Advice for getting son to MCO early in the morning

[Skywalker3]

Hey, I'm REALLY clueless about comings/goings and most things related to airports and flying, but I will have to get my son to the airport to fly back from our trip in a couple of weeks. It's a 5:30 flight out of MCO.
We'll be at Universal, and I'll have my own vehicle, but I was hoping not to have to drive to the airport. If I do, is it easy to navigate? He's flying Delta, flight is at 5:30 AM. like is drop off easy? What time do you all recommend leaving Universal , and/or making sure he's at the airport? I'd prefer not to have to drive, so
and if we do Lyft or Uber, are they very reliable for very early morning pickups???
My DD uses uber all the time, so she can help him with it on the app(she's not flying back with him though.) I've never used a rideshare, so I'm clueless. I want to make sure they're a reliable choice, and like not prone to being cancelled, leaving him in the lurch. Also, what time would be good to schedule a pickup from Universal for a 5:30 flight?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Rideshares are 24/7 in Orlando.

As for planning what time you left out key info: TSA Pre? Checking a bag? What airline?

 

[scrappinginontario]

How old is your son? Adult?

If so I’d use Mears (if available) or Uber/Lyft.

 

[sam_gordon]

First thing to figure out is what time one needs to arrive at the airport.

For major airports (MCO qualifies), if I'm checking bags, I try to arrive (walk through the doors) 2 hours before my flight. That's my starting point. I have TSA Pre, and I might subtract 15 minutes (arrive 1:45 before) for that. Don't have to check luggage? Subtract another 15. Want to get fast food after security? Add 30. Sit down? Add 60. Uncomfortable/unsure/not confident about navigating an airport? Add 15 minutes.

So my "time to arrive" can be anywhere from 1:30 before the flight to 2:30 depending on conditions.

Once you know that, it looks like ~20 minutes from Universal to MCO. I'd budget 30 and order ride share 10 minutes before that.

So, for a 5:30AM flight, means arriving between 3-4a.
That means leaving Universal resort between 2:30a-3:30a.
That means ordering ride share 2:20a-3:20a.

Note: I know this is very conservative. But I'd would rather wait at the gate for an hour than show up 1 minute after they close the doors.

This also allows for some contingencies...
* Ride share delayed or canceled? Get a cab.
* Luggage checkin crowded? Use self serve terminals or porters outside (if available). NOTE: If you use porters, customary to tip $1-2/checked bag.
* Everything goes wrong (transportation late, traffic, long security, etc), skip food and get to the gate ASAP!

 

[DL1WDW2]

I do not use Uber / Lyft but I do know the person registered
Must also be traveling in the pickup vehicle Otherwise it will not function …
That is very important to know .

Also MCO has online webpages that detail all the information you need and require.
FlyMCO.com

 

[Best Aunt]

I do not use Uber / Lyft but I do know the person registered
Must also be traveling in the pickup vehicle Otherwise it will not function …
That is very important to know .

Also MCO has online webpages that detail all the information you need and require.
FlyMCO.com

Not sure what you mean.

I request an Uber/Lyft. The app tells me the license plate number of the driver. The app tells me how close the driver is. Driver arrives, I check license plate. I open the door. Driver says, "Are you (Best Aunt)?" I say yes. Driver drives.

 

[DL1WDW2]

That works because it is your log in / Uber Account but will not work if you are not the passenger traveling in the vehicle .
It links only to your account and is necessary to finalize payment ,etc.

I hope this is clearer because it is important !

The OP mentions using her daughters account for her son …but this will not work if daughter is not in the vehicle also.
I would not want to try this at 5:30 a.m.

Please provide correct info .

 

[geargrinder]

That works because it is your log in / Uber Account but will not work if you are not the passenger traveling in the vehicle .
It links only to your account and is necessary to finalize payment ,etc.

I hope this is clearer because it is important !

The OP mentions using her daughters account for her son …but this will not work if daughter is not in the vehicle also.
I would not want to try this at 5:30 a.m.

Please provide correct info .

This isn't true. You can order a ride for someone other than yourself. You can designate who the passenger is when ordering the ride.

 

[tjmw2727]

The Uber App has an option to request a ride for a friend so the daughter/sister can use her account. You can also reserve a ride in advance.

Alternately if you really don't want to drive you can use a car service. We have used Tiffany, Florida Tours and most recently Cast and Crew.

Timing depends on if he has TSA Precheck and or bags to check, generally at MCO its recommended to arrive 2 hours prior.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Thanks for updated info.
Good to know !