Jazmin Li
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a busy airport, serving millions of passengers each year. While some passengers have praised the airport's lounges, amenities, and convenient location, others have criticised it for long wait times, overcrowding, and poor ground service. With a range of opinions, it is important to consider the experiences of airport staff, who are integral to travellers' experiences. This review will focus on staff experiences at MCO, examining their perspectives on airport management, work conditions, and overall job satisfaction. By understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by staff, travellers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the airport's operations and make informed choices about their travel plans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lounge experience | Positive interactions with staff, comfortable seating, a well-stocked buffet, a full-service bar, and clean restrooms. |
| Wait times | Waitlist for lounge entry, long lines for restrooms, and significant wait times for baggage claim and security checks. |
| Staff | Insufficient staffing levels, particularly at customs and immigration, impacting wait times and overall airport experience. |
| Ground services | Poor ground services, including issues with on-site parking and transportation between gates and terminals. |
| Management | Criticism of management practices, including limited flexibility with work hours and days off, frequent protocol changes, and unstable work environment. |
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What You'll Learn
Lounge staff
However, some reviews indicate that staff could be rude and unwelcoming. One review mentions that staff were "quick to get rid" of the reviewer, and another states that the lounge staff condone rudeness.
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Cleanliness
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a bustling airport, serving thousands of passengers each day. While the airport authority strives to maintain a clean and hygienic environment, the sheer volume of travellers can sometimes present challenges in this regard.
One of the notable aspects of MCO is the cleanliness of its terminals and concourses. The floors are generally well-maintained, with any spills or messes promptly addressed by the cleaning staff. The bathrooms, while often crowded, are also kept in reasonable condition, with essential amenities usually available. However, some travellers have noted that the shuttle tram facilities between gates and terminals could use some renovation, as they appear older and may contribute to a sense of dirtiness.
The lounges within the airport, such as The Club MCO Airside 1, also maintain high standards of cleanliness. Lounge staff are attentive, quickly clearing finished food and drinks to ensure tables are clean and presentable for the next guests. The buffet areas are well-maintained, with fresh food options, although some travellers have noted a preference for more variety. The bathrooms in the lounges can become crowded and may require a wait, but the overall cleanliness is satisfactory.
Outside the terminals and lounges, the general airport grounds and surroundings are usually well-kept. The landscaping is often neat, and any litter or debris is typically removed promptly. However, some travellers have mentioned issues with the lack of onsite parking, which can impact the overall perception of cleanliness and orderliness at the airport.
Overall, MCO presents a positive image in terms of cleanliness. The efforts of the airport staff and management in maintaining a tidy and hygienic environment are evident. While there are areas for improvement, such as the shuttle tram facilities and the availability of parking, the airport generally provides a welcoming and sanitary experience for travellers passing through.
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Food and beverage
Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers a wide range of dining options to cater to different needs and preferences. From quick bites to international cuisine, travellers can find something to suit their tastes and schedules.
For those seeking convenience and speed, well-known fast-food chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Chick-fil-A are readily available. These options are ideal for travellers on the go, providing quick and accessible meals. Additionally, MCO boasts 24-hour dining options, including McDonald's and Dunkin' Donuts, ensuring that travellers can access food and drinks regardless of their flight schedule.
For travellers craving international flavours, MCO delivers a diverse range of choices. Panda Express serves classic Chinese dishes, Romano's Macaroni Grill offers Italian specialities, and Moe's Southwest Grill is a go-to destination for Tex-Mex enthusiasts. Bahama Breeze, located near Gates 70-99, is also a popular choice for its highly rated fresh fish tacos, offering a taste of Caribbean-inspired cuisine.
The airport also shines with its selection of lounges, providing a quiet and relaxing atmosphere for travellers. The Club MCO, accessible in Terminals A and B, offers complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and workspaces. With comfortable seating, a buffet, and a full-service bar, it's an excellent spot to unwind, refresh, and grab a quick bite before a flight. The lounge is open to passengers with club passes or Priority Pass memberships, providing flexibility and convenience.
In addition to these options, MCO is home to over 170 shops and restaurants, ensuring that travellers have a variety of choices to suit their culinary preferences. Whether it's a quick snack, an international flavour, or a relaxing lounge experience, MCO has something for everyone when it comes to food and beverage options.
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Wait times
For passengers seeking access to lounges like The Club MCO Airside 1, there is often a waitlist due to limited seating capacity. While the lounge offers various amenities, including comfortable seating, a buffet, beverages, Wi-Fi, and a full-service bar, it is recommended to expect potential wait times and plan accordingly.
In contrast, security wait times at MCO can range from approximately 18 minutes to up to 45 minutes during peak travel hours. To ensure a smooth airport experience, passengers are advised to stay updated on current security wait times and consider enrolling in expedited security screening options such as TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or CLEAR+. TSA PreCheck lanes are available across various terminals and offer shorter wait times, averaging 5-10 minutes. CLEAR+ utilizes biometric authentication to speed up the security process, and passengers can enroll in these programs to benefit from faster clearance.
Additionally, passengers should be mindful of the suggested arrival times. For domestic travel within the US, arriving at the security checkpoints 2 hours in advance is recommended, while international departures may require a 3-hour buffer. These estimates may vary due to unforeseen circumstances, and it is always advisable to check with the airline for potential changes to the flight schedule or ticket counter wait times.
To make informed decisions about your arrival time at MCO, utilize resources such as the official airport website, which may provide real-time security wait times for each checkpoint, or third-party services that offer precise estimates of wait times based on historical data and staffing timetables.
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Management
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is overseen by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which is governed by a board comprising the Mayor of Orlando, the Mayor of Orange County, and five other appointees confirmed by the state senate. The airport is managed day-to-day by a Chief Executive Officer, who leads a team of approximately 800 full-time employees.
Reviews of the management of MCO by employees on Indeed are mixed. One employee describes the management team at HMS as "really bad", citing issues with shift patterns and time off. However, the same reviewer recommends checking out other jobs at MCO, suggesting that there may be better management opportunities elsewhere in the airport.
In terms of the management of the airport during the COVID-19 pandemic, several individuals have been praised for their leadership. Eng. Adnan Saggaf, for example, has been credited with bringing innovative ideas to attract traffic and support his team. He has also been recognised for his financial management, crisis management, and negotiation skills. Similarly, Alicia Prince, as Head of Operations, implemented a functional plan to ensure business continuity and staff welfare, segregating front-line operational staff into work teams and implementing strict sanitisation processes. Peter has also been instrumental in coordinating the preparation and implementation of a COVID-19 response plan to ensure a safe environment for staff and travellers, working closely with law enforcement stakeholders to assure security.
Reviews of the airport's management by travellers are also mixed. One reviewer describes MCO as a "well-oiled machine", praising the efficiency of the CLEAR/Pre-Check system in reducing security wait times. However, other reviews highlight issues with overcrowding and understaffing, particularly at customs and immigration, leading to long wait times. There are also complaints about a lack of English-speaking staff and poor ground service, with frequent delays at baggage claim.
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Frequently asked questions
You can find reviews of MCO Airport staff on websites such as SKYTRAX and Indeed.
Reviews of MCO Airport staff on SKYTRAX are mixed. One review states that the airport is "overcrowded and understaffed", with "unimaginably poor ground service". Another mentions that the staff only spoke English as a second language. However, a review of The Club MCO Airside 1 on upgradedpoints.com mentions that "interactions with the lounge staff were positive".
You can review MCO Airport staff that you have interacted with by searching for the specific staff member or their role on review websites such as SKYTRAX and Indeed.
