Passenger pick up & drop off at MCO

[dorisdvu]

How is it at MCO to pick up and drop off passengers? I know since 9-11 a lot of airports do not allow this.

Also is there someplace near MCO where someone could park and wait until passengers were ready to be picked up? I was thinking of calling the people that are picking us up after we retrieved our luggage and have them pick us up so there would be no waiting for them at the passenger pick up.

 

[mcnuss]

How is it at MCO to pick up and drop off passengers? I know since 9-11 a lot of airports do not allow this.

You can still pick up/drop off at airports, you just can't hover around waiting for someone. They strictly enforce the "no standing" regulations now. At MCO, unless it's a really busy day, it's no problem at all. I usually go get our rental car while DH deals with the luggage, then he calls me on the cell phone and I swing around to pick him up.

I was thinking of calling the people that are picking us up after we retrieved our luggage and have them pick us up so there would be no waiting for them at the passenger pick up.

They could just park in the garage, it's only a dollar or 2 for the first hour. Or they could pull over by the long-term lots, I've seen cars over there waiting.

 

[ktglads]

We just time it with cell phones. If you call when you arrive at the luggage carousel, it should take about 20 minutes to get all your luggage. If they leave WDW at that time, you would only have to wait a very short while (like 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic) for them. You can park in the ramp as well and wait for them on the other side of the metal detectors inside the airport. I honestly have not been to side A ever, but the side B ramp is the same place that the rental agencies store their cars. There is a walkway back to the terminal from here. I believe that you have to pay to use the lot. http://www.orlandoairports.net:/goaa/ops/parking.htm

This link should help you with maps, etc on to where to go and park.

 

[BCV23]

I've picked up/dropped off husband, son, DS 's girlfriend a number of times. I pick up and drop off at departures but as noted they will not be able to park and wait at the curb. I agree about calling them on a cell phone once you've landed. By the time you take a shuttle and get luggage it can be 20-30 minutes. 10-15 if no checked luggage.

If I arrive at the airport too early, I just circle. Have done this on both A & B sides...just have to pay attention to the signs.

 

[BCV23]

I should have explained better but was in a hurry to pick up at school!

Anyway, if you do have checked luggage, it is easier to be picked up at arrivals at MCO. I pick up arriving family at departure only if they didn't check anything.

Now ORD can be a different story.

 

[FBZ]

Ok go slow I will be picking up from Southwest Gates 100-129 on June 20 Sunday around 0900 am. I will be leaving from WDW area. What's the best way to get there?? How long?? What is the best plan Where in the airport can I meet them? Would like to meet ASAP near the gate. Please be as detailed as possible. Thanks for all your help/advice.

 

[BCV23]

I'm not sure what you mean by near the gate? You will not be able to get near the gate itself...you can't pass security in the hub of the airport since you aren't boarding a flight.

If they will have checked luggage, I think the easiest thing is to have them call you once they're off their flight. You can leave WDW and by the time they take the shuttle and gather their bags, you should be close. Just pull up to arrivals on the SWA side...I think it's A, but it's well marked more than once.

If they are not checking bags, I would pick them up at departures. They just walk straight out of the terminal without changing floors. It will probably still take 10-20 minutes to deplane and take the shuttle thingie. You can call SWA # to check on arrival time (800-435-9792) or have them call you when they can turn on a cell phone but haven't deplaned.

For the best route, I think most everyone prefers 417. There's a related thread really close to this one about that.
It was started by bjakmom. I really need to learn how to do links!