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Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving over 40 million passengers annually. The airport allows passengers to travel with cats and dogs, provided they are vaccinated and have the necessary paperwork. Assistance animals are permitted to travel with passengers with disabilities, although some restrictions apply. Small pets can ride in the cabin, while larger pets can be flown as baggage or cargo. All animals, except service animals, must remain in an approved carrier while in the airport or onboard. Orlando International Airport has seven pet relief areas, three of which are located pre-security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pets allowed at Orlando Airport | Yes, but with restrictions |
| Pet relief areas | 7 areas, 3 pre-security and 4 post-security |
| Pet carrier requirements | Pets must be in an approved carrier at all times while in the airport or onboard an aircraft |
| Temperature restrictions | Orlando Airport frequently experiences temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which may be unsafe for pets to fly |
| Travel options with pets | Small pets can travel in the cabin, larger pets can be flown as baggage or cargo |
| Service animal exemptions | Assistance animals are allowed to travel with passengers with disabilities, but some rules and restrictions still apply |
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What You'll Learn
Orlando Airport pet relief areas
At Orlando International Airport (MCO), dogs are not permitted unless they are working dogs or in a carrier approved for travelling on board an aircraft. The airport has seven pet relief areas. Three of these are located pre-security, and four are post-security.
The pre-security pet relief areas are as follows:
- North Cell Lot
- Main Terminal, Level 2, "A" side, at the far east end of the building (to the right as you exit)
- Main Terminal, Level 2, "B" side, at the far west end of the building (to the right as you exit)
The post-security pet relief areas are:
- Gates 1-29, on the wing for gates 20-29
- Gates 30-59, on the wing for gates 40-49
- Gates 70-99, on the wing for gates 80-89
- Gates 100-129, across from gate 121
Passengers with pets have three travel options: small pets can travel in the cabin with their owners; larger pets can fly as baggage or cargo. If travelling as baggage, owners must drop off their pet at flight check-in and pick them up at excess baggage upon arrival. If travelling as cargo, owners must collect their pets from the relevant cargo facility, which is unconnected to the main airport terminal, so private transportation should be arranged.
It is recommended that travellers review the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website before scheduling travel with a pet.
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Flying with assistance animals
When flying with assistance animals, it's important to be aware of the policies and procedures that may apply. While the specific requirements can vary depending on the airline and the destination, here is some general information to consider when flying with assistance animals:
Airline Policies:
Different airlines may have their own specific policies and requirements for flying with assistance animals. For example, Delta Air Lines requires passengers travelling with service animals to submit a Service Animal Request and review their Service Animal Guidelines. Similarly, American Airlines recommends submitting the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before your flight. This form verifies the health, training, and behaviour of your service animal.
Documentation and Forms:
When travelling with an assistance animal, you may be required to provide certain documentation and complete specific forms. The DOT Service Animal Air Travel form is often required for all service animals, and some airlines may also require additional forms, such as the Relief Attestation form for flights over eight hours. It's important to check with your airline and review their specific requirements.
Airport Facilities:
Many airports offer facilities to accommodate assistance animals. For example, Orlando International Airport (MCO) has designated pet relief areas, with three located pre-security and four post-security. These areas provide a space for your assistance animal to relieve themselves before or after a flight. It's recommended to review the airport's website or contact them directly to understand the specific facilities and services available.
Temperature and Weather Considerations:
When flying with an assistance animal, it's important to consider the temperature and weather conditions. In places like Orlando, where temperatures can frequently rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, it may be unsafe for your pet to fly during certain times of the year. Avoiding air travel during the summer months or extreme weather conditions can help ensure your pet's safety.
Travel Options for Pets:
If you are travelling with a pet that is not an assistance animal, you may have different travel options. Small pets may be allowed to ride with you in the cabin, while larger pets may need to be transported as baggage or cargo. Each option has its own requirements and procedures, so it's important to contact your airline and review their specific policies.
When flying with assistance animals, it's crucial to be well-informed and prepared. Staying up-to-date with the latest policies, requirements, and facilities can help ensure a smooth travel experience for both you and your assistance animal.
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Vaccination and paperwork requirements
When travelling with pets, it is important to ensure that they are properly vaccinated and have all the necessary paperwork. While the specific vaccination requirements are not outlined on the airport's website, it is generally recommended that you review the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website before scheduling any travel plans with your pet. This will ensure you are up to date with the latest requirements and guidelines.
In addition to vaccination requirements, there are several other important considerations and paperwork that you should be aware of. Firstly, it is important to note that dogs are not permitted to roam freely throughout the airport. All animals, excluding service animals, must be kept in an approved carrier while in the airport or onboard an aircraft. There are, however, exceptions to this rule when animals are travelling through security or utilising one of the designated pet relief areas.
Orlando International Airport offers several pet relief areas, both inside and outside the terminal. There are a total of seven pet relief areas, with three located pre-security and four located post-security. The pre-security relief areas can be found in the following locations:
- North Cell Lot
- Terminal A, Level 2, "A" side at the east end of the building (to the right as you exit)
- Terminal B, Level 2, "B" side at the west end of the building (to the right as you exit)
The post-security relief areas are located as follows:
- Gates 1-29, on the wing for gates 20-29
- Gates 30-59, on the wing for gates 40-49
- Gates 70-99, on the wing for gates 80-89
- Gates 100-129, across from gate 121
- Terminal C, Level 2 near gates C236, C241 and C242
- Terminal C, Level 6, immediately before international baggage claim
When flying into or out of Orlando Airport, it is also important to monitor temperature and weather forecasts. If temperatures rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, it may be unsafe for your pet to fly. While there is no specific MCO pet policy regarding this restriction, it is recommended to avoid air travel during the summer months if possible.
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Temperature and weather restrictions
When flying into or out of Orlando Airport, it is important to keep an eye on the temperature and weather forecasts. Orlando frequently experiences temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which may be unsafe for your pet to fly. Although there is no official MCO pet policy regarding this restriction, it is recommended that you avoid flying with your pet during the summer months.
If you must travel during the summer, it may take several attempts to secure a safe flight for your pet. This is an important consideration for your pet's health and well-being.
Additionally, there are no specific temperature or weather restrictions mentioned for the seven pet relief areas at Orlando Airport. However, it is advised to give yourself plenty of time to get through security and to the pet relief area before your flight.
While the temperature and weather restrictions at Orlando Airport are primarily related to the well-being of the pets, it is worth noting that extreme weather conditions can also impact flight schedules and operations. It is always a good idea to check for any weather-related delays or cancellations before heading to the airport with your pet.
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Transporting pets in cargo
If your pet is too large to travel in the cabin, you may have to transport them in cargo. This can be stressful for animals, as they are exposed to unfamiliar environments, people, and movements, which could lead to illness, injury, escape, or even death in rare cases. Before booking cargo transport for your pet, it is important to discuss the risks of air travel with your veterinarian, taking into account your pet's medical history, age, breed, and any anxiety disorders that may be exacerbated by travel.
If you decide to transport your pet in cargo, there are several requirements you must meet. Firstly, your pet must be transported in a travel crate or container that complies with the International Air Transport Association Live Animals Regulations (IATA-LAR). The crate or container must be large enough for your pet to stand, sit upright, lie down, and turn around without touching the top or sides. It may take your pet several weeks or even months to become accustomed to being confined in a crate or container, so it is important to start the process early.
Additionally, you will need to obtain a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian or veterinary authority, deeming your pet medically fit for air travel via cargo. This certificate must be obtained within 10 days of travel for domestic flights and an international health certificate is required for international flights.
Some airlines, such as American Airlines Cargo, recommend making your pet's reservation at least 24 hours before travel and offer services such as email notifications and pet tracking. They also provide guidelines on the required check-in documents and information on choosing the right kennel for your pet.
It is important to note that there may be additional restrictions or requirements for transporting pets in cargo, depending on the airline and your destination. For example, Delta Air Lines currently only allows the shipment of pets for active U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Offices (FSO) with active permanent change of station orders. American Airlines Cargo also has specific requirements for dogs travelling internationally, including a minimum age of six months and a CDC Dog Import Form for dogs entering the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
Dogs are not allowed at Orlando Airport unless they are working dogs or in a carrier approved for travelling on board an aircraft. All animals, excluding service animals, must be in an approved carrier while in the airport or on board an aircraft.
If your pet is small, they can ride with you in the cabin. If your pet is too large, you will have to fly them as baggage or cargo.
Orlando frequently experiences temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which may be unsafe for your pet to fly in. It is recommended that you avoid flying your pet in or out of Florida during the summer months.
Orlando Airport has seven designated pet relief areas, both inside and outside the terminal. Three are located pre-security and four are located post-security.
