Pickup at MCO

[FBZ]

Need detailed instructions on picking up (curb-side) arriving passengers from SouthWest Air on a SAT in June @9pm. I know I will not be able to park and might have to circle the airport. I have never driven to MCO, so please be as detailed as possible. The plan is to have them call once the land. Is there somewhere I can pull over and wait for their call?? Looking at MCO map they will arrive @ gates 100-129 and bagage pickup in on level 2. They will only have carry-on. Looks like there is an A and B side. Which one is for SW?? I have read there are signs. What should I be looking for?? Thanks for your help

 

[prncess674]

Do you have a cell phone? You will not be able to wait curb-side for them. Call the airlines before leaving your hotel to verify that the flight is on time. The airport is well marked. There are signs everywhere.

 

[FBZ]

Yes I have a cell phone. Can anyone answer which side A or B for SouthWest Air?? Do the airport signs let me know which is the A or B side?? How about somewhere to pull over and wait for cell call?? Any and all help is welcome.
Thanks

 

[MHopkins2]

Assuming they're planning to call you from their cell phone, beware that not all services work well in the airport. My aunt had that plan one time, and my poor uncle wound up circling for an hour, waiting for her to call - he just figured they got stuck at a slow baggage carrousel or something. (Of course, if she weren't so silly, she would have thought to use a pay phone way sooner - but then, her silliness is part of her charm. )

 

[prncess674]

If your timing is right you shouldn't need to pull over anywhere and wait for a call.

Example Scenario:
Estimated Time Arrival from flight schedule 2PM

About 1PM I would call the airline and verify that the flight left on time and is expected in on time. Wait about 15 min ,If it is still on time leave your hotel and drive. It takes about 30 minutes to drive but assuming you have to get to the car, get out of WDW you are looking at about 45 min, get in the car and get to the airport. You should only have to "circle" the airport once or twice looking for them if they have no luggage checked. Let them know before leaving what type/color of rental car you will be driving. Find out what color they will be wearing. You will be able to stop the car and let them in but you can't park at the curb without them shooing you along. Cell phones are great for saying "I am approaching the terminal now"

 

[OKW Lover]

You can expect it to take 30 minutes for you to get from a WDW hotel to MCO. Know what time your party's flight is arriving and check to verify that it is on time before you leave for the airport. Southwest has a 800 number you can call to check.

You won't be able to wait at the airport -- security will make you move along. So expect to either make several loops around the airport, or to park in the paid parking lot.

Southwest is on the "A" side of the airport. But don't worry about that -- its very well marked. As you actually drive through the airport, Southwest's baggage claim is at the far end of that side.

From WDW, I usually take the 417 "Green Way" route (two $1 tolls each way). There won't be any traffic to worry about.

 

[Epscot]

Originally posted by FBZ
Yes I have a cell phone. Can anyone answer which side A or B for SouthWest Air?? Do the airport signs let me know which is the A or B side?? How about somewhere to pull over and wait for cell call?? Any and all help is welcome.
Thanks.

Don't know about a place to wait, but the Orlando Airport website says that SWA is on the A side terminal. The airport signs are color-coded ORANGE for A side and GREEN for B side. The signs are abundant and well-placed. You should not have a problem finding where you want to be.

Check out the airport website for more info:

Orlando Airport website

 

[FBZ]

Lets see if I got it Tell passenger to go to bagage claim on Level 2 and exit. I am to go to ORANGE side A far end to pick them up. Let them know to look for our van (we are driving and they know the van). Lets say the flight is on time when I call 1 hour before hand and gets to the gate @ 9pm as scheduled. How long should it take (figure in bathroom break) to get to bagage claim exit
Thanks for all your help

 

[prncess674]

Plan on 15 minutes from wheels down to the point of standing on the curb waiting.