WARNING: There’s a New Airport Problem Happening for Spirit Airlines Passengers in Orlando

Flying to Disney World is no walk in the park. There are actually a lot of steps between you and the Disney park entrance. You’ve got to travel to the airport, make it through security, board the plane, collect your bags, and then, after all that, figure out how you’re getting to Disney World from the airport. It’s a whole process!

Orlando Airport

With so many steps to deal with, it’s pretty common for some issue to pop up during your journey. In fact, we recently experienced a significant delay at the Orlando Airport, and we need to give you a warning before your next trip!

About one year ago, Spirit Airlines rolled out a new bag drop machine for Orlando Airport passengers. These machines “should take 70 seconds to get someone checked in,” according to Spirit’s press release. Passengers also do not interact directly with an agent with this new system. If all goes smoothly, this should cut down on the time it takes to go through security.

Orlando International Airport

In fact, Spirit’s press release claimed that the new machines would reduce the time spent at bag check by 30%. Spirit’s VP of airports and crew services Mike Byrom said, “We’ve grown to become largest ultra-low-fare carrier at MCO, and adding this convenient, self-service option is a significant investment that gives our Guests more control over their journey while spending less time in the lobby.”

Orlando Airport

However, during a recent visit to the Orlando Airport, our experience took a little longer than the proposed 70 seconds. AllEars reporter Emma used Spirit’s new drop system but ran into some issues. First, she noticed that only about five of the self-service machines were working. And since this is a user-operated system, there were no Spirit agents available to help.

©Spirit Airlines

Nearly every old counter in the area was replaced with the new self-service machines, leaving a large group of travelers stuck waiting for one of five working kiosks.

Terminal B at Orlando Airport

In all, the process took Emma around 40 minutes just to drop her bag — and she was one of the first people in line when it opened. The lesson? Get to the airport EARLY — and be prepared to wait a while to drop your bag. You never know when system issues may sneak up!