Orlando Sanford Intl Airport (SFB) Flights & Information

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is Orlando’s second airport, primarily serving domestic flights. The site was formerly a US Naval Air Station, which shut down in 1968. Despite serving some international charter airlines and holiday carriers, the airport mainly serves domestic flights.

Airlines serving Orlando Sanford International Airport

SFB is Allegiant Air’s central Florida base and busiest hub. The airline offers flights to many US destinations at this airport.

Sun Country Airlines offers seasonal and charter flights to SFB. They both offer affordable flights.

A note about what to expect when traveling on Allegiant

Allegiant is an ultra-low-cost carrier based in Las Vegas, Nevada. It provides inexpensive flight service between underserved cities. As an ultra-low-cost airline, you can expect to pay extra for everything but the right to board. Overall, the airline’s service is fair to good.

It operates a fleet of Airbus A319s and A320s, all arranged in a one-class 3-3 configuration. Seat width varies between 16.5” on narrower seats at the back and 17.9” through most of the cabin. Seats are set 30” apart, with additional legroom available on front-row and exit-row seats.

MCO vs SFB vs MLB: Which Orlando airport is nearer to your destination?

Three airports operate under the Orlando name, though only one is in the city: Orlando International Airport (MCO). MCO is closer to many popular tourist attractions, including Disney World. It is the most convenient gateway if you plan to visit the city of Orlando or any of the amusement parks.

Orlando Sanford Airport is 20 miles north of Orlando International Airport (MCO) near Sanford, Florida. Some international carriers that operated out of SFB have switched to MCO to bring passengers closer to popular attractions. However, SFB still handles international flights through charters. It also relieves domestic traffic from the larger airport and serves as a business and general aviation airport for private aircraft operators.

Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB) is near the coast, 64 miles southeast of MCO. It is a convenient gateway to Cape Canaveral, where NASA launches rockets and Patrick Space Force Base. It’s also close to Port Canaveral, where cruises operate, and Cocoa Beach (one of my favorite beaches in Florida). However, if your international flight lands at MCO, you can reach these destinations in about as much time thanks to the Beach Line expressway (528). I’ve often opted for this straight and quick drive between the Cape and Orlando. There are also dedicated shuttles from MCO and MLB to Port Canaveral if you plan a cruise.

So why pick SFB?

While it’s anywhere from 45-60 minutes away from the attractions in Orlando proper, SFB is an excellent option for business meetings or when visiting friends and family in the Orlando north suburbs. You can avoid the crowds at MCO. Serving under 3 million passengers a year (compared to MCO’s over 50 million), navigating SFB can be a breeze. You can also get to New Smyrna Beach or Daytona Beach from SFB in under an hour.

The airport has two connected terminals, A and B. With the right timing, you could get from the curb to your gate in twenty minutes. Orlando Sanford Airport is least busy early in the morning on most days of the week and throughout the day on Tuesdays. The airport advises travelers to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three and a half hours before an international flight, but I recommend following the airline’s advice on check-in time.

Arrivals at Orlando Sanford International Airport

The airport has sixteen gates spread out through the two terminals. Arrivals at Orlando Sanford Airport are relatively quick. It’s a short walk to the escalators and elevators, leading to the baggage claim and arrivals area on the lower level.

US Customs and Border Protection at SFB

Though you will not need to go through US Customs and Border Protection at SFB when arriving on a domestic flight, the airport also serves as a USCBP official “Landing Rights Airport.” You must clear immigration if arriving on an international charter or private flight.

Baggage claim

The baggage claim area is on the ground floor. There are three luggage carousels at each terminal on either side of the USCBP facility. If you’re flying with Allegiant, you’ll claim your bags in Terminal B’s baggage claim area. Other facilities nearby include an information desk, ATM, and a Hudson News shop selling books, magazines and travel essentials. There is also a bar and a coffee shop.

What to do near Orlando Sanford Airport

I suggest visiting Sanford. It is a pleasant old Florida town that has preserved its charming buildings while keeping up with the times. You’ll find plenty of activities in its parks and many downtown shops and restaurants. Two large lakes and natural wildlife reserves near Sanford and the St. John’s River make it a great boating and fishing spot.

Transportation

I recommend renting a car when traveling to Florida for more than an overnight visit. Everything is a fair distance away, and public transport options are limited. Walking long distances in Florida without some preparation is not a good idea, as the damp heat can be oppressive.

Sanford Airport has car rental offices at a welcome center across the terminal drop-off road. Hertz, AVIS, Budget, and Dollar are there. A pathway next to the welcome center leads to the Alamo, Enterprise, and National rental office. Immediately across from terminal B is a taxi, shuttle, Uber and Lyft pick-up location. Public buses do not operate at the airport.

Hotels near Orlando Sanford Airport

Several hotels near the airport suit a range of budgets. Popular chains include Best Western, Budget Inn, Comfort Inn, Extended Stay America and La Quinta, which are close to the airport, and a Hilton Garden Inn in nearby Lake Mary. The Comfort Inn and Suites and the Hilton offer shuttle service at the airport.

Parking at SFB

If you are driving to SFB airport or if someone will come to pick you up, you will find several parking options available. There is a parking garage directly across from Terminal B, which is the priciest long-term parking option. Greeters should park in the hourly parking by terminal A, where the first fifteen minutes are free. If you get to the airport too soon, there is also a remote “cell phone lot” near the entrance on Red Cleaveland Boulevard, where you can park for free and wait.

A pathway connects two long-term parking lots at the airport. For the second-most cost-effective option, try the lot on the Terminal B side of the airport, by the Alamo, Enterprise and National car rental facilities. As you approach Terminal A on Red Cleaveland Boulevard, you can access an economy lot, your cheapest long-term parking option.

Departures at Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB)

There are airline check-in desks on Terminal B’s ground level, and curbside check-in is available outside the terminal. All flight check-ins are there, no matter what terminal your flight operates from. The NAS commemorative display includes a US Navy PV-1 Ventura hanging overhead if you have some free time before your flight. An RA-5 Vigilante is on display at the airport entrance.

Getting through security at Orlando Sanford Airport

The TSA security lanes are on the airport’s upper level, accessible through escalators and elevators. Clearing security at Sanford is usually a quick process. A TSA PreCheck lane is available for qualifying travelers.

Pet relief areas at SFB

Please be aware there are no pet relief areas inside the terminal for service or emotional support animals. There are pet relief areas outside SFB terminals, one near curbside check-in by Terminal B’s walkway to the parking garage and another near Terminal A baggage claim.

Lactation pods at Orlando Sanford Airport

You’ll find several mamava lactation pods at SFB airport. Terminal B offers two on the ground level near baggage claim and another past security between the restaurants and lavatories. Terminal A offers a lactation pod near the lavatories and the Discover Orlando Sanford shop.

Shopping at SFB

SFB has a few shops to buy last-minute gifts and travel essentials. Specialty shops carry gifts for children and adults alike. Terminal B has a Hudson News store outside security and two others near the gates, one at each terminal. A World Duty-Free shop is located in Terminal A.

Food and drinks at Orlando Sanford Airport

The airport also has several cafes, bars, and food outlets. You must pay for food and beverages on Allegiant, so I recommend stopping by Zaza in Terminal B for some quality Cuban takeaway. Try a traditional Cuban sandwich. You can bring a box of guava and cheese flaky pastries on the plane for a sweet treat. If you’d rather have a savory snack, try the croquettes, empanadas or plantain tostones. The airport is expanding its restaurant and retail offering in Terminal A.

Getting connected at Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB)

Orlando Sanford Airport offers free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, which you can connect to through “SFB-Public.”