7 Unspoken Rules About Flying Out of the Orlando Airport

We are frequent flyers at the Orlando International Airport (MCO). We fly all over the world to explore Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disney, and Hong Kong Disneyland. So it’s safe to say, we’ve become somewhat of an expert on the Orlando airport.

MCO has three terminals — Terminals A, B, and C — and we’ve used each of them. As we’ve explored the airport, we’ve realized that there are 7 very important unspoken rules that will help you on your next trip to or from Orlando!

Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+

Orlando International Airport is BUSY. This airport is one of the busiest in the country, thanks to all the tourism in the area.  So if you’re hoping to save some time, we suggest getting TSA PreCheck and/or CLEAR+.

TSA PreCheck usually offers a shorter line and fewer restrictions when going through a security checkpoint. CLEAR+ lets you verify that you’re YOU without needing to slow down to show your ID. Separately, these can save you a bit of time, and these two bundled together can be a game-changer.

Use MCO Reserve if You Don’t Want To Pay for a System

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+ both cost money to use (except for certain individuals), so if you don’t want to pay to skip the line, you can use MCO Reserve to help you save some time.

For those who do not have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+, you can book a time to go through airport security at MCO using the free MCO Reserve service. You can plan ahead and reserve a dedicated time slot to go through security.

This service is available for Terminals A, B, and C, can be reserved up to 7 days in advance, and is available from 5 AM to 5:30 PM for flights departing between 6:30 AM and 8:30 PM.

Grab Last Minute Souvenirs

You’ll find a Disney store and a Universal store at MCO to buy last-minute souvenirs. So if you realized that you really did want that Donald Duck hat, but you are already at the airport, no worries! Just check out the Disney store here.

There are Disney and Universal stores in all three terminals.

Get There 3 Hours Early, Seriously

MCO recommends arriving 3 hours early. That might seem wild and unnecessary, but trust us, it’s essential. Getting through check-in, bag drop-off, security, and travel to your gate has always been time-consuming with the business of the airport, but it’s about to get worse.

For the next TWO YEARS, there will be a major ongoing project to replace the trams that shuttle passengers to select airline terminals. The Gate Link Replacement Project will replace the people mover vehicles that transport people between gates 70-129 and Terminals A and B with new trams.

This project is expected to affect people flying Air Canada, Avelo Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, LATAM, Southwest, and Virgin Atlantic airlines. When crews start working on each airside during the day, only one tram will be kept in operation, as opposed to the usual two. To help with the process, shuttle buses will operate around the clock and, sometimes, might be the only mode of transportation between the gates and terminals.

So yes, you’ll want to get to the airport 3 hours early and be prepared for delays.

Bring Your Own Snacks if Flying Out of Terminal A or B

We gotta admit, Terminal C is the superior terminal at Orlando International Airport. By comparison, Terminals A and B are lacking in the shopping and dining experience. 

There are far fewer and far less exciting restaurants at Terminals A and B compared to Terminal C. Because of this, we highly recommend bringing a few snacks with you in case you don’t care for the select options Terminals A and B have to offer. (Yes, you can bring solid food with you through security.)

Arrive Early To Park Your Car

If you’re traveling through MCO and planning to leave your own car there, we highly suggest arriving even a little earlier to park. That’s because the parking lots at MCO can fill up!

Don’t run late to your flight because you couldn’t find parking. Simply leave a little earlier to plan on searching for a spot.

Explore Terminal C if You Have the Time

If you get to fly out of (or into) Terminal C, and you have a little extra time, we recommend exploring it! This terminal has practically become its own little tourist destination.

There are so many great places to shop and eat here, including several restaurants owned by groups that operate well-known restaurants in Disney Springs! Terminal C is an experience all on its own.

We hope these tips help you have a smoother and easier trip next time you’re traveling through MCO! In the meantime, keep following AllEars for more travel tips and tricks.

This New TSA PreCheck Perk Makes Airport Security Even FASTER

What are your top tips for traveling through Orlando International Airport? Let us know in the comments!

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