Delays at Orlando International

[MarcyIn Florida]

Originally posted by nuts4sn00py
Is this only when flying out of Orlando? Or are there the same type of delays when flying in? I'm not concerned about my return flight, but obviously I'm concerned about any delays coming in for the Cruise as I am flying in the same day as the Cruise depart. Thanks, Kathy

Flying into Orlando is not a problem at all, but there can be terrible delays atthe baggage claim if the airport is busy.

As a frequent business traveler based in centra Florida, all I can say is that Orlando can be horrible, but it can also be relatively painless. It all depends on the time of day and the season. My suggestion is that if you're checking bags, get to the airport at least 2 hours in advance or you may be pushing it. And if you get through everything quickly, there are plenty of restaurants and shops to spend your time -- Disney, Universal, Sea World, and lots of others.

 

[dclwdwlover]

Originally posted by Rock'n Robin
If you're really worried, consider flying into Orlando Sanford.

Yes, my friend from PA just did this & said it was very easy & much cheaper than MCO. However, when I tried to book my son into Sanford, all of the carriers that go out of his local airport in NY did not fly into Sanford.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by dclwdwlover
Yes, my friend from PA just did this & said it was very easy & much cheaper than MCO. However, when I tried to book my son into Sanford, all of the carriers that go out of his local airport in NY did not fly into Sanford.

I flew into Sanford twice already this year and would much prefer this over MCO any day! Unfortunately, for this upcoming cruise we had a Delta voucher to use so we had to fly into MCO. I am SO NERVOUS about not getting through security in time to catch our flight after the cruise -- our flight leaves at 11:55am. We're scheduled for pickup from our towncar service at 9am post-cruise. I hope that leaves enough time for all of the lines!

Delta has curbside check-in at MCO, right? Do I have to do anything special for this?

 

[jimmiej]

We flew out of MCO on June 19th with no problem-less than 5 minutes. We arrived 2 hours before our flight.

 

[TraSee]

I live in Orlando and fly out of MCO every month. Never a delay of more than 15 minutes. I tend to fly early in the morning, but with all of the airports I have to visit....MCO is at the top of my list! They have a lot of lines and they do have good shopping!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by TraSee
I live in Orlando and fly out of MCO every month. Never a delay of more than 15 minutes. I tend to fly early in the morning, but with all of the airports I have to visit....MCO is at the top of my list! They have a lot of lines and they do have good shopping!

Being someone who has a lot of experience with this airport, what do you think about flying out of MCO on September 11th at about noon? Do you think I'm asking for trouble with delays and long lines?

 

[NancyDVC]

I love MCO. That is my favorite airport by far. I have experienced security waits from 5 minutes to 30 minutes but mostly less. We always get there early. (It's a compulsion-get there early and you can relax. And after watching 'Airline' on A&E with all those people who miss their flights because they got there late, I am getting there really early!)

The shopping and 'dining' facilities at my local airports aren't nearly as nice. And if you ever have a problem with flight cancellations stay over at the Hyatt and explore the mall. We were heading home several years ago from WDW in June. There were terrible storms in the Northeast and all the flights into NY were delayed, delayed again and then cancelled. We quickly rebooked for the next day by phone in the airport (avoided all those long lines at the counters.) Then we went to the Hyatt, got a good rate, retrieved our bags from the baggage area, (Delta is very organized and we found our bags right away.) We spent the early evening exploring the airport shops, had a nice dinner. The next day at check out the bellgirl took our bags right to the check in counter!

So go early and shop, read and relax.!

 

[tvguy]

We flew out on January 3 of this year, and Orlando had the worst lines I've ever seen. But they were pretty organized about trying to get people through as quickly as they could. Took about an hour though. Been through Sacramento. both Houston airports, Phoenix and St. Louis since then, never waited more than 15 minutes, and usually walked right through.,
Big issue now is any flight that starts or goes through Chicago. Just got back from Houston, and St. Louis. EVERY Chicago flight in or out was delayed due to "FAA FLIGHT PACING"

 

[TraSee]

CRSNDSNY...That is a Saturday, post major tourist time, so I think you will be fine. My longest waits...only 15 min...have been on early morning Monday flights, all business related. That security delay is due to all of us having to take out our laptops!! You'll be cruising the week before us...have a great time!!!

 

[3DisneyNUTS]

In Feb they were really really long but they had dones of security so the line went quickly and fairly smooth. SO I wouldn't stress out too badly. We tend to get to the airport 2 hours ahead. The orlando airport is amazing so even if you wanted to go early it is a nice place with a food court etc. Sort of set up like a mall

 

[OKW Lover]

You will get lots of responses to this question. Some will be horror stories, some will tell you about no waits at all. The fact of the matter is that it depends on when you are flying.

 

[jlawall]

We just got back yesterday and here are my tips...............

There was a huge line at the USAirways ticketing but we used the E-ticket kiosk and avoided that line. Then you had to bring your checked luggage to a separate security check instead of behind the ticketing agent.

Then at the security line for carryons, there was a huge line but there were several staff so that was about 15-20 minutes. The airport is monitoring the situation and I believe trying to improve this area.

After the monorail, there were huge lines at the pizza place so we couldn't get lunch.

Our plane was fully boarded 10 minutes early so we left early but were delayed arriving in Philadelphia by about 30 minutes. (There was no gate for us b/c we were so early!)

Bottom line, we got to MCO 2 hours early and after dropping off the rental, we barely made it on time and didn't have time to eat lunch.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by TraSee
CRSNDSNY...That is a Saturday, post major tourist time, so I think you will be fine. My longest waits...only 15 min...have been on early morning Monday flights, all business related. That security delay is due to all of us having to take out our laptops!! You'll be cruising the week before us...have a great time!!!

THANKS!!!