BUF and MCO check in process

[Rubbertops]

There was an excellent thread describing the procedures of going thru customs and security at YYZ (Pearson).

I realize that I will go through customs over the bridge to USA, but can someone please describe the process thru BUF (Buffalo) and MCO (Orlando Airport)? And how long it should take....

 

[sean-1966]

I'm confused. Are you talking about the airport check in?

 

[wee-haggis]

I'm confused. Are you talking about the airport check in?

I think he means the security check (eg....probably have to remove your shoes in MCO...maybe Buf as well??)

 

[sean-1966]

BUF can be short or long depending on how many flights are going out at that time. I've seen it both ways. MCO is pretty fast. They are use to large crowds and can get them through pretty quick.

 

[sammi]

We flew out of Buffalo last month and it was very quick and "painless" We did curbside check-in and went directly to the security line and was about 10 minutes or so and then took our shoes,coats etc off and went through the xray machine and then proceeded right to our Southwest gate.Coming back MCO was absolutely horrendous and we spent 1 hour in line......I felt like cattle going to slaughter as everyone was trying to get in front of each other. Buffalo is soooo much easier than MCO!

 

[riu girl]

I have no idea why but both times we started in the security line at BUF (VERY long line) a security person took us out of the line (just as we were entering) and put us through an "express" type line. I don't know why. DS was in a stroller both times, but obviously is not a baby so I don't think it had to do with youngs kids or anything, but maybe it did.
Has this ever happened to anyone else?

All I can see is, we love BUF.
The play area by the SWA boarding gates is another real plus for people travelling with kids.

 

[poohbear7]

Buffalo has a seperate line for wheelchairs and strollers it's on the right hand side of the security line.
This might of been why they took you into the other line.

 

[riu girl]

Thank you for the info.
We were taken to the right, so that must have been the line.

 

[the neighbours]

Buffalo airport is a breeze. Curb side luggage check in and great employees to deal with . Our nice S.W. man joked with us the whole time. It was a great beginning to our trip. We are originally from Owen Sound. Miss Georgian Bay and Sauble Beach so much. Not going to Disney this year and we are having major trip envy. Make sure you have plenty of time to get across the border. Sometimes it can be very backed up. Never had any problems at the border. Just asked where we were going and said have a good trip.

 

[sammi]

riu girl we (and others behond us) were also taken through a separate security line just as we were to enter the security check, but this was just DH and myself so I don't know what that was all about.We were taken to the very far left side. I was worried that we were being taken to a special area to be "checked out" more thoroughly. I always seem to get "picked on" when we travel. We enjoy travelling via Buffalo versus YYZ!

riu girl when are you going to be in Siesta Key? We're staying at the Calini Beach Club there from Nov 4-Nov 11th.......we love Siesta Key!

 

[cabmom]

Hi everyone, we just went thru on Tues. We did the curbside check in, just a note of caution! Make sure you have your boarding passes, we got all the way to security without them and had to go back and get them. We only had minutes to spare to get to our flight. We did the Buf-Bal-Mco route. We had to change planes in Bal, but it was painless. We weren't supposed to get off our plane originally. Baby Dean was fine and it was good flying all the way!
The weather is beautiful. We are in St. Pete's going to the beach this afternoon.
How's the weather there?

Marilynn

 

[the neighbours]

Rubbertops: If you have any more questions please feel free to ask. I am so pleased to see someone from my home town on the dis boards. Is this your first time going to Disney? If so, one of the best books to buy is Birnbahms guide. It tells you everything you need to know and is updated every year. Not sure if spelling of book is right. Have fun planning . We went on the Disney cruise last year and it was wonderful. Castaway Cay was the best day we had ever spent at the beach. We did the RAY encounter. Amazing. They eat right out of your hand. So relaxing. Our one port of call was Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. This place is a different world. Huge displays of fish, lagoons and a beautiful sand beach. Would go back in a minute.

 

[Rubbertops]

Thank you for your replies. It has been great planning this trip and I like getting lots of information.

The Neighbours: I have been to Disney before but not from BUF. We went 3 years ago from Pearson. We have so much snow in OS right now, though the rain will take some of it away. I doubt we have seen the last of the snow yet!

 

[riu girl]

sammi:
we will be in Siesta Key for two weeks (Dec 23 - Jan 6). This will be our second time there. Prior to this (Dec 16-Dec 23) , we will be at Orange Lake Country Club for a week.
Can't wait!!!! Siesta Key is incredible. So much to see and do, and then of course the beach is incredible. Its funny, how people seem to think that going to a beach destination, its all about laying on the beach. There is so much more.

 

[MaryannF]

Make sure to give yourselves plenty of time when returning through MCO. We arrived 3 hours before flight time (On a Thursday morning) and only had a 45 minute wait in the boarding lounge. We were about the 10th people in the check-in line so getting through there didn't take long. We spent so much time in the security line inching along. It was so long that they stopped the moving sidewalk and used it to snake the line around. Someone from Security came by every 15 minutes and announced "If your flight leaves at ?? o'clock follow me" Some people were in an absolute panic at the thought of missing their flights. It took us just over 1.5 hours to get through security. Maybe it was just a bad day but you never know until you get there.