getting out of orlando international,how long

[drogerstn]

Just to point out that the OP is flying from the UK. The question pertains to 'getting out of the airport', and if I assume correctly, not 'how long will it take to clear security for my flight home'. ....

Bavaria, good catch. I had read an article in USAToday (while we were in Orlando) about the long lines getting through security to fly out of MCO. Even though the OP was very clear, my mind was already locked in on this

Bump for any recent experiences for the OP....

 

[Lewisc]

I thought the same thing. A post on one of the UK boards might give better information but it looks like a moderator moved the post to this board.

I'm not sure if the poster is asking about customs delays or if you have to be screened by TSA to enter the main terminal building.

Just to point out that the OP is flying from the UK. The question pertains to 'getting out of the airport', and if I assume correctly, not 'how long will it take to clear security for my flight home'. I don't know if they will be clearing customs in Orlando, but I suspect that will be the case. (US Customs does have pre-clearance in certain Canadian cities, but I don't think that there is pre-clearance on UK flights)

I am just pointing this out as this WILL have an impact on the time that it takes from landing at MCO to retrieving luggage and exiting.

As an example, at my home airport (a very large international airport outside the US) customs lines can be 1-2 hours during the peak midday rush.

Hopefully someone with recent experience can assist the OP and confirm based on customs clearance, if required. Perhaps this question should also be posed on the UK Trip Planning forum, if not already asked.

 

[bavaria]

FYI I PM'd the OP the day that I posted asking him to come back to this thread and read my response. Hopefully he will do so.

Just FYI international flying can sometimes require more reclaimiing luggage and clearing security than domestic flights - for instance if one is flying North American - Sydney via Honolulu one now needs to reclaim baggage and clear security again in HNL, even when on a connecting flight.

For all that we see frustration here about domestic air travel, international air travel is often much more 'interesting'

 

[PortieOwner]

Last Sept. my wife and I flew back on different days. Both days the line was a breeze--5 mins. or less to get through. I love MCO, great airport.

ETA: at many US international airports you should expect it to take at least 2 hours to get through if you are a foreigner without a US passport, green card, or frequent travel visa. Even for a US citizen it can take well over an hour at least at JFK or Dulles.

 

[safetymom]

There have been issues at MCO since last Dec. with long lines to get through security. It has made several lists as being one of the worst with long wait times.

They recently moved some TSA people and pledged the lines would get shorter. I was flying weekly during that time and things hadn't changed. I haven't flown in a couple of weeks but they are still reporting long lines at certain times of the day.

I know this doesn't apply to the OP's question but for others please allow enough time if there is a long line. I can't tell you the number of people I have seen running through the airport, even banging on the jetway door because they were delayed.

I don't know about you but I don't want to start my trip off by sprinting to my gate or missing the flight.