Orlando International Airport is located just 6 miles southeast of Downtown Orlando and is the busiest airport in the state. More than 40 million passengers travel through MCO each year. The airport features four main terminals—A, B, C, and D—which are connected by a free shuttle bus service. The main terminal complex houses ticketing, check-in, and baggage claim for all four terminals. A variety of shops and restaurants are located throughout the airport, including several duty-free shops. Orlando International Airport is a major hub for domestic and international travel, offering non-stop service to more than 100 domestic and 60 international destinations. This Orlando International Airport guide will help ensure that your experience at the airport will be a breeze.
Reminders for Before You Leave
To make your life easier when you get to MCO, follow these few tips before you head out!
- Make sure the name on your plane ticket matches the name on your driver’s license or any other form of government identification you may be using when traveling.
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight boards to ensure you have enough time even if the lines are long
- Check the weight of your luggage. Many airlines charge extra for bags over 50lbs. Also, put any large liquids or gels in your checked bag.
- Know what items you can and cannot bring on the plane, refer to the TSA list of prohibited items.
Security at Orlando International Airport
MCO has two security checkpoints. One is located on the West side of the airport and serves gates 1-59. The other is located on the East side of the airport which serves gates 70129. Orlando International Airport offers TSA Precheck for travelers looking to get through security quicker. TSA Precheck is available to U.S citizens and lawful permanent residents as well as members of the Trusted Traveler Programs including Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. TSA Precheck is available 4 am- 8 pm at MCO airport. You can also use CLEAR at the MCO airport for a quicker experience through the security line.
Where to Eat and Drink in Orlando
There are many options at MCO, so how do you make the right decision when choosing where to eat from the myriad of restaurants? You can find the Orlando airport food map on the airport's website to get a good idea of where everything is located. Whether you need a quick snack or want to enjoy a sit-down meal, there are plenty of options available at Orlando International Airport! Here are a few restaurants coveted as the “best restaurants” at MCO:
- McCoy’s Bar and Grill: This is a great place to stop if you want a delicious sit-down meal before your flight. Choose from their delicious salads, sandwiches, and pizza!
- Lobby Bar: This is a good place to stop if you are looking for small plates and a few drinks before your flight!
- Hemisphere: This spot serves a full breakfast during the mornings and then starting at 5 pm it becomes focused on seafood and steaks. Make a stop here pre-security and fill up before your flight.
Here is a list of some more of the top spots to grub based on their location. The airport offers an app for in-terminal navigation that will help you travel through the airport. This is a great resource to use when you are looking for the different shops and restaurants throughout the airport.
Hotel Options Near Orlando Airport
There are a number of hotel options near Orlando International Airport. The closest hotel to the airport is the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, which is connected to the airport via a sky bridge. The hotel offers 24-hour room service, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center. Other nearby hotels include the Marriott Orlando Airport, the Hilton Orlando Airport, and the Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel. Most hotels near the airport offer shuttle services that will take you to ground transportation at the airport.
(The Hyatt Atrium at the Orlando Airport. Photo by Orlando International Airport via https://orlandoairports.net/getting-around-mco/#hotel)
International Travel at MCO
If you are arriving at MCO from an international flight, you will be required to clear US Customs & Immigration. The airport uses Biometric Screening Technology and also offers Global Entry kiosks and the CBP Mobile Passport Control app available for certain passengers. If you are looking for currency exchange, it is located at Terminal B on level 3 of the main terminal. After you clear customs, you will be guided to baggage claim to get your luggage. After clearing customs and baggage claims, you will have to proceed to the landside terminal via the Gate Link (APM) station. You can carry your luggage with you or place them on the baggage belt which will transfer your bags to the landside terminal. You will then have to head to Terminals A & B. YOu can either take the escalators or stairs to the Gate Link station which will transport you to Terminals A& B which is where the airline ticket counters, baggage claim, tour operators, rental cars, shops, restaurants, hotel, and grand transportation are located. To depart the airport you can find curbside pick-up by private car or ride-sharing services on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level located on level two. Rental cars, off-airport parking shuttles, taxis, resort transportation, etc are found on the ground transportation level which is located on level one.
Lounges at Orlando International Airport
If you have extra time while you are passing through MCO airport, stopping at one of the lounges in the airport is a great way to pass some time. The airport has many different types of lounges, so there is sure to be one that fits your needs. If you want to relax with a drink, there are plenty of bars at the airport. If you need to get some work done, there are also plenty of options for quiet places to sit and work. No matter what you are looking for, the Orlando International Airport has a lounge that will suit your needs. Below is a list of the different lounges throughout the airport and which terminal you can find them in:
- Terminal A:
- The Club MCO
- USO Lounge
- Terminal B:
- Admirals Club
- The Club MCO
- Delta Sky Club
- United Club
- Terminal C:
- Plaza Premium Lounge
(Rendering of the Plaza Premium Lounge by Orlando International Airport via https://www.orlandoairports.net/getting-around-mco/shops-restaurants/)
You can learn more about the lounges at MCO airport including their amenities, hours of operation, etc through this article.
Traveling with Pets at Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving over 40 million passengers each year. With so many people coming and going, it's important to be aware of the airport's policies regarding traveling with pets. Orlando International Airport allows passengers to travel with cats and dogs, as long as they are properly vaccinated and have all the necessary paperwork. Pets must be kept in a carrier at all times while in the airport. The airport also has seven designated pet relief areas, so that your pet can stretch their legs and relieve themselves before boarding the plane. Three of the pet relief areas are located pre-security and the other four are located post-security. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get through security and to the pet relief area before your flight.
Public Art at MCO Airport
The MCO has art displays commissioned by all sorts of artists that are regionally, nationally, and internationally renowned. These displays are an integral part of The Orlando Experience by introducing passengers to broad architectural spaces, light-filled areas, and green foliage to represent Florida's beauty. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is the administration that is committed to highlighting these art displays. A few of the art displays include the Tech Garden, Wellness Garden, Space Garden, and Fun Garden. You can learn more about the public artwork at the Orlando International Airport here.
Know your MCO Parking Options
Some short-term parking options at MCO include:
Hourly and Daily Parking at MCO
Daily and hourly parking options are available at the Orlando International Airport.
| Parking Option | Daily Rate |
|---|---|
| North Cell Phone Lot | Free |
| South Cell Phone Lot | Free |
| North Park Place Economy Lot | $10.00 |
| South Park Place Economy Lot | $10.00 |
| Parking Garage C | $17.00 |
| Parking Garage A & B | $19.00 |
| Terminal Top Parking | $19.00 |
| Valet Parking | $28.76 |
| Hotel Guest Parking-Self | $12.00 |
| Hotel Guest Parking-Valet | $16.00 |
The Parking Spot
The Parking Spot is an alternative option that will be much cheaper than parking at the EWR airport.
- Airport shuttles are available 24/7 to provide transportation to and from the airport.
- Daily rates are $9.50 a day for covered parking and $7.00 a day for uncovered parking.
All short-term parking reservations can be made on their website, and long-term parking, over 30 days, can be made through STOW IT.
Long-Term Parking Options at Orlando International Airport
STOW IT’s partnership with The Parking Spot allows customers to access long-term parking, storage, and shuttle services to-and-from the airport. This is a great option for long-term travelers who need monthly or yearly parking. Other options like MCO’s parking garages charge high rates that are simply unaffordable for long-term parking. STOW IT’s parking option allows you to conveniently drive yourself to the airport and leaves your car safe and secure while you are away. The cost of parking and convenience make this a no-brainer!
Ultimately, there are many ways to make your stop at Orlando International Airport as easy as possible. Whether it comes to knowing the best spot to eat at or reserving a long-term parking spot through STOW IT these tips will help save time and money on your next trip to MCO.