Procedure at MCO

[Young Pooh]

It's been about 4 years since we flew into MCO (before DD was born) so I cannot remember what the routine is.

We are flying VA. From what I remember you get off the plane, walk to Immigration, collect your luggage, walk a bit further, leave your luggage, get the monorail to the main terminal, walk a bit more, recollect your luggage and then make your way to the hire car desk/pick up point. Is this right?

How far is the initial walk from the plane to immigration and then luggage collection? DD will be nearly 3 when we travel but, due to a medical problem, she has only just started to walk and does find it difficult. It will probably mean that we have to carry her all the way.

It would be ideal if we could get her stroller as soon as we get off the plane, but from past experience, this never happens and it is always with the rest of the luggage. She has a Quinny Zapp (smallest folding buggy with its own bag) but on checking the VA website, even this is too big for their cabin baggage.

 

[UKDEB]

As long as the plane is alloted its usual gate, it's not too far a walk to the immigration hall and the first baggage reclaim is literally the other side of the immigration desks. As your daughter has a medical condition, you might be able to arrange for her pushchair to be waiting as you disembark. I'm sure I've seen people handing their buggies in at the door as they board.

 

[jowan]

We travelled with our 21 month old son in jan with virgin to mco, you can keep the stroller until boarding at the gate and it did come through with the rest of the bags but I also think it would be worth a try and explain your circumstances to va.

 

[wayneg]

Have you booked flight only? if you have and booked Dollar car hire independantly then register online for their Express scheme, saved us about 1 hour at Easter. Other car rantal companies have similar schemes.
If you have booked Virgin Package then they have their own desks so not as bad.

 

[Goofyish]

The process is pretty much as you describe.

Plane to imigration is not that far and the baggage reclaim is just the other side of the imigration desks.
You then take you bags through to the drop off point - you may get picked out to put your bags through another security check.
After dropping your bags off there is a another short walk to the security check point, where you pass your cabin bags, shoes etc. through x-ray machines while you walk through the metal detectors.
Once through security you walk across the hub (there are shops and places to eat here) to the monorail.
Take the monorail to the main terminal building and head for the second baggage reclaim (downstairs on your left).

 

[wayneg]

Once through security you walk across the hub (there are shops and places to eat here) to the monorail.
Take the monorail to the main terminal building and head for the second baggage reclaim (downstairs on your left).

Last twice we have been(Xmas and Easter) This security has not been manned. You then cannot stop in this hub they have barriers across to stop you going anywhere but to the monorail.

 

[UKDEB]

Tim obviously gets special treatment ( ), but the rest of us mortals have to clear Customs after the first baggage claim. Usually, that's just a case of handing in your white Customs declaration form and being waved through.

 

[AliceGardner]

Hi Sue

Since buggies tend to be delievered to the baggage hall, have you considered requesting some "special assistance" (http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/passengerinformation/passengermobility/index.jsp) for your DD?

The walk to immigration is not huge, but may be more than you want her to do and it may or may not be practical for someone in your party to pick her up and carry her.

I don't know, "special assistance" may be overkill, but might be worth thinking about and talking to Virgin about.

Alice

 

[Goofyish]

Tim obviously gets special treatment ( ), but the rest of us mortals have to clear Customs after the first baggage claim. Usually, that's just a case of handing in your white Customs declaration form and being waved through.

Forgot about that bit - that was where they were randomly selecting folks to have their cases x-rayed.

There were also sniffer dogs in the first baggage reclaim looking for hidden food etc.

 

[Young Pooh]

Thanks for your help.

I have called VA Special Assistance and explained our situation. They have made a note on the booking about DD's condition. When I told him that the Quinny in it's bag is slightly larger than their allowance he suggested that we folded it up before going through the final desk at the gate and carrying it on as a normal piece of luggage. He says that it is unlikely that we will be stopped but if we are, explain our situation and they may let us keep it anyway.

 

[Netty]

Thanks for your help.

I have called VA Special Assistance and explained our situation. They have made a note on the booking about DD's condition. When I told him that the Quinny in it's bag is slightly larger than their allowance he suggested that we folded it up before going through the final desk at the gate and carrying it on as a normal piece of luggage. He says that it is unlikely that we will be stopped but if we are, explain our situation and they may let us keep it anyway.

Brilliant news, I bet thats put your mind at rest.

 

[AliceGardner]

Hope that everything runs very smoothly for you

Best Wishes,
Alice