How early to the airport?

[ravenclawforever]

Based on recent experience at MCO, how early should we be at the airport for a 1:20 flight on a Thursday?

 

[cbsnyber1]

We have a November trip planned, returning on the 30th (a Wednesday) with our flight at 1:45. Our limo service suggested a pickup time of 10:30 (from the Royal Pacific at Universal). That's 3 hours 15 minutes out. That makes sense now unless they get those TSA lines reduced between now and then. It's about a half hour drive to the airport depending on traffic.

I'd rather be safe than miss the flight, so we're sticking with this plan.

 

[WDWNY]

We use the magical express which picks us up about 3 hours before our flight. PLENTY of time. We usually get there, eat and take our time and then go through security and wait at the gate for another 30 minutes or so. Maybe I've been lucky, or I'm just used to crazier lines at NY's LGA and JFK but the MCO security lines aren't that bad. Was there in January and February

 

[drinkme]

That was January/February. Now I would get there at a minimum 3 hours.

 

[theone74733]

MCO TSA line was a mess back in September. The TSA line to get to the Southwest terminal had 2 separate lines that intertwined each other. They then stopped our line to allow around 100 people from the other line into the main line. It ended up taking 25 minutes from the start of the line to the gate.

Given the issues that TSA is going through right now along with the ramp up in Summer travel, it may be a lot worse. Even my local airport, it took me 30 minutes on a Sunday a couple weeks back. I usually never get to our local airport with a wait at TSA, but the staffing issues only had one person looking at your boarding cards/ID (usually there is 2-3). I would advise getting to the airport at least two and half hours early just to be on the safe side.

 

[Mikie]

I have several family members who travel extensively with their jobs. They both describe MCO as unpredictable and generally very long security lines. I have always used Disney's Magical Express, which leaves WDW about 3 hours prior to flight and had good luck with that. If I was ready and able to leave even earlier, I probably would - I.e. A 1:20 flight means leaving WDW around 10:20, which is not enough time to sneak into a park anyway, so I'd get up, pack, have a nice breakfast and be on my way without hanging around.

 

[Lynzer4]

In February it was bad so summer I predict will be worse. i am TSA pre checked so I went through that line but my co worker wasn't and I waited 35 minutes for her. The only time I've seen MCO with no line was when I got in at like 10pm.

Good luck! I leave in 19 days and I'm glad I'm pre checked and that my cousin traveling with me can go with me thru precheck.

 

[ZoZo]

With all of the problems and the recent news stories the last few days, I'd say three hours minimum. I heard that something like 7,000 people missed their flights the last week or so due to TSA delay. Just to be safe, I'd go for 3.5 or 4 hours. If you are lucky and get through the lines quickly, you'll he enough time for a nice sit-down meal.

 

[Accident]

I've seen local orlando news say 4 hours might be the guidelines in the near future. tsa is just understaffed, even american airlines started a campaign urging people to put photos of wait times on social media.. tsa also put somethign out that they are ramping up recruiting and training to get more people in busier airports.

i really don't know what is safe but I am thinking arriving 3 hours early (meaning leaving wdw 3.5-4 hours early might be the safe time frame.. Perhaps the dis could chime in (or add it to their news next week).. They fly out of orlando a lot and I'd like to hear what they think...

 

[JonUK]

Personally speaking, whenever I fly out of the US including Orlando, I arrive at the terminal 2 hours before and I've never ever had a problem. If you are a slow walker, want to look at the stores, eat something or whatever then allow longer. That's just my own experience.

 

[maxiesmom]

Personally speaking, whenever I fly out of the US including Orlando, I arrive at the terminal 2 hours before and I've never ever had a problem. If you are a slow walker, want to look at the stores, eat something or whatever then allow longer. That's just my own experience.

Me too. And the reason I no longer use DME back to the airport is that the last few times it got me to the airport an hour before my flight. The bus may pick you up 3 hours ahead, but it could then make many stops at other resorts before heading to MCO. The last time I used DME we spent over an hour driving around before heading to the airport. I was getting very stressed!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We fly in and out of MCO multiple times a year and our car picks us up 2 hours prior to our flight. We have NEVER missed a flight. That being said, we also never check luggage and have our boarding passes printed prior to leaving for the airport, so we walk in and go straight to security. It has never taken us more than 30 minutes to get through security and we've even gone during Christmas week. We will be flying out of MCO next Sunday and our car is picking us up 2 hours and 15 minutes before. I'm not concerned at all.

 

[maxiesmom]

We fly in and out of MCO multiple times a year and our car picks us up 2 hours prior to our flight. We have NEVER missed a flight. That being said, we also never check luggage and have our boarding passes printed prior to leaving for the airport, so we walk in and go straight to security. It has never taken us more than 30 minutes to get through security and we've even gone during Christmas week. We will be flying out of MCO next Sunday and our car is picking us up 2 hours and 15 minutes before. I'm not concerned at all.

You are very lucky then. It even states on the airport's web site they recommend arriving 2 hours before domestic flights. I've been thru some nightmare security lines at MCO, one trip where they only had 2 scanners open. No way could I do what you do, I would be a wreck!

 

[perkinsrose]

We find MCO security a mess compared to other major hubs. We take Magical Express so arrive 3 hours before flight but often go through security first and eat at gate.

 

[ratherbtruckin]

To the person who is picked up 2 hours before their flight, congratulations, you have been lucky. DW and I were dropped off exactly 2 hr. 5 minutes before our flight and barely made it through security. The plane was 1/2 boarded as we rushed to the gate. DW barely had time to use the bathroom quickly before we boarded. BTW, we had carry-on only and knew exactly where to go as we walked in the door so there was no delay on our part at all. Security was an absolute hot mess and it looked like 5,000 people were waiting when we first walked in. The flight was for 2:45 PM. I will always arrive at this particular airport at least 2.5 or 3 hrs. before my flight from now on. I can always grab a bite to eat at any of the many restaurants after you are through security and have taken the monorail over to the gate area.

 

[CF'er]

In the past MCO has been hit and miss. I have had a 30 min wait and I have practically walked straight through. With the new TSA stuff going on all bets are off. If I were flying at this time I would try to get to the airport about 3 hours before my flight. I would rather be waiting at the gate than trying to run to my flight or miss it altogether.

 

[JimmyV]

We use the magical express which picks us up about 3 hours before our flight. PLENTY of time. We usually get there, eat and take our time and then go through security and wait at the gate for another 30 minutes or so

We fly in and out of MCO multiple times a year and our car picks us up 2 hours prior to our flight. We have NEVER missed a flight.

Personally speaking, whenever I fly out of the US including Orlando, I arrive at the terminal 2 hours before and I've never ever had a problem.

I think these are "that was then" experiences. Based on news reports over the past week or so, It's A Whole New World now. (Hey! That would be a catchy title for a song.)

 

[hamilkm]

When we were there over spring break we waited for 45 minutes in the TSA line. I am planning on being there 3 hours early my next trip.

 

[Laz]

On a few occasions, I have been forced to get to airports over 3 hours early, only to be told that they would not check the luggage in until 3 hours before. Does MCO have this policy?

 

[msb578]

I know people generally say that DME gives you adequate time, but that's under ideal circumstances.

One time we were too early to use RAC (by a few minutes- 4:50 am). We had infant twins, so we were lugging all of their stuff. We got to MCO assuming we could check-in curbside. Nope. Talked to a porter about hauling our stuff- didn't understand how much $ he expected to receive (this was naive on my part- didn't know it's for tips only). Found a cart to use- paid by credit card. Waited in line to check in. Waited in the long security line.

We had to seriously hustle to get on that plane. It was too close.