Picking up incoming passenger at MCO

[judykay53]

We have to pick up a couple flying in from California via Southwest on Tuesday before Thanksgiving. They are scheduled to arrive around 4. They have a layover in Phoenix and I really doubt they will be on time. Need suggestions/instructions on picking them up. We should be at MGM at that time and will probably send one of our party to pick them up. We are staying at a pool home not on property. I know it would probably be easier for them to just get a towncar or something but I am not in the posiition to insist on that. Any help will be appreciated.

 

[safetymom]

They are supposed to open a cell phone lot at MCO.

http://www.orlandoairports.net/goaa/main.htm#

There is a link on the main page and a map showing where the lot is. If your couple has a cell phone they could call when they get their luggage and you could drive from the lot to pick them up.

Otherwise I suggest meeting them in baggage claim. Park in the garage and walk over to the terminal.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Or (especially if that lot's not open yet) they could call you when the plane lands. By the time they get their luggage, whoever's picking them up should be nearing the airport. Driver may have to circle around a time or two (or three)

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Why do you doubt it will be on time? Southwest has a very good on time rating.

I'm assuming you're talking about flight 2197. Here is some arrival data from flightaware.com...
Nov 3 - 3:16
Nov 4 - 3:12
Nov 5 - 3:20
Nov 6 - 3:58
Nov 7 - 3:58
Nov 8 - 3:40
Nov 9 - 3:30

 

[judykay53]

WOW, did not know you could check them like that. Yes, that is the flight.
I guess when I think about it taking so long to get from point A to point B, not considering the two or three time changes they have to go through, then surely there will be a delay somewhere! No, I love SW. I have flown twice in the last year and have arrived early both times and we drive over 4 hours to Nashville to fly SW. Thanks Tyler- I know "You're The Man" when it comes to transportation.

 

[debster812]

According to This Link The Cell Phone Lot opens tomorrow (November 10th).

I did see signs for it while taking Magical Express to and from MCO last weekend (11.2.06 and 11.6.06)

So the Cell Phone lot may be another viable option. My parents use the Cell Phone lot at RSW (Ft Myers) all the time, and it's REALLY convenient.

 

[PatMcDuck]

In Aug I had to pick up my 20 yr old at MCO, he arrived 3 days after the rest of us. It was VERY easy. They have 2 lanes to the right , out of the 4 lanes, for picking up/standing cars.

Compared to picking up at JFK, LGA, or Newark, it was a BREEZE.

 

[manning]

Use this sight to check flight status.

If you want to play with it now (at time this was posted) check out united airline flt 2 it is now approaching the west coast from hawaii.

 

[judykay53]

Use this sight to check flight status.

If you want to play with it now (at time this was posted) check out united airline flt 2 it is now approaching the west coast from hawaii.

Website?

 

[seashoreCM]

Caution: Many pylons look alike. Be sure you and the party you are meeting have agreed which pylon to meet in front of.

Also be aware that there are car sections, bus sections, taxi sections, etc. along the curb. You may be shooed away from the bus section or taxi section even if your party is standing in front of a pylon there.

Can you find out whether a plane has lifted off by calling on the phone? Once the plane is in the air it is easier to predict when it will arrive. Meanwhile if your party is standing by or tends to volunteer for bumps, it may be better not to head for the airport until they telephone saying they have boarded, which opportunity might be delayed until landing.

 

[judykay53]

We plan on checking on the status of the flight.

Thanks for everyone's help. I will print this off and take it with us.