Returning flight at MCO

[biggroofy]

Learned a lot about Pearson Airport. How about MCO, did any Canadian encounter any troubles? What are the procedures? Can you drop off baggages at check-in counter, or you still have to bring it somewhere.

I guess ME will drop you off to airport 2 hours prior boarding, is that enough? Since I am driving to MCO (need to return the car at National Car), wondering if 3 hour prior is good enough for check-in?

Since we are having a late evening flight (23:00) back to Toronto, I plan to have dinner at MCO. I read that Canadians clear customs at Pearson, would that make our life easier at MCO?

Shall we have dinner in the departure level, or inside the gate (after going thru security)?

 

[Scratch42]

Learned a lot about Pearson Airport. How about MCO, did any Canadian encounter any troubles? What are the procedures? Can you drop off baggages at check-in counter, or you still have to bring it somewhere.

I guess ME will drop you off to airport 2 hours prior boarding, is that enough? Since I am driving to MCO (need to return the car at National Car), wondering if 3 hour prior is good enough for check-in?

Since we are having a late evening flight (23:00) back to Toronto, I plan to have dinner at MCO. I read that Canadians clear customs at Pearson, would that make our life easier at MCO?

Shall we have dinner in the departure level, or inside the gate (after going thru security)?

Are you leaving on the 19th, then we'll see you there!

You will apparently be taking ME three + hours prior to your departure time.

Since it is Air Canada, you will bring your luggage into the terminal, they will weigh it, make you rearrange if you are over 50lbs or pay. You will then lug it over to the Security area a few feet over. There they will take your luggage off your hands. It's better to eat at the Food Court in the Terminal. But sometimes, if time does not allow, we take out and then bring it on the plane. Inside there is only hot dogs and the like. I think there is a Burger King but not 100% sure.

Check the security lines before deciding what to do about dinner. If they are long better to take with you. Remember the less you have on the less to take off. Slip on shoes, No jewelry, belts etc. Once you pass security it's just a matter of waiting.

On the plane you will get your Customs Form to fill out. Once you leave the plane it's a long trek to Customs! One good thing, usually your luggage is starting to show up by this time. Not always! Have a fun trip!

janet

 

[mbb]

just a few more tips..

Returning your rental car is a breeze. If you're flying AC, then you'll check in with United, which is in Terminal B - so don't panic when you don't, at first, see a sign saying which terminal for AC..it's on a later one...once you hit the airport proper, stay in the left lane, the turn off for the rental car returns is a funny, quirky, fast turn off to the left....and then you're into the garage. If you miss it, no worries, a 5 minute drive around the airport will take you right back.

(Picture MCO teminals, and the road around it as an oval...you could drive around and around all day )

Like everywhere traffic moves fast, and people will switch lanes in a panic. Just be careful

At check in, the line-up for AC doesn't move that fast - there are usually only a couple of agents, so the earlier you're there, the better.

I think next trip, we're going to try Tampa or Sanford!! LOL!

HTH!

 

[biggroofy]

Thanks for the suggestions. Actually we are taking Air Transat (a charter flight), not Air Canada. The check-in counters are located in MCO Terminal A.

Wondering if I should unload my passengers + strollers + luggages first, then go to return car at National, or vice versa.

Flight departs at 23:00 - plan to get there by 18:30. It takes time for us to eat dinner (I guess 4+ hour should be sufficient to enjoy the meal in food court before security?) with DD2.

 

[mbb]

Thanks for the suggestions. Actually we are taking Air Transat (a charter flight), not Air Canada. The check-in counters are located in MCO Terminal A.

Wondering if I should unload my passengers + strollers + luggages first, then go to return car at National, or vice versa.

Flight departs at 23:00 - plan to get there by 18:30. It takes time for us to eat dinner (I guess 4+ hour should be sufficient to enjoy the meal in food court before security?) with DD2.

It's easier for us just for everyone to go to the garage...grab a luggage-lugger ($3.00) and off you go, across the street, and into the terminal..up the escalator, and down to your check in counter

HTH!

 

[biggroofy]

once you hit the airport proper, stay in the left lane, the turn off for the rental car returns is a funny, quirky, fast turn off to the left....and then you're into the garage. If you miss it, no worries, a 5 minute drive around the airport will take you right back.

Hi mbb, we are back! Just to give a BIG THANKS to you!

We took 528 from Florida Mall, after we are in the airport area, DW saw "Rental Car return keep right". I told her that I clearly remember you said I should stay on left lane and keep watching out, so I saw that "Fast turn off" as you mentioned

Really impressed about the efficiency of the car rental return in Orlando. In Canada, companies examine every tiny aspects before releasing the receipt to you. The National guy just check the gas tank and then print the receipt to me right away!