Why You SHOULDN'T Use Uber at the Orlando Airport Right Now

The airports are about to get REAL crowded.

Holiday season travel is kicking off currently as people head home or on vacation for Christmas, and that means long lines at security, full flights, and likely, delays with transportation to and from the airport. But if you’re traveling in and out of Orlando, we’ve got some bad news!

WESH 6 reports that the Orlando International Airport (aka MCO) currently has the longest wait times for Uber pickups of any airport in Florida. This data was reported directly from Uber, and it’s due to a recent change in policy.

There was a problem a few months back where Uber drivers were parking illegally in and near MCO waiting to pick up rides from travelers leaving the airport. The Orlando Police Department cracked down on those drivers parking illegally and Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz asked for a meeting with Uber to discuss other options for the drivers.

However, Ortiz claims that Uber, without a meeting, changed its geofencing so that drivers are now required to be on airport property to pick up rides.

Uber’s driver app now requires drivers to be located in one of two places to pick up rides — the North TNC lot and the South TNC lot. But there’s one major problem here. Cell phone reception is nonexistent in the South TNC lot, which means that Uber drivers are crammed into the North lot. The crowds are so bad there that it’s difficult for drivers to get in and out of the lot.

Outside the Orlando International Airport

This parking jam is causing delays in pickup times for Ubers.

“For years, Uber has communicated logistical and safety concerns to MCO’s leadership regarding staging operations for drivers. Given that consumers are paying a $7 pickup fee, the highest in the country, the Orlando airport needs to invest in making the rideshare experience safe and efficient for drivers and riders,” said Uber spokesperson Javi Correoso.

We’ll be interested to see if Uber or MCO changes policies with this setup going forward. But as of right now, it looks like you may run into some problems with airport transportation — keep that in mind when you’re deciding your travel plans!

We’ll keep you updated with any more Orlando International Airport news, so stay tuned to AllEars.