Ruth Haines
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving millions of passengers each year. With a wide range of flights and destinations, the airport is a popular choice for travellers. The airport offers various services and facilities to enhance the travel experience, such as CLEAR Plus, an expedited security screening programme, and TSA PreCheck, which offers faster security checks for eligible travellers. Orlando Airport also provides a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as convenient parking choices, both within the airport facility and at nearby off-site locations. Travellers can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi while waiting for their flights. With efficient systems in place, Orlando Airport generally experiences minimal delays, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience for its many visitors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Security Wait Times | CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck are available to reduce security wait times. |
| TSA PreCheck Availability | Daily from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the TSA Terminal West Checkpoint (Gates 1-59) and TSA Terminal East Checkpoint (Gates 70-129). |
| CLEAR Plus Availability | Available at multiple locations, including Terminal C, East Security (Gates 70-129), and West Security (Gates 1-59). |
| Departure Delays | Gate hold and taxi delays of 15 minutes or less as of March 16, 2025. |
| Arrival Delays | Airborne delays of 15 minutes or less as of March 16, 2025. |
Security wait times
On average, security wait times at Orlando Airport range from 15 minutes to 45 minutes or even up to an hour. These wait times can be longer during peak hours, typically in the early evening between 4 pm and 6 pm. To avoid lengthy wait times, passengers are advised to arrive 2-3 hours before their flight schedule.
To expedite the security screening process, passengers can enrol in programs such as TSA PreCheck, CLEAR Plus, or similar offerings. These programs allow passengers to move through dedicated lanes more quickly and efficiently. CLEAR Plus, for example, has counters at all security checkpoints and offers a smoother travel experience. It is currently available at MCO and other nearby airports, including Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Miami.
Additionally, passengers can reserve a specific time for security screening using the "MCO Reserve" option on the airport's website. This reservation system is free of charge and can be made up to 72 hours before the flight. By enrolling in the booking process, passengers can access dedicated lanes and save time during their travel.
It is worth noting that security checkpoint wait times can change rapidly due to various factors. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines about wait times at ticket counters and stay updated with any changes to their flight schedules. Each airline has its own suggested and mandatory arrival times, which should be considered when planning travel to the airport.
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TSA PreCheck
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a busy airport with various services to help travellers move through it efficiently. One such service is TSA PreCheck, a program that offers expedited security screening. It is available daily from 4:00 am to 8:00 pm at the TSA Terminal West Checkpoint (Gates 1-59) and the TSA Terminal East Checkpoint (Gates 70-129).
With TSA PreCheck, travellers can keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during security checks, and leave their laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on bags. This can significantly speed up the security process, reducing the time spent in lines. The service is intended for select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveller programs.
CLEAR Plus is another service that offers expedited security screening at Orlando Airport. It provides dedicated CLEAR Lanes at security checkpoints, allowing members to move faster and more efficiently through the airport. CLEAR Plus is available at multiple locations within the airport, including Terminal C, East Security (Gates 70-129), and West Security (Gates 1-59).
To enrol in TSA PreCheck, travellers can visit the iFly TSA PreCheck Guide for detailed information. Additionally, CLEAR offers an opportunity to pre-enrol in TSA PreCheck through their website, with exclusive pricing when bundled with CLEAR Plus. With these services, travellers can reduce their time spent in security lines at Orlando Airport and make their travel experience smoother.
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CLEAR Plus
By bundling CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck, members can enjoy special pricing on their first year, with 5 years of TSA PreCheck and 1 year of CLEAR Plus available for a combined total of $199. This includes a rebate of up to $77.95 on the CLEAR Plus membership.
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Departure delays
As of 1:30 PM GMT+00:00 on March 21, 2025, the Orlando International Airport (MCO) was experiencing general departure delays. These delays included gate hold and taxi delays of 15 minutes or less.
To reduce your time spent in security lines, you can enroll in the TSA PreCheck program, which offers expedited security screening. This program is available daily from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the TSA Terminal West Checkpoint (Gates 1-59) and the TSA Terminal East Checkpoint (Gates 70-129). With TSA PreCheck, travellers can keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on, and leave their laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags during security checks.
CLEAR Plus is another option for expedited security screening at Orlando Airport. CLEAR Plus members can enjoy faster movement through dedicated CLEAR Lanes at various locations within the airport, including Terminal C, East Security (Gates 70-129), and West Security (Gates 1-59).
Before heading to Orlando Airport, it is advisable to check for any departure delays. You can also use a flight tracker to monitor the status of your specific flight. Additionally, consider using off-airport parking lots for lower-cost parking options.
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Airport parking
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a busy airport with non-stop service to over 160 destinations worldwide. As such, parking can be a concern for travellers. While MCO does offer parking within the airport facility, it can be costly and may not be convenient for all travellers. An alternative is to use an off-site parking lot, which often provides lower-cost options that are just a short distance from the airport terminals.
For those seeking a more premium experience, CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck offer expedited security screening, allowing travellers to move through dedicated lanes and keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during security checks. These services are available at multiple checkpoints within the airport, including Terminal C, East Security (Gates 70-129), and West Security (Gates 1-59). Enrolling in these programs can significantly reduce wait times and make the travel experience smoother.
When it comes to parking, several online platforms, such as Way.com, provide convenient services for reserving parking spots in advance. These platforms often offer additional services like car wash, auto insurance, and gas, making your travel experience more seamless. It is always advisable to plan ahead and allow for some buffer time when navigating airport parking and security checks.
Additionally, travellers can take advantage of the interactive Orlando airport terminals map to navigate to their gates and locate various amenities, including restaurants and shops. By allocating some extra time before departure, travellers can enjoy a meal, engage in last-minute shopping, or simply relax and utilise the airport's free Wi-Fi. Remember to keep an eye on your belongings and, in case of any lost items, promptly contact the airport's Lost and Found services, which are easily accessible through their website.
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Frequently asked questions
Orlando Airport offers various programs to reduce security wait times, such as CLEAR Plus and TSA PreCheck. CLEAR Plus provides expedited security screening and dedicated lanes for members. TSA PreCheck is available at specific checkpoints and allows travelers to keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during screening. As of March 16, 2025, Orlando Airport experienced general departure and arrival delays of 15 minutes or less.
You can enroll in the TSA PreCheck program, which offers expedited security screening daily from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM at designated checkpoints. Additionally, consider signing up for CLEAR Plus, which provides faster security screening and is available at all security checkpoints.
Once you clear security, use the interactive Orlando airport terminals map to locate your gate and find restaurants and shops. Consider using off-airport parking lots for lower-cost parking options. Before your trip, check for any departure delays and take advantage of flight tracking services to monitor your flight's status.
