Does Anyone NOT Like Flying Into Orlando?

[blondeheroine]

I've discovered something. Usually, I drive to Orlando. However, I've flown as well. This last trip I flew and I've flown another time before.

And though I don't mind flying and have flown into NY and out West numerous times, I've discovered: I just don't like flying into Orlando. And I can't put my finger on why.

There's just something about it that feels *weird*. Anyone have the same experience? Because I'm really curious as to why I never feel this way flying anywhere else.

 

[tmt martins]

Nope not a problem for me easy to get around the Airport and many selections if getting there early and waiting for my flights.

Love the first monorail ride to start our trip.

 

[bavaria]

Actually, I've experienced probably hundreds of airports, large and small, and MCO is well laid out and easy to navigate, with excellent concessions (both shops and dining outlets). My only complaint is that once past security the quality of the concessions drops significantly, and as a result I use the Red Carpet Club at MCO more often than I do at any other airport I frequent on a regular basis.

Edited to add: car rental access is excellent as well, considering the size and volume of the airport.

But to each his/her own.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I really like flying into Orlando International. The view is great when landing. When taxiing to the arrival gate, there's a view of grass, palm trees, and ponds — not the industrial look of so many airports. The airsides and terminal are spacious and never feel crowded. Baggage claim isn't as bad as at many airports, and now, with Magical Express, we bypass baggage claim entirely when going to WDW.

And — I know this sounds silly — Orlando is a "happy" airport, with families starting and ending vacations.

 

[Vivianne]

Maybe what you're feeling is some kind of "vibe" others are missing.

For me, I rather fly anywhere rather than long distance driving. We just got back and I would jump on the opportunity to travel again.

 

[DebbieB]

I fly almost weekly for work, I would rate MCO high on the list of airports. Pretty easy to find things, lots of quick food options, easy car rental. Love the first glimpse of palm trees.....

My least favorite - Atlanta. Very crowded, long way to get to the gates, shuttles to car rentals.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Sorry, but I love flying into MCO. From the view of palm trees when we touch down to the little monorail ride to the baggage terminal. Not to mention the anticipation of a great vacation. You can feel the excitement in the air. I've never had to fly for work so I guess that would be a let down to fly to MCO alone and thinking of work.
Compared to Philly, MCO is dreamy. Philly has to be the ugliest, most drab and unwelcoming airport I've ever been in.

 

[bavaria]

I've never had to fly for work so I guess that would be a let down to fly to MCO alone and thinking of work

I've flown into MCO many times for work, and even then it's a pleasure - choice of SBC or Starbucks coffee, a stop at L'Occitaine store, Borders, decent shopping, and a short rental car experience.

Sometimes I wait for colleagues to arrive at other airports and it's a definite difference (PHL and EWR come to mind!)

 

[Lewisc]

MCO, and other newer airports, have a tram that transport you from the main terminal building to one of the "airside" terminals. The older airports in NY and other cities have long corridors that you walk, or sometimes can take a moving walkway in order to get to the gate areas.

Could that be the difference you notice?

 

[AllyBri]

To me MCO has a great "FEELING" to it. It has such a bright and airy look to it.

 

[CarolA]

Flying into Orlando is fine.

Flying out of Orlando has in the past been very frustrating due to security delays.....

 

[wee-haggis]

I've discovered something. Usually, I drive to Orlando. However, I've flown as well. This last trip I flew and I've flown another time before.

And though I don't mind flying and have flown into NY and out West numerous times, I've discovered: I just don't like flying into Orlando. And I can't put my finger on why.

There's just something about it that feels *weird*. Anyone have the same experience? Because I'm really curious as to why I never feel this way flying anywhere else.

Exact opposite here!
I think its a great feeling flying into MCO.
The arrival process is so easy compared to my home airport.
The quick monorail ride to the baggage carousel which starts churning out suitcases within a few mintes...the quick walk over to the car rental pick up....and your on your way. A few weeks ago we did this whole process in 30 mins....Its clean,spacious and quite appealing. We like it.

 

[salmoneous]

Flying into Orlando is fine.

Flying out of Orlando has in the past been very frustrating due to security delays.....

My exact thoughts.

 

[PlutosFriend]

I've discovered something. Usually, I drive to Orlando. However, I've flown as well. This last trip I flew and I've flown another time before.

And though I don't mind flying and have flown into NY and out West numerous times, I've discovered: I just don't like flying into Orlando. And I can't put my finger on why.

There's just something about it that feels *weird*. Anyone have the same experience? Because I'm really curious as to why I never feel this way flying anywhere else.

I don't mind the MCO airport at all I find it easy to get around and my luggage usually gets out quickly too

 

[DVC Grammy]

Here's another for MCO. Compared to many airports (Atlanta, anyone ), MCO is one of the nicest and well-organized ones we've been to!

 

[bg4]

maybe the OP can better description what feels weird about MCO

I agree with most if not all comments. MCO has long runways, effecient transportation system to/from airsides. Easy to navigate (walking and driving). Two rental car garages - most airports have only one and its not usually covered. Except for the more than occasional thunderstorm delays are rare. Security lines are average maybe a bit bigger but MCO is a large airport. Roads leading to MCO are well marked and easy to navigate and interior roads are the same. Finding car return lane is simple.

Fly into/out of LaGuardia and you get the weird feeling that Jamaica Bay is right there and runways should be longer.

At some airports when you land the pilot has to reverse thrust or get on the brakes hard to stop and this is just not true at Orlando because of long runways. - exception: Southwest hot shot pilots that want to make the first turn towards gate when arriving late.

Downsides of MCO - gates are close to one another and seating can be limited at times. Up to recently lack of quality food and this may be still be true inside secure area.

 

[paults]

don't mind MCO at all.

this past May we started our trip flying into JAX and return from MCO.
When we got to JAX that's when it hit me, I really missed MCO and the first ride. (monorail)

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

At some airports when you land the pilot has to reverse thrust or get on the brakes hard to stop and this is just not true at Orlando because of long runways. - exception: Southwest hot shot pilots that want to make the first turn towards gate when arriving late.

Downsides of MCO - gates are close to one another and seating can be limited at times. Up to recently lack of quality food and this may be still be true inside secure area.

Don't get me started on Southwest pilots! They always have to be the last guys (and the occasional gal) to make the turn into short final on approach to SAN!

As far as concessions go... Airports that are categorized as 'destination' airports (rather than hubs) have less in the way of concession variety beyond security checkpoints. While there may be some who do connect through MCO to smaller regional airports, it does not operate like ORD, BOS, JFK, LGA, ATL, LAX, SFO, etc.

 

[Stitch's O'hana]

I love flying into the Orlando Airport, in fact it is one of my fav. airports!!! And I love the tram ride, that you get to take to get to the other side and get to where your bags and the bus/car is! They also have lots of nice shops and places to grab something to eat before you have to get on the plane.

 

[spiceycat]

I don't like it - but I hate flying period....