Orlando Airport (MCO) Flights & Information

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a massive airport fitting of the international gateway to the world’s busiest and biggest theme parks. Navigating MCO almost feels like its own ride as the airport can entail adventures in trains, people movers, long lines (with electronic signs indicating wait times), and extensive pedestrian connectors over a campus that spans multiple square miles.

Understanding MCO’s terminals

The airport has three lettered terminals, which are A, B, and C. Terminal C, the newest and by far the best one, is in its own separate, high-design structure of steel and glass. It’s a true state-of-the-art facility and the core of the South Terminal Complex, which eventually will have a second new international terminal, Terminal D.

About a mile away are a series of rather rundown buildings and concourses comprising Terminals A and B. These two terminals are connected and known as the North Terminal Complex.

Orlando’s new Terminal C

Flying in and out of Terminal C at Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a pleasure. The terminal, which opened in September 2022, serves JetBlue and a dozen international carriers, such as Emirates and IcelandAir, but no other U.S.-based airlines operate from here.

Terminal C stands out as a multi-story architectural marvel, with a nearly all-glass design that brings in ample natural light. Unusually, the baggage claim is located on the sixth and top floor. Even passengers arriving on international flights collect their luggage on this floor before passing through immigration.

Departures are on the second floor, which has 15 gates numbered from C230 to C245. A connector to Terminals A and B can be accessed via level four. Resort transportation is available on the first floor, while rideshare services pick up and drop off on level six. Although this might seem confusing, ample signage guides passengers to the correct glass elevator or escalator.

Having traveled through many airports worldwide, I'm often disappointed by the state of major U.S. airports, but Terminal C at MCO is an exception—offering one of the best airport experiences in America.

Terminals A and B

On the other hand, navigating Terminals A and B at MCO’s North Terminal Complex is more challenging. Terminal A occupies the northern half and Terminal B the southern half of the complex. However, gates for each terminal are not fully connected airside.

Two security checkpoints serve different gate clusters: one provides access to Terminal A Gates 1-29 and Terminal B Gates 30-59, while the other serves Terminal B Gates 70-99 and Terminal A Gates 100-129. After clearing security, each cluster of gates requires its own terminal link train.

It might sound complicated—and it is! My advice for navigating Terminals A and B: use the terminal letter to locate your check-in area and pay attention to your gate number to enter the correct security checkpoint.

Connections requiring a change of terminals

MCO primarily serves as a final destination rather than a major connecting hub. However, for domestic connections, your next flight will usually depart from a nearby gate within the same cluster, as airlines and alliances occupy adjacent gates.

If you have a bundled ticket combining a domestic flight into Terminals A or B and an international flight from Terminal C, plan for extra time. You’ll need to take a metro mover to the North Terminal Complex, collect your bags, follow signs for the Terminal Link train to Terminal C, then check in, drop bags, and go through security again.

Navigating security lines at MCO

Something I truly appreciate about Orlando airport’s website, app, and detailed airport signage is that they post security wait times in real time for each of the three security checkpoints: Gates 1-59 in Terminals A/B; Gates 70-129 in Terminal A/B; and Gates C230-C245 in Terminal C. What I don’t like is how long those wait times can be!

After waiting in so many theme park lines, the last thing I want to do is wait in an airport line. So MCO is a great place to use my TSA PreCheck or CLEAR membership. My strategy is to enter whichever line looks shorter.

For friends and family who don’t have either trusted traveler program, I always suggest pre-reserving a place in line through MCO Reserve, a free service operated by Clear. Through MCO Reserve, you can reserve an available time slot to pass through security and enter in dedicated lanes. You can book time slots up to a week in advance at any of MCO’s security checkpoints.

Getting between the airport and theme parks and Orlando proper

Orlando is so big and spread out that most feel the need to rent a car upon arrival. In fact, Orlando is officially the largest rental car market in the world! Yet as a Floridian and someone who has frequented Orlando his entire life, upon arrival I advise skipping the rental car and jumping in a rideshare.

Walt Disney World

To fully explore Walt Disney World, it's best to use Disney’s free transportation network to get between theme parks, Disney hotels, and other local attractions. Since Disney doesn’t provide free transport from MCO to its resorts, I recommend taking a rideshare to your Disney hotel, then using Disney’s complimentary transport.

Resorts beyond Disney proper

Many non-Disney hotels in the Orlando area offer free shuttles to/from MCO and theme parks. If your plans focus mainly on theme parks, consider using these free shuttles, but be aware that their pick-up and drop-off points differ from those for rideshares at MCO.

Visiting Orlando

Despite the distances in Orlando, rideshares are typically affordable. On a recent trip, I explored Orlando (excluding theme parks) without renting a car and found rideshares cheaper than renting.

Car rental recommendations

If you plan to explore Florida beyond Orlando or prefer the convenience of your own vehicle, renting a car is a smart choice. I suggest booking with a rental company that operates on-site at MCO, as reaching off-site lots can be a time-consuming hassle. Even with on-site rentals, getting to the car garages at this sprawling airport takes time, so be prepared for some walking.

A crucial detail to keep in mind when booking with an on-site agency is that they may have separate rental locations in the garages for Terminals A/B and Terminal C. Last year, I mistakenly picked up a car from the wrong Avis garage. Although the agent allowed me to exit and assured me that everything was corrected in their system, my rental was soon reported as missing. Resolving this mistake was no easy task, so now I always make sure to triple-check the correct parking garage before pickup.

Alternative airports

Orlando does have a second international airport called Sanford. However, this airport is used exclusively by low-cost carrier Allegiant and doesn’t have any international flights. Meaning, unless you are flying Allegiant don’t waste your time looking for flights to/from Sanford.

An alternative to flying: Brightline

In 2023, Brightline launched high-speed rail service connecting several of Florida's major cities, including Miami and Orlando. The Brightline’s main train stops are Orlando International Airport (MCO), Downtown West Palm Beach, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, and Downtown Miami, with 30 daily trips. The Orlando station is conveniently located in Terminal 3 at MCO, providing easy access to other Florida destinations. The trip from Orlando to Downtown Miami takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

While the train ride is longer than a 75-minute flight, passengers only need to arrive 15 minutes before departure, making it a more seamless experience. Brightline offers free Wi-Fi, affordable fares, and food and snacks for purchase on board. Having taken many intra-Florida trips using both Brightline and flights, I now prefer Brightline for travel between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale or Miami.

Lounges

The airport lounges at MCO reflect the character of their respective terminals. Those in Terminals A and B — such as The Club MCO, Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, and United Club — offer complimentary food and drinks but lack flair and excitement. If you're planning to arrive early for a top-notch lounge experience, you will be disappointed.

In contrast, the Plaza Premium Lounge in the new Terminal C at Orlando International (MCO) is brimming with personality and amenities. It features a lively, family-friendly area, a spacious bar for cocktails, a varied yet modest food selection, plenty of seating, numerous charging outlets, and abundant natural light with views of the runway. Access is available to Priority Pass members flying any class or airline and business class passengers on select international airlines departing from Terminal C.

Personally, I’ve found success arriving early at MCO and spending time at the Plaza Premium Lounge even before flights from Terminals A or B. I always plan for the extra time needed to travel from Terminal C to A/B, which includes navigating several terminal links and passing through security twice, but it is doable. Though I haven’t faced it yet, it’s worth noting that TSA officers have the discretion to deny entry to Terminal C if you aren’t flying out from there.