7 NEW Tips for Flying Through the Orlando Airport in 2024

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, you may be flying into and out of Orlando International Airport.

We don’t want to get you worried, but Orlando International Airport is a very busy airport and you’ll need to know some things to successfully navigate it with as little stress as possible. We’ve flown into and out of Orlando often, though, so we’re going to offer you some of our best tips for flying through the Orlando International Airport in 2024, especially if it’s your first time.

Get TSA PreCheck

Here’s a tip that will help save you time at EVERY airport you fly through. TSA PreCheck allows you to register to become a “Trusted Traveler,” meaning that you spend less time going through security checkpoints at the airport. If you have been approved for TSA PreCheck, you’ll go through a separate security line, keep your shoes on, and keep your electronics and liquids in your carry-on bags.

TSA PreCheck lines also tend to be much shorter (because they’re faster), so you’ll save time by not having to stand in the longer standard security line. Registration costs $78, but it lasts five years and you can renew for $70 for another five years.

Use MCO Reserve

If you do NOT have TSA PreCheck, Orlando International Airport has a FREE service called MCO  Reserve that can also save you time in the security line. MCO Reserve allows you to set a time to go through a shorter security line when you get to the airport.

Although this will save you time at Orlando, you’ll still have to go through the longer security line at your home airport, unless it has a similar program.

Get to the airport at least three hours early

Okay, we know what you’re going to say: three hours early is WAY too early. But we’ll warn you that things move very slowly at the Orlando International Airport. Check-in lines are long, security lines are long, and with the tram, it can take a bit to get to your gate. You would be surprised how fast three hours can go by at the airport.

If all else fails, though, and you get through all of that quickly, you’ll have time to relax before your flight. But we can guarantee, it won’t be a LOT of time.

Eat before you get to the airport

If you’re flying domestically within the U.S., we’re going to warn you: there’s not a lot of great eating at the airport. You’ve got your typical fast food plus a Cask & Larder (which is owned by the same folks who own The Polite Pig in Disney Springs). That’s it. So if you have the opportunity, eat before you get there.

However, if you’re flying through Terminal C, you have several great dining options, like Sunshine Diner (owned by Chef Art Smith, who owns Homecomin‘ in Disney Springs) and a Wine Bar George location.

Download the apps

Because there is so much traffic in and out of Orlando International Airport, delays and cancellations could happen and you’ll want to stay aware of those. The best thing you can do to get notifications is to download the MCO app, as well as your airline’s app.

Also, be sure to set notifications in each app to alert you when something about your flight changes. You’ll want to know about delays and cancellations, but also about gate changes (which also happen often).

Take the Brightline train to other Florida cities

One of the newest and most exciting things to happen to the Orlando International Airport is the opening of the Brightline train station there. You can now fly into Orlando and go to several other Florida cities by train (we took the train to Miami and it’s a game changer).

This could also come in handy if you find cheaper fares to other Florida cities: just fly into that city and hop on the train to Orlando.

Book your transportation before you arrive

If you plan on taking a transportation service like Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine from the airport to Disney World, be sure to go ahead and book it before your trip. That will give you one less thing to worry about during your trip.

Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine will drop you off at your Disney World hotel, as well as pick you up at a specified time for your return flight home.

Yes, the Orlando International Airport can be daunting, but with just a little pre-planning, you can get through the airport like a pro without any additional stress.

Check back with AllEars again soon for more Disney news, tips, tricks, and resources.

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What’s your best tip for flying through the Orlando airport? Let us know in the comments!

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