Roberta Aguirre
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a sprawling airport, the busiest in Florida and the ninth busiest in the United States. With 50 million passengers passing through each year, travellers need to be prepared for long lines and crowds. Travellers recommend arriving at the airport two to three hours before your flight to account for parking, checking in luggage, getting your boarding pass, going through security, and taking the airport monorail to your gate. Luckily, there are several ways to streamline your journey through the airport, including the TSA PreCheck and MCO app.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport name | Orlando International Airport |
| Airport code | MCO |
| Number of passengers per year | 50 million |
| Suggested arrival time | 2-3 hours before departure |
| Size | 21 square miles |
| App | MCO app |
| Security | Reserve by CLEAR, TSA PreCheck |
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What You'll Learn
How early to arrive at the airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the busiest airport in Florida and the ninth busiest in the United States. It is a sprawling airport, covering 21 square miles, and is the third-largest airport in the country. With 50 million passengers passing through each year, it is important to arrive early to navigate the crowds and hustle and bustle.
The general rule of thumb for domestic flights is to arrive at the airport two hours before departure. However, MCO officials recommend arriving three hours in advance for both domestic and international flights. This will ensure you have enough time to check your bags, get through security, and find your gate. With the recent opening of Terminal C, the airport now has three terminals across two buildings, accessible only via the airport's Automatic People Movers (APMs). Boarding the wrong APM will cost you precious time, and you may need to go through security again.
It is important to have a game plan when navigating MCO. The airport has a helpful app that provides estimated security line wait times and updates on your flight. You can also book a scheduled time to go through an exclusive security lane via the MCO Reserve service, offered for flights between 6:30 AM and 8:30 PM. This can be done online or via the app, and you must reserve your spot 72 hours in advance.
Arriving early is especially important if you are driving to the airport and parking, as it can take a significant amount of time to get from the car park to the terminal. One source recommends allowing 30-40 minutes for this journey. Another source recommends arriving four hours before your flight if you are planning to get a taxi or Uber to the airport, as traffic can be unpredictable.
If you have TSA pre-check, you can subtract 15 minutes from the recommended arrival time. If you are checking luggage, add 15 minutes. If you have mobility issues, it is recommended to arrive three hours in advance, as you may need to wait for a female TSA agent to be available for a manual pat down.
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Navigating the airport with the MCO app
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the ninth busiest airport in the United States. It is a sprawling airport that covers 21 square miles. To make the most of your time at the airport and to ensure you don't get lost, it is advisable to download the MCO app.
The MCO app provides users with a wide range of features to help them navigate the airport with ease. The app offers estimated security line wait times, which can vary depending on the day and time, and updates on your flight status. This includes notifications about any delays, which users have noted can be more reliable than the airline's own delay estimates.
The app also provides information on airport amenities, such as the location of airline counters and gates, dining and shopping options, and ground transportation and parking options. This includes the location of rental cars and other transportation methods. If you are driving to the airport, the app can direct you to the correct parking lot for your terminal, saving you time and hassle.
Additionally, the MCO app offers turn-by-turn indoor navigation and location awareness. This feature can guide you through the airport with step-by-step directions, ensuring you get to your gate efficiently. The app also provides a map of the airport terminal layout, so you can easily orient yourself and find your way around.
The MCO app is a valuable tool for anyone travelling through Orlando International Airport. By providing up-to-date information and navigation assistance, the app helps users save time, avoid crowds, and make the most of their time at the airport.
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Security and boarding times
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving over 50 million passengers annually. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport 3 hours before their scheduled departure time. This allows ample time for checking in bags, obtaining a boarding pass, going through security, and reaching the gate.
The MCO airport team suggests arriving 3 hours in advance for international flights to complete the security check-in, security scanning, and finding the gate. The average wait time at security is about 15 minutes, with an additional passport control time of around 23 minutes, making the total wait time approximately 39 minutes. However, some passengers have reported longer wait times of up to 2 hours in the TSA line, while others have experienced shorter waits of 15 to 20 minutes.
To streamline the security process, passengers can take advantage of the MCO Reserve program, powered by CLEAR. This free service allows passengers to reserve a specific time to go through a dedicated security lane, reducing potential wait times. The reservation must be made 72 hours before the flight, and passengers can use the MCO app to navigate the airport efficiently and check estimated security line wait times.
Additionally, TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus can expedite the security process, especially for frequent flyers. These services require a fee, but they may be worthwhile for those who travel frequently. Passengers can also consider enrolling in Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck benefits.
For passengers without access to expedited security programs, arriving early and allowing sufficient time for security and boarding is crucial. It is recommended to base arrival time on when boarding starts, typically arriving 90 minutes to 2 hours before boarding. This ensures a comfortable buffer for potential delays and provides time for relaxation or last-minute shopping and dining before boarding.
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Shopping and dining at the airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers a wide range of shopping and dining options for travellers. With over 170 shops and restaurants, there is something for everyone at the airport.
Dining Options
For those looking for a quick bite, popular fast-food chains like McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Dunkin' Donuts, Panda Express, and Starbucks are available. Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon, and Chili's Too are great options for snacks and sweets. If you're craving Italian, Romano's Macaroni Grill serves up classic dishes, while Sbarro offers pizza by the slice. For a cool treat, Cold Stone Creamery has a variety of ice cream options.
For a more substantial meal, the Sunshine Diner in Terminal C serves Southern-inspired dishes, including full bar service, fresh fruit, and key lime pie. Cask & Larder, also in Terminal C, offers high-quality Southern-inspired meals. Wine Bar George, located in Palm Court, boasts a selection of 75 wines by the glass and ounce, along with small plates, cheese, and charcuterie. Orlando Pride City Pub, a sports bar themed around the local soccer team, offers game day-inspired cuisine and large TVs to catch the latest match.
If you're looking for a fine dining experience, Orlando Airport has several upscale restaurants scattered throughout the terminals. The lounges, in particular, are known for their mouthwatering buffets and lavish cocktails.
Shopping Options
While the exact shopping options at Orlando International Airport are not listed, the airport does boast over 170 shops. These likely include a mix of popular retailers, specialty stores, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven. With such a vast selection, travellers can easily find last-minute gifts, souvenirs, or any travel essentials they may have forgotten.
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Transport options to the airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers a range of transport options for travellers, catering to different needs and budgets. Here is an overview of the various transport services available:
Shuttle Services
Shuttle services are a popular choice for travellers due to their convenience and affordability. Several companies, including Mears Connect, Orlando Transportation, and Groome Transportation, offer shuttle services to and from the airport. These shuttles provide transportation to various locations, including Disney World resorts, hotels, theme parks, and other attractions in the area. Some shuttles, such as those provided by Mears Connect, offer ample luggage space and wheelchair-accessible options, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers.
Taxi Services
For those seeking a more direct mode of transportation, taxi services are readily available at Orlando International Airport. Mears Transportation and Orlando Taxi Service provide taxi options for travellers, offering safe and reliable journeys to their destinations. Taxis can be convenient for travellers who prefer a quicker trip to their specific location.
Limousine Services
For travellers seeking a luxurious travel experience, limousine services are also available. Companies like Mears Transportation and Orlando Transportation offer limo services for airport transfers. These services can be booked for individuals or groups, providing a stylish and comfortable journey to and from the airport.
Private Car Services
Mears Transportation provides private car services, including black car and SUV options, for travellers who prefer a more exclusive experience. These services offer comfort, privacy, and timely transportation to and from the airport. Private car services can be tailored to individual needs, ensuring a personalised travel experience.
Bus Charters
Orlando, Florida, offers bus charter services that cater to large groups travelling to and from the airport. These bus charters can be organised for various events, including corporate gatherings, sports teams, weddings, and family reunions. Bus charters provide a cost-effective and efficient way to transport larger parties to and from Orlando International Airport.
Train Services
The Brightline Train Service is accessible via the Terminal Link Station at Orlando International Airport. This train service provides an alternative mode of transportation for travellers who wish to utilise public transport or prefer a more eco-friendly option. The Brightline Train connects the airport with other areas in Orlando and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight is due to leave. However, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority suggests arriving three hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
You can save time by using the TSA PreCheck or the CLEAR-only security lane. You can also download the MCO app, which provides estimated security line wait times and updates on your flight.
Make sure you are aware of the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, which states that you can bring a single 1 qt. bag of liquid goods on the plane with you. Each item needs to be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less.
Orlando International Airport has a variety of dining options, including familiar fast-food restaurants like Chick-fil-A, McDonald's, and Chipotle, as well as specialty restaurants like Cask & Larder, a brewpub owned by James and Julie Petrakis.
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