Orlando's Mco Airport: A Gateway To Florida's Magic

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is located in Florida, around 6 miles southeast of Downtown Orlando. The airport code, MCO, stands for the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base, which was closed in 1975 following the end of the Vietnam War. Orlando International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a hub for several major airlines and offering a large number of domestic and international flights.

Orlando International Airport's history

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is Florida's busiest airport and the seventh busiest airport in the United States. The airport code, MCO, stands for its former name, McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command (SAC) installation that was closed in 1975 following the end of the Vietnam War. The airfield was originally constructed as a U.S. Army Air Forces facility and military operations began in 1942 as Orlando Army Air Field #2, an auxiliary airfield to Orlando Army Air Base, now known as Orlando Executive Airport.

In the 1950s, the base began hosting SAC's annual Bombing and Navigation Competition. In 1958, a B-47 Stratojet crashed during the competition, killing Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy, commander of the 321st Bombardment Wing. The following year, the base was renamed McCoy Air Force Base in his honour.

During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, McCoy Air Force Base became a temporary forward operating base for more than 120 fighter bombers and the primary base for U-2 reconnaissance aircraft flying over Cuba. Following the crisis, McCoy Air Force Base hosted a permanent U-2 operating detachment until 1973.

In the early 1960s, when jet airline flights came to Orlando, the installation became a joint civil-military facility. An agreement was reached between the City of Orlando and the United States Air Force in 1962 to use McCoy Air Force Base under a joint arrangement. The new civil facility was known as the Orlando Jetport at McCoy.

In 1971, the opening of the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World led to a significant increase in air travel as Orlando became a major tourist destination. The airport gained its current name and international airport status in 1976 but retained its old IATA airport code, MCO.

In 1978, construction of the current Landside Terminal and two Airsides began, opening in 1981. The airport became a U.S. Customs Service Foreign Trade Zone in 1978 and was designated as a large hub airport by the FAA in 1979.

Today, Orlando International Airport covers 47 square kilometres (18.1 sq mi) and is the fifth-largest airport in the United States by land area. It is a major international gateway for the Florida region, with over 850 daily flights on 44 airlines and serves 135 domestic and international destinations.

MCO's busiest airlines

MCO, or Orlando International Airport, is located 6 miles southeast of Downtown Orlando, Florida. It is the primary international airport in the area and is one of the largest commercial airports in the United States in terms of land area.

MCO is served by over 40 airlines and is a hub for Silver Airways, with Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines operating bases there. JetBlue also uses the airport as a focus city.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is the busiest carrier at MCO, with a 25% market share and over 94,000 annual flights. The airline serves more than 60 destinations from the airport, including eight international routes to destinations in and around the Caribbean. Some of its largest routes from MCO include:

• Baltimore (BWI)
• Dallas Love Field (DAL)
• Chicago Midway (MDW)
• Houston Hobby (HOU)
• Nashville (BNA)

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines has been flying from MCO for over three decades and has a 14% market share, with 51,000 annual flights. It serves more than 50 cities from the airport, including 11 international destinations such as Bogota and Cartagena in Colombia, and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines has over 43,000 flights to MCO, giving it a 12% market share. It flies to 16 destinations from the airport, with its network dominated by the ATL-MCO route, where it offers more than 100 flights a week. It is also the only US carrier offering transatlantic flights from MCO, with seasonal routes to London (LHR) and Amsterdam (AMS).

JetBlue

JetBlue has an 11% share of the MCO market, with just over 40,000 flights in 2024. It is the largest carrier connecting the New York area to Orlando, flying from JFK, LGA, and EWR. It is also one of four carriers providing daily flights to San Juan (SJU) in Puerto Rico, where it provides a six-times-daily service.

American Airlines

American Airlines has a 9% share of the MCO market, with 36,000 flights in 2024, representing more than 6.5 million annual seats. It flies to eight destinations across the US, all of which are its hubs. Charlotte (CLT) has the highest traffic, followed by Dallas (DFW) and Miami (MIA).

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines has an operating base at MCO and is the fifth-largest carrier at the airport, with a 10% market share and 37,000 annual flights. Its highest-traffic destinations are Atlanta (ATL) and Philadelphia (PHL), but it faces competition from Delta and American, respectively, on these routes.

Facilities and services at MCO

Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers a range of facilities and services to cater to the diverse needs of its passengers and visitors.

Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Passengers can simply connect to the "MCO Internet" network to stay connected during their travels.

Navigation

To enhance the in-terminal navigation experience, MCO offers a dedicated mobile app, the "Orlando MCO Airport App," which provides useful features and information for travellers navigating the airport.

Transportation

MCO provides a variety of transportation options for arriving and departing passengers. The airport offers easy access to ride-sharing services such as Uber, Lyft, and Wingz, with designated pick-up and drop-off areas. Additionally, taxi, town car, limousine, and shuttle services, including Mears, are readily available. For those renting cars, MCO hosts several on-site rental car agencies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty. The airport also facilitates bus transportation with the Lynx city bus service.

Information and Assistance

Information desks are conveniently located on Level 3, before the entrances to the airside area, providing guidance and assistance to travellers who need help navigating the airport or require specific information.

Relaxation and Comfort

For those seeking a quiet space, there is a chapel located airside, near Gates 1-59, and a Reflection Room on Airside 4, Gates 70-99. Catholic mass is also held every Sunday at 8:15 am and 12:00 pm in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel.

Dining and Shopping

MCO offers a variety of dining options, including full-service restaurants and quick-service establishments. The airport also features a range of shops, allowing travellers to purchase gifts, souvenirs, and travel essentials.

Financial Services

ATMs are conveniently located throughout the airport, on both the landside and airside, providing easy access to cash. Currency exchange booths can be found in the East and West Halls, as well as in Airside 4 of the Main Terminal, offering exchange services during extended hours.

Postal and Courier Services

The airport provides postal services, ensuring travellers can send and receive mail or packages during their journey.

Pet Relief Area

MCO caters to the needs of travellers with pets or service animals by providing a designated pet relief area.

Lost and Found

MCO's Lost and Found Department, located at 8350 Hangar Blvd Orlando, assists travellers in retrieving lost items. The department is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm on weekends. Additionally, travellers can fill out a form on the airport's official website, and staff will respond as soon as possible.

Luggage Services

Luggage storage and transport services are available at MCO through Hold My Luggage, located on Level 1, B-Side.

Military Services

The airport houses a USO Welcome Center in Terminal A, Level 1, offering a range of amenities and services for active members of the US military and their families. The centre operates from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm and provides a lounge equipped with snacks, newspapers, magazines, TV, a children's area, and internet terminals.

Airport Lounges

MCO is home to several airport lounges, providing travellers with a place to relax, refresh, and enjoy various amenities. These include The Club at MCO, with locations in Terminal A (Gates 1-29) and Terminal B (Airside 4, Gate 91), offering snacks, Wi-Fi, showers, flight monitors, and more. Additionally, there are airline-specific lounges, such as the American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Air Lines Sky Club, and United Airlines United Club, each providing their own set of amenities and services.

Art and Culture

The airport showcases an art program with permanent displays of art pieces by local, regional, and international artists, adding to the cultural experience of visitors and showcasing the community's appreciation for the arts.

Accommodations

For travellers seeking convenient accommodations, the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel is located within the Main Terminal, offering easy access to gates and a range of amenities, including dining options and comfortable rooms.

Transport to and from the airport

Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Florida offers a range of transport options to and from the airport. These include shuttle services, taxis, car rentals, and public transportation.

Shuttle services, such as Mears Connect and SuperShuttle Express, provide 24/7 transportation to and from the airport. These shuttles offer upfront pricing, professional drivers, and reliable service. They serve both the Main Terminal and the new C Terminal, with pick-ups and drop-offs available at both locations. Shuttles can be booked in advance, ensuring stress-free travel, and often provide ample luggage space. Some shuttles, like Mears Connect, offer entertainment options and are wheelchair accessible.

Taxis and ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at MCO. These may offer more flexibility in terms of pick-up and drop-off locations but are subject to surge pricing, which can increase the cost of the ride.

Car rental services are another option for travellers. Car rental counters can be found at the airport, and reservations can often be made in advance online or through the rental company's mobile app. Renting a car provides travellers with flexibility and privacy during their trip.

Additionally, public transportation options, such as buses and trains, may be available to and from MCO. These options typically offer affordable fares but may have more limited routes and schedules compared to other transportation methods.

It is recommended that travellers research and plan their transportation needs in advance to ensure a smooth journey to and from Orlando International Airport.

MCO's busiest routes

MCO, or Orlando International Airport, is the busiest airport in Florida, serving over 50 million passengers annually. It is also ranked 10th for the busiest airports in the US.

The busiest route in the US in 2024 was between Atlanta, GA (ATL) and Orlando, FL (MCO). This route saw 3,474,713 seats taken, nearly 100,000 more than the second busiest route. One reason for this may be that Atlanta is one of the busiest hubs in the US, with many flights making connections into the city.

The second busiest route in the US was between Honolulu and Kahului, with 3,369,790 seats taken, closely followed by Las Vegas to Los Angeles with 3,354,849 seats.

Frequently asked questions