Owais Crawford
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the second busiest airport in Florida and 41st busiest in the world, handling nearly 42 million passengers in 2016. The airport caters to commercial traffic, but general aviation (GA) traffic is allowed. Landing fees for GA aircraft tend to be high, and fuel and parking are expensive. There are two private jet runways available, and Atlantic Aviation and Sheltair run two private FBO terminals. If you are looking for a cheaper option, you can consider flying to one of the smaller airfields on the perimeter of the city, such as X04 Orlando Apopka Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Orlando International Airport |
| Airport Code | MCO |
| Former Name | McCoy Air Force Base |
| Location | 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida |
| Area | 47 square kilometers (18.1 sq mi) |
| Number of Terminals | 3 (Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C) |
| Number of Runways | 2 (Runway 18L/36R and Runway 18R/36L) |
| Number of Passengers | 57,211,628 (in 2024) |
| Ranking | Busiest airport in Florida, ninth busiest airport in the US |
| Operating Base for Airlines | Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines |
| Focus City for Airlines | JetBlue |
| Number of Destinations | Over 170 domestic and international destinations |
| Number of Airlines | Over 40 |
| Daily Flights | Over 1,000 |
| Facilities | Shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants |
| Accessibility Services | Available |
| Mobile Application | Available |
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What You'll Learn
Orlando International Airport is 6 miles from downtown Orlando, Florida
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a bustling hub of activity, just 6 miles from downtown Orlando, Florida. With its vast expanse of 21 square miles, it's not just one of the largest airports in the country, but also the busiest airport in the state and the ninth busiest in the entire United States. In 2024, MCO accommodated a staggering 57,211,628 passengers, and that's not counting the even higher projection of up to 55 million passengers forecasted for 2023.
MCO has a rich history, starting with its former life as McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command installation. The airport still retains its old IATA and ICAO airport codes, MCO and KMCO, respectively, as a nod to its past. Today, it serves as a major gateway to the Florida region, offering over 1,000 daily flights on more than 40 airlines, connecting travellers to over 170 domestic and international destinations.
Navigating such a large and busy airport can be challenging for even the most seasoned travellers. Fortunately, MCO has adopted Reserve by CLEAR, a free program that allows travellers to book a specific time slot to go through a dedicated security lane, reducing wait times. The MCO app is another handy tool, providing wayfinding assistance, estimated security wait times, and flight status updates. With its sprawling size, it's no surprise that MCO boasts North America's fourth-tallest control tower, standing at an impressive 345 feet.
When it comes to amenities, Orlando International Airport delivers. It offers a wide range of shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants to cater to every taste and need. For those arriving on international flights, there are clear procedures to follow: collect your bags, clear customs, and place your bags on the transfer belt after the customs exit. Domestic travellers enjoy a seamless experience, with bags automatically transferred if tagged to the final destination.
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MCO is the former name of the airport
MCO, the airport code for Orlando International Airport, is derived from its former name, McCoy Air Force Base. The airport was originally constructed as a U.S. Army Air Forces facility, and military operations began in 1942 as Orlando Army Air Field #2, an auxiliary airfield to Orlando Army Air Base, now known as Orlando Executive Airport. In January 1943, Orlando Army Air Field #2 was renamed Pinecastle Army Airfield.
With the establishment of an independent U.S. Air Force in 1947, the airfield was briefly placed in caretaker status until it was reactivated during the Korean War as a Strategic Air Command (SAC) installation. In 1975, the final Air Force contingent departed McCoy AFB, and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) was established as a state-chartered local governmental agency and an enterprise fund of the city of Orlando.
The airport gained its current name and international airport status a year later in 1976 but retained its old IATA airport code MCO and ICAO airport code KMCO. Orlando International Airport is now one of the world's most modern and well-equipped airports, having received numerous awards for its design, amenities, and customer service.
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It is one of the largest commercial airports in the US
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major airport in central Florida, located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando. It is one of the largest commercial airports in the US in terms of land area. Covering 47 square kilometers (18.1 sq mi), it is the fifth-largest airport in the United States by land area. MCO is also one of the busiest airports in the country, handling a large number of passengers and flights. In 2024, it served 57,211,628 passengers, making it the busiest airport in Florida and the ninth busiest in the United States. The airport is a major international gateway for the Florida region, with over 1,000 daily flights on more than 40 airlines serving over 170 domestic and international destinations.
The airport's history dates back to the early 1960s when it opened to commercial traffic. It was originally known as McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command installation, and retained its airport code MCO from this former name. The airport became a U.S. Customs Service Foreign Trade Zone in 1978 and was designated as a large hub airport by the FAA based on its flight operations and passenger traffic. The current Landside Terminal and two Airsides on the west side were constructed and opened in 1981.
Orlando International Airport has four runways, with lengths ranging from 9,001 to 12,005 feet (2,744 to 3,659 meters). These runways are capable of accommodating various aircraft types, including widebody airliners. The airport has a significant presence of multiple airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. It also serves as a focus city for JetBlue. Southwest Airlines holds the largest market share at the airport, followed by other major carriers.
The airport has undergone expansions and improvements over the years to accommodate increasing air traffic. It has invested in renovating and expanding its facilities, including the construction of additional runways. MCO was also the first airport in Florida to accept E-Pass and SunPass toll transponders as a form of payment for parking, offering a convenient and seamless experience for drivers.
With its size, passenger volume, and extensive flight network, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is undoubtedly one of the largest and most significant commercial airports in the United States. Its role as a major gateway to Florida and its proximity to popular tourist destinations, such as Disney World and Universal, further contribute to its prominence in the US aviation landscape.
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The airport is served by over 40 airlines
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is served by over 40 airlines and has daily flights to more than 170 domestic and international destinations. In 2024, it handled 57,211,628 passengers, making it the busiest airport in Florida and the ninth busiest in the United States.
The airport is an operating base for Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. It also serves as a focus city for JetBlue, with Southwest being the largest carrier by passenger numbers. Orlando International Airport is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States, covering 47 square kilometres (18.1 sq mi) and is the fifth-largest airport in the country by land area.
With its busy schedule and large size, it is no surprise that MCO is a hub of activity and can be a crowded and bustling place. The airport covers 21 square miles, making it one of the biggest airports in the US. It has North America's fourth-tallest control tower, standing at 345 feet.
The airport has an extensive history, gaining its current name and international airport status in 1976, retaining its old IATA airport code MCO from McCoy Air Force Base, which closed in 1975. The airport became a US Customs Service Foreign Trade Zone in 1978 and was designated a large hub airport by the FAA in 1979 based on flight operations and passenger traffic.
With so many airlines and destinations to choose from, Orlando International Airport is a popular choice for travellers, offering a range of facilities and services to meet the needs of its many passengers.
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It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located 6 miles (9.7 km) southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. It is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States, covering 47 square kilometres (18.1 sq mi). With over 57 million passengers in 2024, it is Florida's busiest airport and the ninth busiest in the US.
Given the size of the airport and the potential for long distances between check-in and gates, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before their scheduled departure. This allows for plenty of time to check in, clear security, and reach the gate.
For international flights, arriving 3 hours before departure is often advised, as there may be longer lines at check-in and a greater chance of delays during peak travel periods. Some countries and airports have specific recommendations, such as Jamaica, which suggests 2-3 hours for international departures, and Chile, which recommends 3 hours, or even 3.5 hours during peak periods.
Arriving early is especially beneficial if you are travelling with children, have mobility considerations, or require special services. For instance, unaccompanied minor services for children between 5 and 14 years old need to be booked 48 hours in advance and involve extra paperwork at check-in. Similarly, the US Department of Transportation suggests that travellers using battery-powered wheelchairs arrive at least an extra hour before standard check-in times.
Checking in online and travelling with only carry-on luggage can help expedite the process and save time, but it is always better to be safe than sorry and allow for potential delays and unforeseen circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
MCO. The airport code comes from the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base.
Orlando International Airport covers 47 square kilometres (18.1 sq mi) and is the fifth-largest airport in the United States by land area.
Orlando International Airport is the busiest airport in Florida and the seventh busiest in the United States. In 2024, it had 57,211,628 passengers.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight is due to leave for domestic flights, and three hours in advance for international flights.
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