📝 Tips and Precautions for Traveling Through Orlando Airport (MCO)

Before Arriving at the Airport

1. Plan Your Arrival Time with Extra Margin

This is not an airport for cutting it close. The most repeated recommendation from travelers is to arrive with much more time than usual. Consider at least 3 hours for domestic flights and 4 for international ones. The two biggest "time thieves" are parking and security lines.

2. Parking Strategy

• Assume it will be full: MCO's main problem is the chronic lack of parking in the main garages (A, B, and C). Do not count on finding a spot easily.
• Have a Plan B (and C): If the main garages are full, you will be diverted to the economy lots. This easily adds between 45 and 60 minutes to your arrival time, between waiting for the shuttle and the ride.
• Consider alternatives: If you are traveling during high season, an Uber, a shuttle, or having a friend drop you off can save you considerable stress.

3. Optimize Your Security Checkpoint Experience

• Invest in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR: Frequent travelers describe them as "essential" and "vital" to survive the security lines at MCO, which can exceed an hour's wait.
• Check Wait Times: Use the official MCO app or its website to see estimated wait times at the security checkpoints for each terminal before you leave home.

During Your Stay at the Airport

1. Navigating Security and Immigration Checkpoints

• Real Wait Times: Although the airport may provide optimistic estimates, be prepared for security lines that can easily exceed 50 minutes in Terminals A and B during peak hours. Terminal C is usually faster but is not immune to crowds.
• International Arrivals: The customs process can be very slow, with waits of up to two hours. Add to this the baggage claim, which is notoriously inefficient in all terminals. If you have a connecting flight, time is your biggest enemy.

2. Food and Shopping Strategy

• Eat Before Security: The greatest variety and quality of restaurants are found in the main Food Court (Terminals A and B, Level 3). Options at the gates are scarce, more expensive, and many places close early.
• Don't Trust the Hours: Many restaurants and shops, including Duty-Free, close before the last flights of the day. If you have a late-night flight, bring your own snacks or be prepared for very limited options.

3. Connectivity and Device Charging

• Unstable Wi-Fi: The airport's free Wi-Fi network (“MCO Internet”) is known for being slow and unreliable when crowded. Do not count on it for important tasks.
• The Battle for Outlets: There are charging stations, but they are insufficient for the number of passengers. A portable charger (power bank) is one of the best accessories you can bring to MCO.

Recommendations for Long Layovers

1. Resting: Hotel vs. Terminal

• Hyatt Regency Hotel: If your budget allows, it is the best option for a real rest. The rooms are quiet and comfortable. They offer "day passes" for stays of a few hours.
• VIP Lounges: They can be a good refuge, but keep in mind that at MCO they are often extremely crowded and have waiting lists. The food is generally basic.
• Sleeping in the Terminal: It's possible, but very uncomfortable. Be prepared for hard seats, bright lights, and a lot of noise throughout the night.

2. Exploring the Airport

• Art and Views: MCO has several art exhibits. Additionally, the top floor of the Terminal Top parking garage offers excellent views of the airfield and sometimes the theme park fireworks.
• Themed Stores: Take the opportunity to visit the Universal Orlando and The Walt Disney World Store, especially if you didn't have time at the parks.

Key Precautions to Keep in Mind

1. Luggage and Lost & Found

• Be Proactive: Baggage handling is a weak point. Always carry valuables, medications, and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage.
• Know Who to Contact: If you lose something on the plane, contact your airline. If it's in the terminal, use the airport's lost and found offices or their online form.

2. Connection Times

• Allow Ample Time: Moving between Terminal C and Terminals A/B can take more than 20 minutes. If you are arriving from an international flight and have to go through security again, you will need at least 3 hours for your connection to avoid the risk of missing your next flight.

Specific Tips for Families and Individuals with Reduced Mobility

1. Families with Children

• Nursing Rooms: MCO is very well-equipped with private and comfortable nursing rooms in all terminals. They are a consistently praised strong point by families.
• Look for Family Restrooms: Although they exist, they are sometimes not well-marked or may be out of service in the older terminals.

2. Reduced Mobility

• Request Assistance in Advance: Wheelchair assistance should be requested from your airline at least 48 hours in advance. Do not rely on being able to get it on the spot.
• Be Patient: Travelers report that the assistance service can be slow and disorganized, with long waits. It is crucial to plan with plenty of extra time if you depend on this service.
• Accessible Parking: There are reserved spaces in all parking lots, near elevators and shuttle stops, and the airport offers free parking for vehicles with special equipment or disabled veteran plates.