how early should I be at MCO for

[mousy_in_canada]

an 11am flight.. I have to return my car at national (EA) as well..
I was thinking of checking in online the night before but I need to know what time to be there.. it is a domestic flight as I am going to Buffalo.. any thoughts?

 

[beccasmom]

The best advice I have heard is to be at the airport two hours before your flight. Checking in on-line is a great idea and will save you time. However, there is no telling how long the lines will be going through security. On my last flight from Orlando in August, the security line was pretty lengthy at 7:15 a.m. Two hours should be fine.

 

[belle1627]

I certainly wouldn't recommend this, but we also did the MCO-BUF 11:00 a.m. flight back in in June '04, and did not arrive at the National Car return area until 10:00. It was very simple to drop off there. No more than 10 minutes.
Gathered our things (2 kids, 5&2, and bags) and went over to the terminal to line up at the check-in desk. When we finally got up to the front it was 10:35. The agent told us the obvious, that we were late, and put "late check-in" tags on our bags. (Which means Southwest is not responsible if your bags don't make the flight and they'll be put on the next flight)
From here we went to security which took another 15 minutes to get thru. By the time we actually arrived at the gate it was 10:55.
I remember this all too well! It was hectic but can obviously be done if you're that late.
Kudos to Southwest however, our bags were waiting for us when we arrived in BUF.
Anyway after all that, we're going back down in 3 weeks and for our flight back this time I'll be there 1.5 to 2 hours befor departure.
Enjoy your trip.
Belle 1627

 

[safetymom]

I would allow 2 hours at least. When my daughter flew several weeks ago it wasn't security but the ticket counters and curbside check in that took the most time.

I would rather be sitting at the gate with time to spare then missing my flight because I didn't allow enough time.

 

[DebbieB]

What day of the week? Sunday mornings are bad because cruises come in. Which airline?

 

[mousy_in_canada]

It will be a Wednesday Morning, on Southwest

ADDING:
The reason I am asking is that we want to go to Trails inn for breakfast but they don't open until 7:30.. so I think it may be a little tight to make it in time.

 

[DebbieB]

I believe Southwest has curbside check, so dropoff your checked luggage before you return the car that way you won't have to go to the counter. Wednesday morning shouldn't be bad.

 

[DVC-Don]

We always leave WDW 3 hours before our flight.

 

[dvc guy]

I agree with DVC-Don I would leave 3 hours from your hotel , that will build in extra time for traffic lines etc. The airlines are under no obligation help you out if you miss your flight,they will get you home, it may not be the same day or a
non- stop flight.

 

[mousy_in_canada]

so that is 8:00.. there is no way I can start breakfast as soon as Trails inn opens at 7:30 and be gone by 8:00.. oh well.. I thought it would be a nice way to finish the holiday!
Thanks for all the replies!