How early to leave for airport????

[emilymad]

Our flight departs MCO at 8:45pm. We are planning on going to the parks that day, Friday. We will then have to go back to the Beach Club to get our luggage. We are renting a car that we will have to drop off at the airport as well. What time do we need to leave the parks by? Thanks!

 

[DemoBri1]

Whatever the traffic situation is going to be is going to be a big factor. If you are taking 417 back, there probably won't be a great deal of traffic until you hit the airport property. From what I remember in December, there was quite a bit of construction going on around the south exit/entrance to the airport. This could cause a backup.

In any event you want to make certain that you arrive at least two hours before your flight, which brings you down to 6:45. Allowing 20-30 minutes drive time to airport...that takes you to 6:15. Add another half hour to be safe for checking the car back in I'd say you better be on the road by 5:45 P.M.

I know that sounds terrible having to leave three hours before your flight, but that is the time we live in nowadays.

Brian

 

[emilymad]

Thanks! I would rather be early then miss my flight. The date we are leaving is July 2nd. Would this have an impact on things? Also, where can I get a good map of the Orlando area. I have no idea where anything is or how to get there. Thanks.

 

[Goof]

Try this link, and I hope it helps:
http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/orlarea.html

 

[safetymom]

I second taking 417. The road under the runway they are working is better than it was several months ago. I would allow at least an hour and a half to return the car and get to your gate. Is your car rental onsite? Also I would do curbside check in with your luggage.

 

[emilymad]

Thanks for the map! That should help. I haven't picked a rental car company yet. I won't be 25 until next month so some of them are giving me higher rates than I would like. This may be a dumb question but what do I need to do curbside check in? The times I have flown without my parents I just went to the counter. I just have a print out that serves as my ticket. Do I just give the person at curbside check in this? I think I need to travel more. Thanks for your help.

 

[safetymom]

When you get to the curb you give them your drivers license. They will ask where you are going, sometimes the flight time. They can check you in at the curb, give you a boarding pass. They will take your luggage, you can return the car, then go through security and off to your gate.

You won't need to stop at the ticket counter. Be sure to check with your airline about the weight of your luggage. There is a charge for overweight luggage.

 

[emilymad]

Thanks. That sounds easy enough. Hopefully we can save sometime that way. I did know about the luggage weight limit. That is going to kill me! My suitcase weighs 20 lbs empty!