Orlando International: Navigating Mco's Busy Season

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the world, with long security lines and wait times. The TSA recommends that passengers arrive at the airport well ahead of their scheduled departure time. While official sources advise travellers to follow the recommendations of airlines and airports, some travellers suggest that three hours is a good time buffer to aim for.

TSA PreCheck

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a very busy airport, and it's always a good idea to check security wait times before you travel.

One way to streamline your journey through the airport is to enrol in TSA PreCheck. This is a government program that provides a separate security screening lane for approved passengers. The benefits of TSA PreCheck include:

• A smoother and faster security screening process.
• No need to remove shoes, light jackets, belts, laptops, or 3-1-1 liquids.
• Children 12 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck.
• Available at over 200 airports and with over 90 airlines.
• Reduced wait times of 10 minutes or less for about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers.

To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you can follow these steps:

• Select an enrolment provider with locations near you.
• Submit your application online.
• Visit an enrolment location to complete the process, including fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.
• Receive your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and add it to your airline reservations.

The cost of TSA PreCheck varies depending on the provider and the enrolment method. Online renewal is typically cheaper than in-person renewal. You can also consider enrolling in Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck and is only $15-$22 more. Additionally, some credit cards offer reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or allow cardholders to use their points to pay for enrolment.

CLEAR Plus

If you're not a CLEAR Plus member yet, you can enrol online or at an airport enrolment centre to start enjoying the benefits of faster, easier travel.

Security wait times

To streamline your security experience, consider enrolling in expedited screening programs such as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Plus. These programs offer faster security screening, allowing you to keep your shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, as well as your laptop and compliant liquids in your carry-on bag. TSA PreCheck is available at specific checkpoints within the airport, catering to select frequent flyers and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs. CLEAR Plus, on the other hand, is available at all security checkpoints and provides dedicated lanes for members.

Additionally, you can download the My TSA application to check and post real-time airport delays, review tips for travellers, and confirm what items are permitted through security. This can help you prepare in advance and potentially reduce your wait time.

While we cannot provide a precise estimate of the current security wait time at MCO, it is always advisable to arrive at the airport well ahead of your flight's scheduled departure time to account for any unforeseen delays.

Lost and found

If you've lost an item at Orlando Airport (MCO), there are several steps you can take to try and retrieve it. The airport has a Lost and Found department located in Terminal A, Level 1, operating from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm, and another office in Terminal C, Level 1, open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Here are some options for different scenarios:

Items Lost in Airport Terminals

If you suspect you've lost an item inside or outside the terminals, excluding certain areas like security checkpoints, immigration, customs, and airline lounges, or if you left something on an airplane, contact the lost and found department in the respective terminal.

Items Lost at Security Checkpoint Areas

For items lost at a TSA security checkpoint, you can find the relevant contact information on the Orlando Airport website.

Items Lost in Other Areas

For items lost in areas outside the airport, such as parking lots, rental car facilities, or shuttle buses, contact the lost and found department in the respective terminal.

Items Lost on the Plane

If you believe you left something on the aircraft, you can return to the departure gate to see if the item is still there. Alternatively, you can go to the lost and found desk, the luggage/baggage services desk for your airline, or contact your airline directly. They may have specific protocols for handling lost items.

Lost Checked Baggage

If your checked baggage doesn't arrive at the baggage claim area after your flight, contact your airline's baggage services, usually located near the baggage claim area. They can assist in locating your bag or help you file a claim.

To increase your chances of recovering a lost item, it's recommended to report it as soon as possible and provide a detailed description, including brand, colour, size, type, and any unique features. You can use the online Lost and Found form on the Orlando Airport website. There may be fees associated with lost and found services, such as storage, delivery, or processing charges.

Orlando Airport restaurants

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, catering to various tastes and preferences. Here is an overview of some of the dining options available within the airport's terminals:

Terminals A & B (Pre-Security):

Before security, passengers can find a range of quick-service restaurants and cafes. Options include Dunkin' Donuts & Baskin Robbins, McCoy's Bar & Grill To-Go, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Orange County Brewers. These establishments offer convenient meals and snacks for travellers on the go.

Terminal C (Pre-Security):

In Terminal C, pre-security, passengers can visit Barnie's Coffee & Tea, as well as several other dining options.

Gates 1-29 (Post-Security):

After passing through security, travellers have access to a variety of restaurants located near gates 1-29. Options include Auntie Anne's, Caribbean Inspired Cuisine, and Cask & Larder Market, which offers grab-and-go food items.

Gates 30-59 (Post-Security):

For those departing from gates 30-59, there are several dining options available. These include Chick-fil-A, Chili's, Chipotle, and CiboExpress, a gourmet market and bar. McDonald's is also available here for those seeking a quick bite.

Gates 70-99 (Post-Security):

Near gates 70-99, passengers can find a range of dining options, including Shakeshack, which offers burgers, fries, shakes, and floats.

Gates 100-129 (Post-Security):

For travellers departing from gates 100-129, there are several dining options available, including Cask & Larder Market, which offers a range of grab-and-go food items.

In addition to these dining options, MCO also offers various shopping and convenience options throughout the airport. It is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport well ahead of their scheduled departure time to account for any potential delays and to allow for a smooth journey through security and to their gate.

Frequently asked questions