Arriving Early: Navigating Mco's Pre-Flight Procedures

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving over 50 million passengers each year. With so many people passing through, travellers are advised to arrive at the airport well in advance of their scheduled departure time. While the general rule of thumb for domestic flights is to arrive at the airport two hours before departure, MCO officials recommend passengers arrive three hours in advance. This will give you ample time to check any bags, get through security, and find your gate.

However, some travellers suggest that arriving three hours early is excessive, and two hours should be sufficient, especially if you have TSA PreCheck or a similar service.

Security lines at MCO can be long, so give yourself plenty of time

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving over 50 million passengers each year. It's recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. However, security lines at MCO can be long and unpredictable, so it's a good idea to give yourself plenty of time. Here are some tips to ensure you have a smooth experience at MCO:

• Download the MCO App: The airport is huge, spanning 21 square miles. The official MCO app provides estimated security wait times, updates on your flight, and information on shopping, dining, and ground transportation.
• Know Your Terminal and Gate: MCO has three terminals split between two buildings, and each terminal can only be accessed via an Automatic People Mover (APM). Boarding the wrong APM can result in backtracking and possibly having to go through security again.
• Arrive Early: Give yourself a buffer of at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time. This will allow ample time for checking bags, getting through security, and finding your gate. MCO officials recommend arriving 3 hours in advance to avoid any last-minute rushes or technical issues.
• TSA Pre-Check or Clear: Consider signing up for TSA Pre-Check or Clear to skip the long security lines. These services can save you a lot of time, especially if you're a frequent flyer.
• MCO Reserve: MCO offers a free service called MCO Reserve, which allows you to book a scheduled time to go through an exclusive security lane. This can be done online or at the airport for flights between 6:30 AM and 8:30 PM. Remember to reserve your spot at least 72 hours in advance.
• Plan for Parking: If you're driving to the airport and parking your car, allow for enough time to find parking and make your way to the terminal. The economy lots can be hit or miss, and you may end up parking in the grass or overflow areas.
• Have Your Documents Ready: Ensure you have all the necessary travel documents, including your boarding pass, ready on your phone or printed out. This will save you time during check-in and security checks.
• Be Aware of Baggage Rules: Familiarize yourself with the baggage rules, especially the 3-1-1 rule for liquids. Pack any souvenirs or gifts accordingly to avoid delays during security checks.

By following these tips and arriving early, you can minimize stress and ensure a smooth departure from MCO.

Download the MCO app for airport navigation and security wait times

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a sprawling airport—it's the busiest in Florida and the seventh busiest in the U.S. The airport is huge, spanning 21 square miles. To help you navigate the airport, estimate security wait times, and keep updated on your flight, be sure to download the MCO app. This app is a great tool to help you get around the airport and make the most of your time there.

The MCO app is a fantastic resource for airport navigation. With three terminals split between two buildings and access to each terminal via an Automatic People Mover (APM), it's important to have a clear idea of where you're going. If you board the wrong APM, you may find yourself backtracking and possibly having to go through security again. The MCO app can help you navigate directly to your terminal and gate, so you can be confident you're heading in the right direction.

In addition to navigation, the MCO app provides estimated security wait times. This feature is especially useful as MCO is known for its often chaotic security lines. With the app, you can get a sense of the security wait times before you arrive and plan your arrival time accordingly. The app also allows you to check for any departure delays, so you can stay updated on your flight's status.

The app also provides information on shopping, dining, and ground transportation options. Whether you're looking for a bite to eat, wanting to browse the shops, or needing to arrange transportation, the MCO app has you covered.

For even more convenience and efficiency, consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus. These expedited security screening programs can help you breeze through security without the need to remove your shoes, light jackets, laptops, belts, or small liquids. With TSA PreCheck available at over 200 airports in the U.S., including MCO, and CLEAR Plus offering dedicated lanes at multiple locations within the airport, you can significantly reduce your time spent in security lines.

So, before your next trip through Orlando International Airport, be sure to download the MCO app. It's a great tool to help you navigate the airport, estimate security wait times, stay updated on your flight, and make the most of the various amenities the airport has to offer.

MCO has three terminals across two buildings, accessible via Automatic People Movers

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a sprawling airport, covering 21 square miles. It is the busiest airport in Florida and the seventh busiest in the U.S. MCO has three terminals (A, B, and C) across two buildings, accessible via Automatic People Movers (APMs).

The two buildings are the North Terminal Complex and the South Terminal Complex. The North Terminal Complex is the main terminal building, split into the A and B sides for airline ticketing, baggage claim, ground transportation, and parking. The facilities in the main terminal span three floors, with airline ticketing on level 3, baggage claim on levels 2 and 3, and ground transportation on level 1.

The South Terminal Complex is the new Terminal C, which opened in 2022. It is a 15-gate terminal capable of handling aircraft from narrow-bodied to superjumbos. Terminal C is connected to the North Terminal and parking garage C by a people mover station.

The Automatic People Movers (APMs) are a set of five automated systems operating within the airport. Four of these systems, called Gate Links, connect the main terminal to four satellite airside concourses. The fifth, the Terminal Link, connects the main terminal to the Intermodal Terminal.

The Gate Links shuttle passengers back and forth between the landside of terminals A and B and the four satellite airside concourses. Each Gate Link system has two guideways that carry a three-car train each. The stations at the main terminal and the airsides use the Spanish solution, with passengers boarding from an island platform between the two guideways and disembarking on side platforms.

The Terminal Link connects the landside of Terminals A and B with Terminal C and the airport's Intermodal Terminal. This line runs in a pinched-loop configuration and uses Mitsubishi Crystal Movers, although they differ in appearance from those used for the Gate Links.

When arriving at MCO, it is important to verify your terminal and gate information to ensure you board the correct APM.

TSA PreCheck lets you skip the security line and is worth considering

TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveller programme offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It's designed to help pre-approved, low-risk travellers through security checkpoints more quickly.

If you have TSA PreCheck, you can enter a dedicated lane at security, which is often faster than the general screening line. You don't need to remove your light jacket or liquids in a compliant bag, and you can keep your laptop in its case. According to the TSA, 94% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes in December 2021.

TSA PreCheck membership costs $78 for five years, or $15.60 per year. If you want to renew, it's $70 for another five years.

• It's likely worth it if you plan on travelling, even occasionally, and your local airport has a TSA PreCheck line.
• If you typically travel domestically, as TSA PreCheck is only available in the US.
• If your local airport is busy, TSA PreCheck can help you beat the wait and add some convenience to your travels.
• If you have a credit card that offers reimbursement for the TSA PreCheck application fee, it's likely a no-brainer to apply.
• If you have no upcoming travel plans.
• If you typically travel internationally, as TSA PreCheck is only available when departing from US airports.
• If your local airport doesn't have TSA PreCheck security lanes.
• If your local airport isn't busy, and you don't usually have to wait long at security.
• If you don't have a travel credit card, as you'll be paying $78 for five years of membership.

TSA PreCheck is a straightforward process:

• Apply online through the TSA website.
• Enrol by attending an appointment for fingerprinting.
• Add your Known Traveller Number (KTN) to your airline reservations.

TSA PreCheck is available in over 200 airports nationwide and works with over 80 airlines. There are more than 10 million members enrolled.

MCO Reserve lets you book a time slot to go through security

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the country. To avoid the stress of long queues, MCO offers a reservation system that lets you book a time slot to go through security. Here's how it works:

Booking Your Time Slot

MCO Reserve allows you to book a time slot for going through security. This free service is available from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is eligible for flights departing between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. You can reserve your slot up to 72 hours before your flight. Simply visit the MCO website or the CLEAR website, enter your flight details, the number of travellers, and your preferred time. You can make a reservation for up to 10 people, but keep in mind that your entire party must arrive together at the reserved time.

Checking In

When you arrive at the airport for your reserved time slot, head to the dedicated CLEAR lane at the security checkpoint. Scan your reservation QR code to check in. The reservation lane is exclusive and usually shorter than the regular lanes, helping you save time. However, note that TSA Pre-Check benefits do not apply in this lane, and you will still need to show your ID to the TSA officer.

Grace Period

While it is recommended to arrive at your scheduled time, there is a 20-minute grace period for early or late arrivals. This provides some flexibility if you're running behind or finish other airport procedures earlier than expected.

Other Tips for Navigating MCO

In addition to reserving a time slot for security, there are a few other tips to make your experience at MCO smoother:

• Download the MCO App: The official MCO app provides estimated security wait times, flight updates, and information on shopping, dining, and ground transportation.
• Know Your Terminal and Gate: MCO has three terminals split between two buildings, each accessible via Automatic People Movers (APMs). Boarding the wrong APM can lead to backtracking and possibly going through security again.
• Arrive Early: MCO officials recommend arriving at the airport three hours before your flight to allow ample time for checking bags, security, and finding your gate.
• Skip the Line with TSA Pre-Check or CLEAR: If you're a frequent flyer, consider signing up for TSA Pre-Check or CLEAR Plus, which offer faster security screening for a membership fee.

Frequently asked questions