MCO is crazy? How early to arrive for return flight?

[Harambe]

Friends of ours just got back from an October trip to WDW. They said that MCO was a madhouse at check-in and security. I have Tiffany Towncars picking us up at AKL at 4pm for a 6pm flight. Does that seem like enough time to check in? We'll only have carry-ons, and I guess I'll have to use the kiosk at MCO for the boarding passes (never did this before - nervous!).

Should I ask for an earlier pick-up? Hate to do that as we want to squeeze as much out of the parks as we can!

Anyone else experience "extra" chaos at MCO?

 

[RickinNYC]

We just got back from an October trip and Tiffany picked us up at the Boardwalk on a Saturday at 1pm for a 3:15pm flight out of MCO. We got there with no problem, and yes, the security check point was pretty crazed but man oh man, did it move fast! We were checked in through the self check kiosks, our baggage was taken and we were cleared through security in such a short time, we still had way more than an hour to spare before they began boarding.

I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

[safetymom]

It all depends on the day and the time you will need to fly out. We returned last Wed. and there wasn't any lines at security. If you are leaving on a Sat. or Sun. I would allow extra time. I would rather be sitting at the gate then rushing to get there.

 

[goofy4tink]

We flew out of MCO on Sat., Aug. 23. We had a 4:25 Song flight into Logan. We were picked up by TT at 2:00. We got there so early that we had time to eat lunch before going through security. I was really surprised at how fast and uncrowded it was. Maybe that was because we were there so early. Can't really say. Hopefully it will not be too crazy on the 16th of Dec when we fly home from our next trip!!
BTW.....I found the kiosks pretty easy to use. We had bags to check and it was still quick. Will have only carry-on this trip and will be printing out boarding passes before we leave from home but that isn't possible from WDW, so will be using the kiosks then.

 

[Harambe]

We'll be leaving for home on a Wednesday in Jan. so I'm hoping we'll be okay. Our friends flew over the Columbus Day weekend, with the Fairytale Package going on, which probably caused the mess.

Goofy4tink - I read that you can possibly use a computer at your resort to go on-line. I may give AKL a call to see if this is available. I can then print out my boarding passes for the return flight. Check your hotel for internet access! If not, then we'll have to use the kiosk.

 

[DebbieB]

I came home from a business trip last Tuesday. My flight wasn't until 7:15 but we were done early and arrived at the airport about 1:00pm. There was no line at the USAir counter, I was able to get a seat for the 2:40 flight. There were only 2 or 3 groups ahead of me at security. I guess it depends on the airline and day of the week & time. I've heard Saturday & Sunday mornings are bad due to people coming off cruises.

 

[soccer mom]

I think you should be fine and don't worry about the boarding passes, it works great!

Just be careful if you get there too early. We did last year and sat in front of the Disney store killing time and ended up spending another $200.00!!!! (dangerous places those Disney stores! LOL)

 

[seashoreCM]

(Rental car or limo) I am still recommending leaving WDW 2-1/2 hours before flight time so you get to the airport 2 hours before flight time. Note that some airlines won't check you in when it gets to 31 minutes before flight time.

Consider delaying lunch until you get to the airport. This reduces the anxiety, if you run late, you can grab a simpler fast food lunch and bring it on the plane.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

Mears often picks up 4 hours before flight time because often the next shuttle after that floating around the vicinity of your resort will get to the airport too late for you.

 

[hercamore]

Pickup at 4 p.m. for a 6 p.m. flight time would make me nervous.

Traffic at that time of day is bad in Orlando. What if the towncar is a little late?

Remember, most planes start boarding 30 min before flight time.

herc.

 

[CarolA]

My standard is to leave the Disney area 1.5 hours before the flight. I have to return the rental car and have NEVER even had to worry about missing my flight. If you are worried about traffic have the driver take the Greenway. (that thing has the least traffic).