Orlando Airport: How Long Should You Plan To Stay?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving over 50 million passengers annually. Due to its size and popularity, it is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight is due to leave to allow enough time to check bags, get through security, and find their gate. However, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority suggests arriving three hours prior to your scheduled departure time to account for potential delays and cancellations.

How early to arrive at Orlando airport

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving over 50 million passengers a year. With that in mind, it's important to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare before your flight.

The general rule of thumb for domestic flights is to arrive at the airport two hours before departure. However, MCO officials recommend getting to the airport three hours in advance. This will give you ample time to check any bags, get through security, and find your gate. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority also suggests arriving three hours ahead of your scheduled departure time.

The MCO airport is huge—21 square miles—and it can be easy to get lost or disoriented. Downloading the MCO app can help you navigate the airport and provide you with estimated security wait times and updates on your flight. It's also important to know your terminal and gate in advance, as the airport has three terminals split between two buildings, each of which can only be accessed via one of the Automatic People Movers (APMs). Boarding the wrong APM can result in backtracking and possibly having to go through security again.

Security lines at MCO can be unpredictable and vary widely, from as little as 15 minutes to over an hour. TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can help expedite the security process, but these services still involve costs and applications. If you don't have PreCheck, it's generally recommended to arrive at the airport even earlier, especially if you're parking your car.

In summary, for a smooth and stress-free experience at Orlando International Airport, it's advisable to arrive at least two to three hours early for your flight, especially if it's during a busy travel time. This will allow for any potential delays and give you time to navigate the large airport, check your bags, clear security, and reach your gate comfortably.

Orlando airport facilities

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a busy airport, with 50 million passengers passing through each year. It has an efficient hub-and-spoke layout, with the spacious pre-security main terminal at the centre, and four concourses inside security.

Facilities

Orlando Airport has a wide range of facilities to keep you comfortable and entertained during your time there. Here are some of the key facilities:

• Free, unlimited WiFi
• Numerous charging outlets
• Lounges (some with showers and rest areas)
• 24-hour food options
• Shops
• Luggage storage and lockers
• ATMs
• Currency exchange booths
• A chapel and reflection room
• Information desks
• Art exhibitions
• A hotel inside the main terminal
• Pet relief areas
• Smoking areas
• Spa

It is recommended that you arrive at Orlando 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 to account for potential delays and long lines.

Orlando airport security

When flying out of Orlando International Airport (MCO), it is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight is due to leave. However, during busy periods such as the holiday season, it is recommended that you arrive three hours before your flight. This will give you enough time to check your bags, get your boarding pass, go through security, and take the airport monorail to your gate.

Download the MCO App

The official Orlando International Airport app provides helpful information such as flight updates, parking availability, and airport maps. You can also use the app to check estimated security wait times, which can help you decide when to arrive at the airport.

Follow the 3-2-1 Rule

Orlando International Airport recommends the 3-2-1 rule, especially during busy travel periods:

• Arrive at the ticket counter at least three hours before your flight.
• Arrive at the security checkpoint two hours before your flight.
• Arrive at the gate one hour before your flight.

Know Your Terminal and Gate

Orlando International Airport has three terminals: Terminal A, B, and C. It is important to know which terminal and gate you are flying from before arriving at the airport. Once you clear security, you will need to take the Gate Link to your gate.

Reserve Your Spot Using MCO Reserve

MCO Reserve, powered by CLEAR, is a free service that allows you to reserve your spot in the security line. Go to mco.clearme.com and enter your flight information to reserve your spot up to eight days in advance. You will have a grace period of 10 minutes before or after your reservation to join the MCO Reserve security line.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR

If you want to expedite your security experience, consider signing up for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. These paid services provide dedicated lines and streamlined security processes. TSA PreCheck allows you to keep your jacket and shoes on, and you don't need to remove electronics from your bag. CLEAR uses biometrics for identity verification and has a dedicated line. You can purchase either of these services separately or bundle them together.

Orlando airport lounges

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the 10th busiest airport in the US, serving over 50 million passengers annually. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority suggests arriving at the airport three hours before your scheduled departure time. If you want to grab a bite to eat and relax before boarding your flight, there are several lounges at Orlando International Airport that you can choose from.

The Club MCO

The Club MCO has two lounges located at the airport. One is located at Terminal B, Concourse 4, near Gate 91, and the other is at Terminal A, Concourse 1, near XpressSpa. Both lounges are open daily from 5 am to 9 pm. The lounges offer comfortable and spacious seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, digital food and beverage ordering, TV channels and flight information, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, digital newspapers and magazines, and shower facilities. The lounges are family-friendly and have dedicated quiet spaces and productivity zones.

American Airlines Admirals Club

The American Airlines Admirals Club is located at Terminal B, Concourse 3, near Gate 55. It is open daily from 4:15 am to 9 pm. The lounge offers premium food and drinks for purchase. Access is permitted with a same-day boarding card for select passengers and membership cardholders.

Delta Sky Club

The Delta Sky Club is located at Terminal B, Concourse 4, near Gate 71. It is open daily from 4:30 am to 9:30 pm. The lounge offers a self-serve buffet, newspapers, and magazines. Access is permitted for select passengers, membership cardholders, and those with eligible credit cards.

Plaza Premium Lounge

The Plaza Premium Lounge is located at Terminal C, on the second level of the Palm Court area. It is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm. The lounge features artwork from the Orlando Museum of Art and silent digital art from Full Sail University, as well as newspapers and magazines. Access is permitted with a day pass, eligible American Express or Capital One credit cards, or Priority Pass membership.

United Club

The United Club is located at Terminal B, Concourse 3, near Gate 43. It is open daily from 5 am to 8 pm. The lounge offers newspapers and magazines. Access is permitted for select passengers, membership cardholders, and those with eligible credit cards.

Orlando airport hotels

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located 8.7 miles (14.1 km) from Orlando city centre. There are 230 hotels close to the airport in Orlando, with prices starting from $44 a night.

The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is the closest hotel to the airport, just 0.2 miles (0.3 km) away. It offers free WiFi, two restaurants, and a 24-hour fitness centre.

Other highly-ranked hotels near the airport include:

• Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport Hotel (2.7 miles from Orlando centre)
• Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando Airport @ Gateway Village (2.8 miles from Orlando centre)
• Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside (2.7 miles from Orlando centre)
• Fairfield Inn by Marriott Orlando Airport (3.0 miles from Orlando centre)
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Airport (2.9 miles from Orlando centre)
• Hyatt House Orlando Airport (2.7 miles from Orlando centre)
• Holiday Inn Orlando-International Airport (2.9 miles from Orlando centre)
• Hilton Garden Inn Orlando Airport (2.9 miles from Orlando centre)
• Hampton Inn Orlando-International Airport (3.0 miles from Orlando centre)
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orlando Airport North (2.9 miles from Orlando centre)

These hotels offer a range of amenities, such as free shuttle services, free breakfast, clean and comfortable rooms, and convenient locations near the airport and other attractions.

Frequently asked questions