How early do I need to arrive at MCO for Mon evening flight

[Disneycrazymom]

Last time I was in MCO (Feb) it was a MESS!!!!!

We had to wait in line to check in, then had to carry our checked bags over to another line (I can't remember why exactly). Anyway then the security line was really LONG, I think everyone that had been in Orlando were at the airport with us! Really we had not seen that many people all week!

So... this trip we decided to try flying out on Mon evening instead of Sunday. Will 2 hours be enough to drop off the rental car and make our flight? Thanks!

 

[safetymom]

If you are including dropping the car off I don't think 2 hours is enough. The airport authority has pledged more TSA staffers but you still may have a long wait. Remember they start boarding at least a half hour before departure. I can't tell you how many people I have seen running to their gates. I haven't flown in the evening lately so I can't tell you about the lines.

 

[DebbieB]

What airline are you flying? If available, I would recommend curbside check. There usually is not a line and they take care of taking the bag to x-ray (which is why you had to stand in a second line). You need to tip $1 or $2 per bag.

 

[ducklite]

You need to be walking through the door no less than two hours prior to your flight time. More if you need to check baggage or get boarding passes.

Anne

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Thanks!

Can we use curb side and drop off the rental at Budget? We are flying Soutwest but I plan to print out boarding passes at the Dolphin. Our flight is at 6:50pm.

Will I need to leave the Dophin by as early as 3:30? Planning to drop the car at 4:00ish.

Or can I push it back a 1/2 hour leaving the Dolphin by 4:00?

If I have a pre printed boarding pass and I check the luggage at the curb then I do NOT have to wait in the check in line. Right? That will save a lot of time. We could then go directly to the security line.

I want to get this timed as well as possible as we only have one night after our cruise for the parks. We want to stay as long as possible BUT I get very worried about making the flight and I don't want to end this wonderful trip running through the airport. I also don't want to get to the gate an hour early and have my family looking at me thinking we could have rode one more ride!

 

[seashoreCM]

Correct, if you already have your boarding passes (online, etc.) and already checked your baggage (curbside, etc.) then you proceed directly to the security line.

I want to get this timed as well as possible as ... We want to stay [at WDW] as long as possible BUT I get very worried about making the flight and I don't want to end this wonderful trip running through the airport. I also don't want to get to the gate an hour early and have my family looking at me thinking we could have rode one more ride!

This goal is unattainable simply because of the unpredictability of the security line. It would take a PhD to explain in detail but I without a PhD will try for anyone who PM's me.

I would say that if your rental car is in gear and moving out of the last (park, etc.) WDW parking space 2-1/2 hours before flight departure, you are doing OK.

 

[safetymom]

I would check in your luggage before you return the car. There are times of the day when there are lines at curbside also. If you get to the gate an hour before your flight you really are only waiting half an hour.