Orlando International Airport (MCO) is incredibly busy. The airport reports a rolling daily average of 158,049 passengers, making it the 7th busiest airport in the US.
Many of them are tourists, looking like deer in headlights, trying to find where to drop off their rental car before heading inside to join the flurry of locals and US nationals. Travelers are simply trying to get through the check-in/security queues, stress-free, hoping they have enough time to chow down on a succulent burger from Sunshine Diner (the best restaurant in the airport). Here’s how you can do it.
Arriving and Parking at Orlando Airport
Arrive three hours before your departure. On any given day, the airport will be busy, and whether you’re checking bags or not, three hours gives you enough time to find parking, check in (if needed), get through security, and relax.
If you’re parking your car at the airport, book a space in advance. You’ll save a substantial amount of money compared with arriving at the airport and trying to park on the day.
By using an online MCO parking booking platform, you’ll find a range of parking options. These are all a few miles out from the airport, but many also offer free shuttles to get you to departures.
Check your terminal before you travel so you know which shuttle bus to get.
Orlando Airport Check-In Desks and Security Process
Terminals A and B have airline check-in desks on Level 3. Terminal C has check-in facilities on Level 2. You can save time by checking in online and going straight to the bag drop-off area or check-in desks if you need to check bags, or to security if you don’t. Each airline’s bag-drop counter or designated check-in desk is clearly signposted. Some airlines now offer self-service bag-tagging kiosks.
At TSA screening, remember that liquids are still limited to 3.4 ounces or less and must fit inside one quart-sized bag. Anyone over 18 needs TSA-acceptable identification, such as a passport or REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, for domestic flights. All international flights require a passport.
Top tip: MCO offers a free service called MCO Reserve. You can use it up to seven days before you travel to book a dedicated security screening time slot, which is a godsend on any day, especially during tourist seasons.
Avoiding High Tourist Levels at Orlando Airport
Some of the ways to avoid, or at least navigate, higher tourist levels at MCO are:
- Check live TSA wait times and book a time slot.
- Choose early-morning or off-peak flights (midday to early afternoon, late evening, midweek, outside school holidays).
- Download the official MCO app for flight notifications, terminal maps, and step-by-step directions to make airport navigation easier.
- See if you’re eligible for TSA PreCheck, which generally involves shorter queues and fewer screening requirements, but is usually only available to frequent flyers.
Always allow additional time during peak periods such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, summer vacation, or spring break.
Once you’re through security, you can go straight into the departure lounge and browse the shops or restaurants. MCO has excellent facilities, but if you want to avoid the tourists, consider booking an airport lounge in advance.
Orlando Airport features seven main lounges, so there are many different options to explore if you’re looking for a lounge option when visiting.
