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Orlando International Airport (MCO) Arrival Guide
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Your welcome to the magic of Florida begins here, at Orlando International Airport (MCO). However, the arrival process can be filled with frustrating challenges. From long waits at immigration to painfully slow baggage handling, it’s crucial to know what to expect to make your arrival smoother.
Use the tool below to check your real-time arrival flight status for possible delays or cancellations.
Quick Questions About Arriving at MCO
- How long will it take to leave the airport? It varies. If you’re arriving on an international flight, expect to wait up to two hours just for immigration. Add another 45–60 minutes for baggage claim.
- Is baggage claim really that slow? Yes — consistently flagged as one of the most frustrating aspects of MCO. Carousels often stall or malfunction.
- Is it easy to grab an Uber or taxi? The pickup area can be chaotic. Travelers report confusion around designated spots and rushed, aggressive traffic personnel.
- I have a connecting flight. Do I need to go through security again? Yes. If you're arriving internationally and connecting to a domestic flight, you must collect your luggage, go through customs, and re-clear TSA. Many describe this as “absurd” and “incredibly slow.”
What It’s Really Like to Arrive at MCO: Step by Step
The experience at Orlando International Airport differs greatly between domestic and international travelers. While the airport is praised for its overall structure, travelers have documented repeated pain points — especially related to long wait times and poor logistics.
Domestic Arrivals
If you’re arriving on a U.S. domestic flight, deplaning tends to be fast. The main issues arise at baggage claim.
What travelers say: Baggage pickup is the most frustrating part. Waits often exceed 45 minutes and can top an hour — something travelers call “unacceptable.” Terminal signage is generally clear but can become confusing when trying to reach ground transportation or rental car areas.
International Arrivals: The Real Challenge
The process is notably more complex and longer for international passengers — often the source of most complaints.
What travelers say: Immigration and customs are the worst bottlenecks. Passengers report “ridiculously long lines” that can stretch beyond two hours, with staffing levels far too low for the number of arrivals. The process is particularly tough on families with kids. Passengers connecting domestically must collect luggage and re-clear TSA, which many describe as “the dumbest and most time-consuming system ever.”
Leaving the Terminal: Transportation & Services
Once past immigration and with bags in hand, your final stretch out of the airport can still be challenging.
What travelers say: The pickup zones for taxis and rideshare apps are often described as hectic and poorly organized. Traffic agents may rush drivers aggressively. As for rental cars, though conveniently located, signage can be a maze. On the bright side, the free Wi-Fi is reliable, helpful for coordinating your ride. A popular and comfortable meeting point is the atrium of the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
General Tips When Arriving at Orlando (MCO)
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Carry-On Luggage
Before leaving the aircraft, double-check that you’ve taken all your belongings from the overhead bin or under your seat.
Connecting Flights
If you have a connection and arrived early, 24-hour cafés are available. If you're coming from abroad and connecting to a U.S. domestic flight, you must collect checked baggage and clear immigration. If your final destination is outside the U.S., that won’t be necessary.
eSIM for International Travelers
Don’t forget to buy your eSIM for low-cost international data and avoid roaming charges. Upon arrival at MCO, connect to free Wi-Fi to activate it instantly.
Checked Luggage
Head to the baggage claim area and look for your flight’s designated carousel. Sometimes two flights may share one. If your bag is missing, contact your airline’s desk or speak with airport staff.
Immigration
Follow the signs. If you're a foreign visitor, be ready to present your passport, visa (if required), hotel reservation or address, phone number, and host name. Be brief in your answers and avoid oversharing.
Arrival Hall and Transport
If someone’s picking you up, they’ll likely be holding a sign. For taxis, use only official pickup points and avoid offers from strangers.
Meeting Points
→ Under the flight info screens near security (gates 1–59 or 70–129)
→ By the fountain in the hotel atrium near gates 70–129
→ Your airline’s baggage claim carousel
→ Arrival curbside, Level 2 (outside baggage claim, vehicles must be actively loading/unloading)
→ In restaurants or bars at the North Terminal
→ McCoy’s Bar & Grill, Hemispheres, or the Hyatt lobby above gates 70–129Nearby Hotels