How early to leave for the airport?

[disneymom06]

We have an 11:30am flight on Monday, May 26th to NY. What time should I leave POR to get to the MCO airport? We were going to take DME but have rented a car with National Emerald Aisle. (We usually drive home so I'm not used scheduling for flights)
Thanks

 

[Greysword]

Personally, I try to arrive at the airport no less than two hours before our flight at MCO. Security can be long, and this is cutting it a bit closer than I like most of the time. As such, I don't mind leaving WDW about three hours before the flight.

Usually, it will take about 30-45 minutes to get to the airport, but I like having the extra time to drop off the rental car and get checked in.

This is why I like to fly into/out of Tampa more times than MCO lately, as the same three hours (1.5 to drive and 1.5 to get checked in and to the gate) usually results in a much cheaper airfare and a less stressful time.

Sorry this isn't the news you'd like to hear, but you will need as much time getting through security at MCO as possible.

 

[sam_gordon]

We have an 11:30am flight on Monday, May 26th to NY. What time should I leave POR to get to the MCO airport? We were going to take DME but have rented a car with National Emerald Aisle. (We usually drive home so I'm not used scheduling for flights)
Thanks

I agree with Greysword. Here's how I'd time it...

11:30 flight departure
9:30 walking from rental car drop off
9:15 dropping off rental car
8:45 "Drop Dead" leave time
8:30 "Scheduled" leave time.

It SHOULD only take 5 minutes to drop off rental car.
It SHOULD only take 30 minutes to drive to MCO.

That just allows some "built in" time in case things go wrong.

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

I agree with above. MCO is large and we walk around and eat before a flight so the wait is not bad. Better go early then be stressed.

 

[bumbershoot]

I personally would leave at 8. Don't forget you need to gas up the car. We've also encountered big delays getting from the car dropoff and into the elevators to get up into the terminal. I've figured out there are other ways to do it (stay outside, cross the street you crossed to get TO the rental spot, then go up) but I actually still haven't done that. The elevators get jampacked and people have luggage with them!

Gives you time to stroll through the airport instead of run. Tends to give us time to get a little food, too, once past security.

 

[disneymom06]

Thank you all for your answers. The timing of the morning was very helpful. I would hate to miss my flight as I have to get to work the next morning. We will be on the round at 8:30am. Thanks again.

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank you all for your answers. The timing of the morning was very helpful. I would hate to miss my flight as I have to get to work the next morning. We will be on the round at 8:30am. Thanks again.

8:30 was going to be my suggestion as well .

 

[DebbieB]

If your airline is participating, you can still check your luggage at the resort. That will save you some time. I usually gas up the car the night before.