South Terminal

Delta and American both check in on the South side now

The South Terminal at OMA handles Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines during the 2025–2027 construction phase. It sits on the same frontage as the main parking garage, separated from the North Terminal by a central work zone that makes the airport feel like two small terminals next to each other. If your boarding pass shows any of those five airlines, you belong on South, not North.

Construction walls block the old central connector, so there is no airside link between North and South through at least 2027. Pick the wrong side and you have to walk outside with your bags, sometimes in Nebraska snow or summer storms. Wayfinding signs on the approach road are your early clue: stay to the right for Alaska, American, Delta, and Frontier check-in, and watch for Allegiant marked on the South side as well.

The South parking garage is your best bet if you fly Delta or American from OMA more than once a year. Park in the South garage, then use the lower-level walkway that feeds straight into the South Terminal entry instead of dodging curb traffic. Local travelers say this garage-to-terminal walk feels more predictable than the painted crosswalks when the front drive backs up during early morning banks.

At arrivals, baggage claim is split by terminal, not by carousel number, so follow the South Terminal Baggage Claim signs after you exit security. Bags for Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, and Allegiant appear only on the South side, even if your ride is circling near the North doors. If you drift toward the wrong exit, you can end up outside and needing a sidewalk slog to get back.

Security on the South side still runs on Omaha time: most locals report roughly 10–20 minutes during normal weekday mornings. That said, frequent flyers now pad their schedule by an extra 15 minutes to account for construction detours, wrong-terminal drop-offs, or weather. If you are connecting from a US domestic flight but switch between North and South airlines, plan on a full landside reclear with another security check.

Inside the South Terminal, concessions are thin during the current phase, with no major sit-down restaurants or published lounges listed for this side as of 2025. Expect basic vending and limited counter-service options that can shift with construction. Buy a meal in Omaha before you head to the airport, or plan to eat on the plane if your carrier sells snack boxes.

Because there are no branded lounges catalogued in the South Terminal, even high-status Delta and American flyers end up waiting at the gate. Power outlets can run short around shared departure areas when several flights board close together, especially evenings. If you need quiet, bring noise-cancelling headphones and download entertainment over home Wi‑Fi before leaving.

One traveler told local TV they only relaxed once staff out front pointed them to the South doors for Delta and American check-in. This matches the common complaint: friends or rideshare drivers drop people at the first terminal façade they see, which is often North. When you call your pickup on arrival, say “South side, by the South garage” to keep them off the wrong curb.

Regulars now build their routine around airline lists instead of a single blended terminal. Before leaving home, they open the airline or airport app to confirm that Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, or Frontier still show “South” next to OMA. That 10-second check saves a confusing loop around Abbott Drive or an extra outdoor walk with luggage.

Quick tip: tell your driver “South Terminal by the South garage, Alaska/American/Delta/Frontier/Allegiant doors” and look for the right-hand split on the access road; that simple script cuts your odds of a wrong-terminal drop to almost zero.