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Pros and Cons of Orlando Airport (MCO)
Quick Questions
Is MCO a good airport?
Yes, with nuances. Connectivity is excellent and Terminal C is modern and well rated, but waits at security, baggage claim and the garages are the most repeated complaints across every guide.
What is its biggest strength?
Terminal C and the range of flights: more than 35 airlines and over 170 nonstop destinations.
And its biggest weakness?
The waits: security lines, slow baggage delivery and garages that fill up almost every day.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes. Nursing rooms and Mamava pods in all terminals, theme park stores and a hotel inside the terminal make it easier to travel with children.
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The 3 Most Cross-Cutting Patterns
Waits at every stage
Security, baggage claim and parking are the three bottlenecks that appear in almost every module, from departures to car rental.
💡 Suggestion: add more margin than seems necessary, especially at peak times and if you check bags.
Two airports in one
Terminal C gets the best ratings; Terminals A and B collect most complaints about seating, restrooms, outlets and food after security, made worse by the current renovation works.
💡 Suggestion: if you fly from A or B, eat and charge your devices before security.
Pressure on the ground
Insurance and toll plans presented as mandatory at some rental companies, and overcharging reports with some taxi companies, repeat in recent reviews.
💡 Suggestion: read the rental contract line by line and insist on the taxi meter.
This page summarizes what our updated guides say about each part of the airport, based on official data and recent passenger reviews. Each title links to the full guide.
Getting There and Around
Taxis and ride-hailing
👍 Pickup points in every terminal, airport reference fares and Mears as the best-rated taxi option for Disney.
👎 Overcharging and reckless driving reports at some taxi companies, refusals of short trips and a chaotic app pickup zone at peak times.
Car rental
👍 Ten companies inside the airport, programs to skip the counter (Alamo, National, Avis) and the Visitor Toll Pass with no subscription fee.
👎 Long counter lines at the budget brands and add-ons charged without clear consent.
Parking
👍 Many options, from USD 14 per day, plus free cell phone lots and E-PASS/SunPass payment.
👎 Garages full almost every day, crowded economy lots and over USD 200 for a week in the garages.
Buses and trains
👍 LYNX from USD 2.00 and Brightline from Terminal C to South Florida.
👎 Little room for suitcases on LYNX, irregular connections and no SunRail service on weekends.
Shuttles
👍 Cheaper than a taxi for one or two people, free hotel shuttles and friendly drivers.
👎 Waits before departure, several stops and Mears Connect limited to the Disney area.
Private transfers
👍 Fixed price per vehicle, booked in advance, with a free wait after landing.
👎 More expensive than shared options if you travel alone.
Terminals and Security
Terminals
👍 Modern Terminal C, a short walk between A and B, and a 24-hour train and bus to Terminal C.
👎 Dated A and B, long walks in Terminal C and confusing signage for rental returns.
Security (TSA)
👍 TSA PreCheck, CLEAR and free MCO Reserve time slots.
👎 Long, unpredictable lines at peak times, and two separate checkpoints for gates 1–59 and 70–129.
Immigration and connections
👍 Quick passport control with Global Entry.
👎 International-to-domestic connections require collecting the bag, re-checking it and going through security again.
Departures
👍 Online check-in, self-service kiosks and remote check-in in Garage C for six airlines.
👎 Limited food after security in A and B, and late gate changes.
Arrivals
👍 Clear meeting points and free Wi-Fi to arrange your transport.
👎 Slow baggage, worst on international arrivals into Terminal C.
Food and Shopping
Food
👍 Food court before security with fair prices, 24-hour options and the Terminal C Palm Court.
👎 Few open places at some gates during the renovation, high prices and early closings.
Shopping
👍 Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and Epic Universe stores, plus two duty-free shops.
👎 Prices above the parks and few shops at gates 30–59.
Rest and VIP Lounges
VIP lounges
👍 Delta Sky Club and Plaza Premium Lounge are the best rated, and two lounges sell entry at the door.
👎 Frequent crowding and waitlists, basic food, and the Admirals Club as the most criticized lounge.
Hotel
👍 The Hyatt Regency inside the terminal, with clean rooms and a pool overlooking the runways.
👎 High price and uneven front desk service.
Services
Services and facilities
👍 Nursing rooms in all terminals, luggage storage, pet areas and a lost and found service that works.
👎 Restroom lines at peak times, outlets that don't work and services that are hard to find.
Airlines
Airlines and destinations
👍 Over 35 airlines and more than 170 nonstop destinations.
👎 Slow and lost baggage, crowded gates in A and B, and poor communication during storm delays.
Recommendations
Arrive with margin, travel carry-on only if you can, eat before security in Terminals A and B, and choose your ground transportation in advance. Practical advice for each stage is in our tips and precautions, and short answers in the FAQs.
Sources
Airport data is checked against official sources. Passenger experience comes from recent reviews on Google Maps, Reddit, Yelp and TripAdvisor. Orlandomco.com is an independent guide, not the airport's official site.
