airlines/American Eagle
American Airlines is another major airline coming and going from RSW. They manage a massive fleet of 900 aircraft, from jumbo jets to prop planes. Regional or commuter/feeder flights are operated under the airline’s American Eagle brand. You can find American Airlines operating out of Concourse D at RSW.
Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines serves smaller airports, like RSW, and connects them with smooth travel. Right now, Avelo Airlines connects Fort Myers, FL, and New Haven, CT with frequent flights from RSW to HVN.
Delta Air Lines/Delta Connection
Delta Air Lines is another major U.S. airline. Delta flights arrive at RSW’s Concourse C. You’ll find Delta flights heading into Fort Myers from all around the country. Delta Connection is the airline’s commuter and feeder flight brand.
Eurowings
Eurowings, operated by Lufthansa, connects Southwest Florida and Germany. Service from Dusseldorf to Fort Myers is quite popular and soon passengers will be able to hop on flights to RSW from Frankfort.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier is considered an ultra-low-cost carrier, which means it makes flights to RSW accessible and easy for travelers with a variety of budget options. Frontier flights RSW connect Fort Myers to more than 50 destinations across the country.
JetBlue Airways
JetBlue promises legroom and wifi, but they’ll deliver more. In fact, JetBlue flights to RSW come from destinations like New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Newark (EWR) and other popular spots.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is another major carrier that comes in and out of RSW frequently. You’ll find Southwest Airlines flights to RSW from around the country. Southwest Airlines operate out of Terminal B at RSW.
Sun Country Airlines
Sun Country Airlines provides travelers flights to RSW from the upper Midwestern U.S. You’ll find flights coming and going from places like Duluth, Green Bay, and Milwaukee. This makes it easy to swap snow shovels for sandy beaches each winter.
United Airlines/United Express
United Airlines connects RSW to the rest of the country with frequent flights. Fly to RSW from places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Cleveland, and beyond!
WestJet
Fly to Fort Myers from Toronto with WestJet. This smaller Canadian airline makes it easy to get over the border and into the Florida sunshine.
With so many airlines with flights to RSW, it is easy to see how getting to Fort Myers can be a hassle-free experience no matter where you’re coming from.
What Cities or Airports Fly into Fort Myers?
You’ll find nearly 60 airports that offer non-stop flights to RSW. This means you can get to Fort Myers from about anywhere in the world thanks to a vast network of connecting flights.
Fort Myers is connected to the whole world thanks to the airports that fly into Fort Myers. For example, visitors from Budapest can leave Hungary and be in the Fort Myers, Florida sunshine in 16 hours by taking advantage of connecting flights. On the flip side, travelers can catch flights to RSW from Orlando and make a 160-mile journey in just an hour by taking advantage of a direct flight.
All of this means you can get to Fort Myers from about anywhere in the whole world by flying into RSW.
Can I Book Non-stop Flights to Fort Myers?
There are many non-stop flights to RSW daily. In fact, exactly 59 airports offer flights directly to Fort Myers.
You can easily book a non-stop flight to Fort Myers from cities all around the country. By the numbers, there are a few popular places for those seeking flights to RSW. Flights from Atlanta, GA, and Chicago, IL make up 17% of all non-stop flights coming into Fort Myers, according to information from FlightConnection.
Other popular originating destinations for travelers catching flights to RSW include:
- Charlotte, NC
- Detroit, MI
- New York, NY/Newark, NJ
- Minneapolis, MN
- Philadelphia, PA
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Cleveland, OH
- Washington, D.C.
- Houston, TX
Booking a non-stop flight to Fort Myers is easy. With more than a dozen airlines offering services and nearly 60 places to leave from, you’ll find that Southwest Florida is a highly-accessible destination for a beach vacation.
One thing to think about when you’re booking flights to RSW is travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance can be a lifesaver in case of cancelled flights, lost luggage, and other stressors that can come when things go awry on vacation. Learn more about the travel insurance you need for a Florida vacation.
Are There International Flights to Fort Myers?
International flights to RSW are in increasing demand. In fact, you can find direct international flights to Fort Myers on multiple continents.
International flights to Fort Myers depart from Canada and Germany, making it easy to connect Southwest Florida to the rest of the world. This is big business for Fort Myers and the surrounding areas.
According to 2019 reports prepared for the Lee County Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, nearly 14% of all tourists to the Fort Myers area came from overseas in 2018. The top 3 countries of origin for those visiting Lee County from abroad in 2018 were:
- Germany (4%)
- Canada (4%)
- United Kingdom (2%)
The remaining 4% of all international visitors to Lee County came from other overseas destinations.
What makes Southwest Florida an attractive destination for those from overseas? The answer is simple: the Florida experience is simply unforgettable.
For many visitors — especially those from Canada, Germany and the U.K — Florida’s subtropical climate is something totally new to them. The mild winters make Southwest Florida a year-round travel destination for those from all over the world.
The white-sand Gulf Beaches on Sanibel and Captiva islands are world-famous for shelling. The wildlife in Florida is totally unique and visitors from abroad delight in seeing manatees, American alligators, and other distinctive creatures.
The Southwest Florida experience rounds out with world-class retail and award-winning restaurants. All of this adds up to mean there is truly something for everyone along these Gulf Coast shores.
Where Can I Fly To from Fort Myers?
In addition to welcoming visitors from around the country and around the work into Fort Myers, RSW is also a great place to depart.
Non-stop cities leaving RSW include domestic hot spots on the East Coast like New York City, Atlantic City, and Washington, D.C.
West coast destinations you can visit by hopping on a flight from Fort Myers include Los Angeles, Seattle, and even San Francisco. See more of the Southeast by flying to Nashville, Charlotte, Atlant, and even nearby Orlando from RSW.
You can even explore the Midwest by catching a flight from Fort Myers. Indianapolis, St. Louis, Chicago, Kansas City, and Cincinnati are great places to visit from RSW.
With so many great destinations to fly to from Fort Myers and so many great airlines servicing the airport, it is easy to see why RSW is a regional transportation hub for folks coming and going.
Flights to RSW for the Holidays
Southwest Florida is a great place to visit during the winter months. In fact, tourism reports indicate that 30% of all visitors to Lee County come in December, January, and February and they contribute more than $1.1 billion to the region’s economy each winter.
One takeaway from these statistics is that people know that Southwest Florida is a great place to spend the winter holidays. Imagine opening Christmas gifts on the balcony over the beach on Captiva Island or playing golf on a lush, award-winning course in Fort Myers before celebrating with Chanukah lights.
This means that many visitors are seeking flights to RSW for the holidays. December is one of the airport’s busiest months with many flights to RSW coming in with eager travelers. While it is usually best to book holiday travel in advance, you might find last minute flights to RSW available in December.
Another reason to consider booking flights to RSW for the holidays? New Year’s Eve celebrations around Southwest Florida are some of the best around. From fireworks to bar crawls to midnight champagne toasts, you’ll love ringing in the new year Florida style.
What is Picking Up a Passenger Like at RSW?
Have you been tasked with picking up a passenger from RSW? There are a couple of options for picking someone up at this airport.
Cell Phone Waiting Lot at RSW
One easy way to meet someone flying into Southwest Florida International Airport is to take advantage of the cell phone lot. This lot is located at the airport plaza and gives you a place to hang out while your passenger gets off the plane, grabs their luggage, and makes their way through the bustling airport.
The cell phone lot at RSW is only about 2 minutes from the terminal. This means that passengers should send the “I’m ready” text or make the call as they’ve made it to the terminal exit to avoid extra waiting and congestion.
There are 6 exits from the terminal. Each one is clearly labeled so it should be easy to find your passenger. Remember, there is no parking allowed at the pick-up curb by the terminal. This means you need to load and unload quickly.
Short Term Parking Lot
Another option when picking up passengers from RSW is to park in the short-term garage and meet them inside. The first 20-minutes of short-term parking are free.
This adds a more personal touch, as you can greet your passenger at baggage claim. This option might make sense if your traveler needs assistance with luggage or is wheelchair-bound.
Both pick-up options at RSW make it easy to get in and out of the airport. You’ll be on your way and enjoying everything that makes flying into Southwest Florida great in no time!
Is RSW a Big Airport?
RSW’s single terminal covers 798,000 square feet and features 28 gates on 3 concourses. This makes RSW a small-to-mid-sized airport when compared to other international airports. For example, Miami International Airport is much larger with 3 airport terminals, 6 concourses, and 128 gates.
When it comes to land size, though, RSW is a behemoth spanning 13,555 acres or 21 square miles. It is the third-largest airport in the country by land size, only after the airports in Dallas/Fort Worth and Denver.
What is Parking Like at RSW?
If you’re taking a round-trip flight from RSW, you’ll likely need a secure place to park your car while you’re off adventuring. Thankfully you’ll find several different parking options at Southwest Florida International Airport.
There are more than 11,000 parking spaces at RSW airport. This means there’s room for everyone — most of the time. The garages and lots at RSW get full quickly around the winter holidays, so you’ll likely want to plan ahead if you’re traveling for Hanukah, Christmas, or New Year’s.
You’ll find two on-site options for parking at RSW: short-term parking and long-term parking. Both parking lots are open 24/7. Additionally, you’ll find help when you need it at RSW. Both parking lots are staffed with people who can help you find your car, offer a jump start if you need it, or even inflate your tires if they lose air while parked.
However, there are a few differences between short-term and long-term parking at RSW. Let’s look at a few other details about the RSW parking options so you can choose what’s best for you, your travel plans, and your vehicle.
Short Term Parking at RSW
The short-term parking garage at RSW is a great place to leave your vehicle if you’re taking a quick trip or if you don’t mind paying a little more for premium features. The short-term parking garage is located right next to the terminal building. This means a quick walk to the airport and covered parking for your vehicle on the second level. The third level is open air.
The short term parking-garage is also a great option if you’re meeting friends or family flying into RSW. The first 20-minutes of parking are free, which means you can meet your loved ones or colleagues right inside where they pick up checked bags.
However, after the first 20 minutes, the short-term parking garage gets a little expensive. Rates hover around $18 per day.
Long-Term Parking at RSW
If you’re looking for a more economical parking option, consider the long-term lot. The long-term parking lot at RSW is located behind the short-term garage. This surface lot is all open air. This means your car will be subject to the elements while you’re away.
Getting to and from the long-term parking lot at RSW is easy. A shuttle service provides quick transport to the terminal curb. There’s room on the shuttle for your luggage and the driver can even give you a hand with the heavy lifting if needed.
Parking Costs at RSW
Parking reservations and prepayment aren’t required at RSW for both short-term and long-term parking. Parking rates might vary by the length of time your car will be in the lot.
With current parking rates, a quick two-day trip will cost $22 for long-term parking ($11 per day) or $36 ($18 per day) for long-term parking. A longer 10-day trip will cost $72 ($7.20 per day) for long-term parking or $180 ($18 per day) for short-term parking.
Off-Site Parking at RSW
In addition to on-site parking at RSW, you’ll find a few off-site options, too. Companies like ParkSmart, On Air Parking, and Cheapest Airport parking can help you find parking away from the airport and will let you book online in advance.
Additionally, many off-site parking lots provide shuttle service to and from the airport. A quick Google search is all you need to find additional parking options at RSW.
What Shops and Restaurants Are At RSW?
You’ll find all kinds of shops and restaurants offering creature comforts, last-minute souvenirs, a fresh cup of coffee, or even a pre-flight cocktail all around Southwest Florida International Airport.
Let’s look at a handful of the shops and restaurants you’ll find around RSW’s main terminal and 3 concourses.
Main Terminal
Shops and restaurants to enjoy at the airport’s main terminal include:
- Beaches Travelmart
- Brighton Collectibles
- Dylan’s Candy Bar
- Coastal News
- PGA Tour Shop
- Starbucks
- Dunkin Donuts
- Quiznos
- Tropical Expressions
- Shula’s Bar and Grill
Concourse B
Need a snack, something to read or a last-minute souvenir? Concessions you’ll find at RSW’s Concourse B include:
- Brighton Collectible
- Burger King
- CNBC News
- Sanibel Marketplace
- A Day At The Beach
- Starbucks
- Great American Bagel
Concourse C
Grab a magazine to read on the flight or get a quick snack at RSW’s Concourse C at the following RSW shops and restaurants:
- Beaches Travelmart
- Sbarro
- Dewar’s Clubhouse
- Starbucks
- Great American Bagel
- The Shell Factory
Concourse D
You’ll find what you need for an easy flight at the concessions around RSW’s Concourse D at shops and restaurants including:
- A Day At The Beach
- CNBC News
- Casa Bacardi
- Palm City Marketplace
- Coastal Expressions
- Starbucks
In many cases, the hours of each of the businesses above might vary based on passenger activities. Everything might be open on a busy Saturday morning; you might find fewer options open on a slower Tuesday afternoon.
Does RSW Have Duty-Free Shops?
Duty-free shopping is a staple at many airports, especially for international travelers because it can save them a little money. Duty-free shopping means that your purchases aren’t subject to taxes in the country where you bought the items. Essentially, duty-free shops are a kind of no-man’s land.
RSW does offer duty-free shopping. The duty-free store is located on the second floor of RSW’s terminal, between the gift shop and newsstand. It’s the perfect place to save a little on souvenirs and other goods.
Some airports offer all kinds of goods duty-free. We even know shoppers who have purchased luxury items duty-free to save on taxes — some designers like Louis Vuitton even make special collections exclusive to duty-free stores. You might not find luxury goods duty free at RSW, but you will find many desirable items at the duty-free shop here.
Does RSW Have Lounges?
Airport lounges are often member’s-only hideaways where travelers can relax between flights. They might be staffed by airline employees and are often perks for being a frequent flyer or credit card holder.
Does RSW have airport lounges? Unfortunately for some travelers, you won’t find any exclusive lounges at RSW. Those flying from the Fort Myers airport will need to kick back and relax at regular terminal seating. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as seating in the RSW terminal is ample and, based on our experience, quite comfortable.
RSW Car Rental Information
Getting around Southwest Florida is easy. But if you’re spending some time in the region, renting a car is a great idea. You’ll find a handful of rental car companies on-site at RSW.
You’ll find the on-site rental cars at RSW on the ground level of the parking garage next to the airport. The Rental Car Service Center is easy to access; just head downstairs from the terminal, exit near the baggage claim, and walk across the street to the garage.
You can find the following rental car companies at Southwest Florida International Airport:
- Alamo Rent-a-Car
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless Car Rental
- Sixt
- Thrifty
All of the rental cars you’ll find at RSW can be reserved online in advance. Most offer a range of vehicles, including sedans, luxury sedans, sports cars, trucks, SUVs, and even vans. Booking your vacation car rental in advance is a great way to ensure you get the car or vehicle you need for your trip.
Is Uber Allowed at the Airport in Fort Myers?
MBA Airport Transportation Service, LLC is the only taxi service authorized to operate at the airport in Fort Myers. This means they might offer the easiest ground transportation solution for those catching a flight to RSW. However, Uber and other ride-share services are still an option, as these services are technically different than taxis.
According to information from Uber, using the service at the airport works a little differently. There are designated pick-up spots, marked by ride-share signage throughout the airport. You’ll need to follow these signs to go to the right place to meet your driver.
How to Use Uber at RSW
Want to catch an Uber ride to your hotel or vacation rental from the RSW airport? Requesting an Uber through the app is a simple process. You’ll open the app, enter your destination in the “Where To” field, select the type of vehicle you’d like to pick you up, and then press the “Request” button on the bottom of the screen.
Selecting the right kind of Uber vehicle is essential. Right now, Uber service at RSW includes Ultra Mini Bus, UberX, Comfort, and Premier. If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, you’ll likely want to steer clear of the Ultra Mini Bus service as these cars only seat one or two people. That means if you’re traveling with a partner or have more than a small bag, you might be better off with a larger car like those offered by Comfort or Premier Uber service.
What Hotels are Near RSW?
Sometimes it makes sense to spend a night or two at an airport hotel. Staying near the airport makes getting to an early morning flight easy and ensures a good night of rest after a long day of traveling.
Thankfully, you’ll find quite a few hotels near Southwest Florida International Airport, ranging from budget-friendly options to suites with room for the whole family. Hotels near RSW include:
- Spring Hill Suites – Fort Myers Airport
- Four Points by Sheraton – Fort Myers Airport
- Hampton Inn – Fort Myers Airport/I-75
- La Quinta Inn and Suites – Fort Myers Airport
- Baymont – Fort Myers Airport
- Comfort Inn and Suites – Fort Myers Airport
- Comfort Inn and Suites – Fort Myers Airport
- Quality Suites – I-75
While airport hotels are a great place to crash before an early morning flight or after a red-eye arrival, you need a true vacation rental to enjoy Southwest Florida. Learn about long-term rentals and more from Royal Shell.
Is RSW Open 24-Hours?
The flights coming and going at Southwest Florida International airport arrive and depart at all hours. This means RSW is open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.
However, even though the airport itself is open 24-hours a day, you’ll find that many of the shops and restaurants at RSW, as well as essential services like airline check-in, baggage service, and TSA services, are only available around the flight schedule.
How Early Should I Arrive at RSW?
You’ll find that RSW is quick and easy to navigate with 3 security checkpoints for travelers. But you’ll still need to arrive at RSW at least 2 hours early for domestic flights. If you’re taking one of RSW’s international flights to Germany or Canada, count on arriving at least 3 hours early.
Does RSW have TSA PreCheck?
Good news. If you have applied for and earned TSA PreCheck status, you can move through security quickly at RSW. You’ll also be able to keep your shoes on, keep your laptop in the case, and even keep your liquids and gels in your carry-on as you breeze through security.
If you don’t have PreCheck status yet, you can apply for this privilege with the TSA right at the Southwest Florida International Airport. The TSA’s PreCheck application center is on the ground transportation level of the passenger terminal, right across from RSW’s Baggage Belt No. 5 in Office No. 1082.
Do I Need a COVID Test to Fly from RSW?
It doesn’t seem like COVID-19 is going away anytime soon. While rules about travel as subject Hahto change, as of the time of writing and posting this article, COVID tests are not required for domestic travelers under current CDC guidelines.
This means you won’t need a negative COVID test to catch a flight to RSW if you’re traveling within the United States. However, if you plan to travel internationally, you’ll need to get a COVID-19 test no more than one day before you leave or return to the U.S. The airline will need to see your negative test before you fly.
All passengers need to be aware of mask mandates when flying. Passengers are required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth at all times while in the airport and on the plane.Following COVID precautions and guidelines will help you and those around you stay safe when traveling. Learn more about COVID 19 in Southwest Florida.
Are the 2 Airports in Fort Myers?
Is RSW the only airport in Fort Myers? No. There are 2 airports in Fort Myers. The second airport is known as Page Field and is operated by the Lee County Port Authority.
Page Field was initially built in 1927 as a civil airport. Aviation was fairly new then. The military used the airport during World War II and there were even on-site barracks. In the 1970s, Page Field saw commercial flights coming and going.
However, by the late 1970s and early 1980s, airline travel and consumer demand for flights into Fort Myers outgrew Page Field. All airline travel coming in and out of Fort Myers moved to RSW in 1983 and the rest is airport history.
Does that mean Page Field is now defunct? No. Even though it no longer sees commercial flights, Page Field is still regularly used by personal, private, and business planes and travelers. Today an average of 326 flights come in and out of Page Field each day.
How Far is the Beach from the Fort Myers Airport?
Catching a flight to RSW to hit the beach? We don’t blame you, as the beaches in southwest Florida are among the best in the world. But how far will you need to travel from the airport to the beach when you’re flying into Fort Myers?
RSW is located just southwest of Fort Myers. The beach is west of Fort Myers. You’ll need to travel about 20 miles from RSW to get to Fort Myers Beach. Depending on traffic, you can make it from the airport to the beach in about half an hour.
Flying into RSW for a trip to Sanibel Island? You’ll find Sanibel Island and its white-sand beaches about 30 miles from the Fort Myers airport. The drive will take about 45 minutes.
Visiting Sanibel’s sister island, Captiva? You’ll find that Captiva Island and its pristine beaches are about 38 miles from RSW. It will take about an hour to get from Fort Myers airport to Captiva Island.
Bonita Springs is also known for its Gulf beaches. Bonita Beach Park is located approximately 20 miles from RSW. The drive to Bonita Springs from the airport in Fort Myers will likely take just under half an hour.
There are many other beautiful Gulf Coast beaches within an easy drive of the airport in Fort Myers. This might that flights into RSW make it easy to enjoy fun in the sun.
What Other Airports are in Southwest Florida?
Traveling with a flight into RSW might be the best way to get to southwest Florida, but it’s certainly not the only way to get to this part of the Sunshine State. Here are a few other airport options you might have when considering a trip to Southwest Florida.
Punta Gorda Airport
Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is located between Sarasota and Fort Myers just off I-75. This small airport is a busy one serviced by 2 airlines: Sun Country and Allegiant. Both of these airlines are considered budget airlines, so you might consider flying to the Punta Gorda airport if you’re more interested in saving money than comfort when traveling.
Top destinations for flights from the Punta Gorda Airport include midwestern cities including Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Flint, and Fort Wayne.
The Punta Gorda Airport is a 38-mile drive to Fort Myers. It offers a fairly convenient way to get to southwest Florida. Most of the major rental car companies have operations here.
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is located about 3 miles north of downtown Sarasota and about 6 miles south of Bradenton. It is considered a “small hub” airport and can be quite busy.
The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is serviced by just over a dozen different airlines. You’ll find direct flights to this airport across the Eastern and Midwestern United States. The busiest domestic routes flying into include Atlanta, Charlotte, Baltimore, Newark, and Chicago.
You’ll find the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport about 80 miles from Fort Myers. The drive will take approximately an hour and a half.
Tampa International Airport
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is just a few miles from Downtown Tampa, a popular destination for beach lovers, sports fans, and many other travelers.
If you’re visiting southwest Florida, you might consider flying into the Tampa airport if you don’t mind a bit of a drive. This airport is a solid 120-mile- or 2-hour drive away from Fort Myers.
Another reason you might consider the Tampa airport for a trip to southwest Florida is if you’re traveling from overseas. International flights to RSW only come from Canada and Germany, so you’d have to catch a connecting flight if you’re coming from the United Kingdom or another destination.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport
St. Petersburg and Clearwater are popular beach destinations on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Budget-friendly travelers frequently use the St.Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), as it is serviced by affordable airlines such as Sun Country, Allegiant, and Swoop.
While this airport generally serves the Tampa Bay area, you might consider flying into PIE if you’re visiting southwest Florida. It is about a 2-hour, or 120-mile, drive from the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport to Fort Myers.
How Can You Find Cheap Flights to RSW?
Hopping on a flight to RSW can be expensive, especially if you’re looking for the whole family. However, there are a few savvy tips you can use to book cheap flights to RSW.
If you’re looking to save money on flights to RSW, consider the 5 tips below:
- Always browse for flights to RSW in incognito or private mode on your computer or smartphone. If you fail to do this and don’t book the first time you search, you’ll likely see prices rising each time you look. Airlines can be sneaky and keep track of your actions.
- You might find cheaper flights to RSW if you use a special flight search engine rather than the airline’s website. For example, we’ve heard of travelers having good luck finding affordable flights using SkyScanner, Airfare Watchdog, Google Flights, and JetRadar.
- Consider flying on a certain day of the week. For example, some travelers’ experience suggests that Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly. This might be because business travels happen on Monday and weekend travelers might leave on Friday. Tuesday and other mid-week days might have less demand and result in cheaper tickets.
- While you’re at it, consider using points to fly. Many credit cards offer some kind of reward program and the points earned through these programs can frequently be exchanged for airline miles. Additionally, you might consider opening a special credit card associated with your preferred airline to collect points redeemable for miles.
Don’t be afraid to consider using budget airlines. While sometimes this means sacrificing comfort for savings, many budget airlines are just as easy to use as other major airlines. You might want to be mindful of extra expenses that come with the cheap tickets, like baggage fees and wifi charges. You might find more affordable flights to RSW from airlines like Jetblue, Sun Country, Southwest, and Frontier.
Visit Southwest Florida with Help From Royal Shell Vacations
With so many flights to RSW and so much to enjoy about Southwest Florida, it’s easy to see why this accessible location makes a great vacation destination. Take a walk on a white sand beach, cast off for a great day of Gulf fishing, collect seashells in the sun, and bask in fresh seaside air when you book your Southwest Florida respite with Royal Shell Vacations.
Royal Shell Vacations offers everything that you need to truly enjoy your time in Southwest Florida. Book the perfect vacation rental, from a city condo for 2 to a 6-bedroom beach casa with room for everyone. Flexcation options will let you book with confidence, while online direct bookings can help you save money on your vacation rental.
Let Royal Shell Vacations be your partner in planning the perfect Southwest Florida escape. Contact us by calling 866-202-0723 or reach out to a friendly agent with our online contact form.
