Frequently Asked Questions

The airport is open 24 hours per day; however, each airline sets its own hours of operation which is dictated by its flight schedule, therefore please contact your airline directly to determine how early you may check-in for a flight.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority recommends arriving three hours before your scheduled departure time, but please check directly with your airline for specific recommendations for your flight.

Children under 18 years of age are not required to present a photo ID at the security checkpoint. For more information please see the Traveling With Children page of the TSA web site.

However, as each airline has its own requirements, please check with your airline directly to confirm its ID requirement for minors.

You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage. For more information, please see the Transporting Firearms and Ammunition on the TSA web site.

Terminal A and Terminal B are opposite sides of the same building, which is only 525 feet across. Crossing from Terminal A to Terminal B (or vice versa) can be done on Level 3. If you have descended to the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level (Level 2), or Ground Transportation Level (Level 1), you may return to the Departures Level (Level 3) with your baggage to cross to the other side.

Terminal Link

• The Terminal Link (APM) operates 24 hours per day, between Terminal B and the Train Station, which requires a walk of approximately 1,200 feet through Parking Garage C to get to Terminal C

Shuttle Bus

• The shuttle bus service operates 24 hours a day
• Pick-up and drop-off is at:
  • Terminal C: Level 1 (Ground Transportation) at Space C272
  • Terminal B: Level 1 (Ground Transportation) at Space B16

Terminals A & B

• Ride the Terminal Link from Terminal B, East Hall/Hotel Atrium to the Train Station

Terminal C

• Exit Terminal C on Level 4 and walk through Parking Garage C to the Train Station

If you require a wheelchair, please contact your airline in advance and they should be able to provide a wheelchair for your use within the airport. If you require one for the duration of your stay, please email Visit Orlando or visit their web site. They should be able to provide you with a list of companies offering such a service.

Skycaps are available to assist passengers. Typical services include curbside check-in, carrying baggage, wheelchair assistance, etc. Please contact your airline to arrange for assistance from its skycaps, or request assistance upon arrival at the airport. It is customary to tip skycaps for services provided.

You will only be allowed through the security checkpoint for the Gate Area from which you are departing. However, due to the configuration of the Terminals A & B, it is possible to access either Gates 1-29 AND Gates 30-59, OR Gates 70-99 AND Gates 100-129 once you have passed through the security checkpoint for your gate.

Similarly on arrival in Terminals A or B, you may access either Gates 1-29 AND Gates 30-59, OR Gates 70-99 AND Gates 100-129 depending on the gate at which you arrive, by switching Gate Links (APM) in Terminals A & B. If you wish to access the other Gate Area which is paired with yours, go directly to the other Gate Link (APM) as soon as you disembark the Gate Link (APM) in Terminal A or B. Do not go past the security checkpoint and out into the Terminal otherwise you will NOT be allowed back through security to access the other Gate Area.

Please note that this may not be possible during certain times of the day for security reasons while international passengers are arriving in the terminal, which may require you to exit into the terminal and clear security again to access the other Gate Area.

Terminal C only has one security checkpoint and so all gates may be accessed once you have passed through security.

 

Orlando International Airport offers many ways to pass the time while waiting for your flight. In addition to the numerous shops, restaurants and bars in Terminals A, B & C and the Gate Areas, the Hotel Atrium between Terminals A & B near the Security Checkpoint for Gates 70-99 provides a very pleasant “city park” atmosphere where you can sit and watch the world go by. The Terminal Top Parking garage is also one of the highest points around, and provides excellent views of the airfield, downtown Orlando, and the attractions, including the nightly fireworks displays.

Wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) is available in all public areas of the airport and is provided free of charge. These Access Points provided by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) use the WiFi SSID “MCO Internet”. Other access points and peer-to-peer connections which may be listed as available networks are NOT provided by GOAA.

Please note that “personal hotspot” devices interfere with the airport’s free Wi-Fi and so if you experience poor performance on the airport “MCO Internet” SSID, please try moving to another location away from other passengers’ active devices, and please help us conserve bandwidth by turning off personal hotspots when not in use.

Cellular/PCS wireless is also available from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon.

There are also several kiosks which offer travelers internet connections, in addition to the standard dial service offered by the phone company via the RJ-11 jacks in the pay phones.

Orlando International Airport has seven lounges for passenger use:

• American Airlines – Admirals Club Lounge
  • Gates 30-59
• Delta Air Lines – Sky Club Lounge
  • Gates 70-99
• Plaza Premium Lounge
  • Gates C230-C245
• United Club Lounge
  • Gates 30-59
• The Club at MCO Lounge
  • Gates 1-29
• The Club at MCO Lounge
  • Gates 70-99
• USO Welcome Center Lounge
  • Terminal A, Level 1

 

Orlando International Airport provides nursing rooms/Mamava nursing pods throughout the terminal buildings.

• Terminal B
  • Mamava Nursing Pod on Level 2, across from baggage claim carousel 24
• Gates 1-29
  • Mamava Nursing Pod near entrance to gates 10-19
  • Nursing Room near gates 20-29
• Gates 30-59
  • Mamava Nursing Pod near entrance to gates 30-39
• Gates 70-99
  • Nursing Rooms on each concourse (Gates 70-79, 80-89, & 90-99)
• Gates 100-129
  • Mamava Nursing Pod near entrance to gates 100-110
  • Nursing Room near gate 101
• Terminal C
  • Nursing Room on Level 1 (Ground Transportation) and Level 2 (Check-in and at entrance to Gates C230-C238)
  • Nursing Room on Level 2 (Ground Transportation)
• Gates C230-C238
  • Nursing Room near gates C234 and C238
• Gates C240-C245
  • Nursing Room near gate C244
• Ground Transportation Facility
  • Nursing Rooms on Level 4, near the bridge to Garage C
• Train Station
  • Nursing Rooms on floors 1, 3 and 5

There are Companion Care/Unisex/Family Restrooms located throughout the airport, both before and after the security checkpoints:

• Terminal A
  • Level 1 (2)
  • Level 3 (2)
  • Gates 1-29 (1)
  • Gates 100-129 (3)
• Terminal B
  • Level 1 (1)
  • Level 3 (3)
  • Gates 30-59 (1)
  • Gates 70-99 (1)
• Terminal C
  • Level 1 (1)
  • Level 2 (2)
  • Level 6 – Bag Claim (2)
  • Level 6 – International Arrivals (1)
  • Gates C230-C238 (3)
  • Gates C240-C245 (3)
• Ground Transportation Facility (1)

Yes, the USO Welcome Center is a military-only lounge located in Terminal A, Level 1. Our center caters to troops and military family members transiting through Orlando, providing a “home away from home” atmosphere where we convey the public’s appreciation for our military. Amenities include business stations with free Internet and e-mail access, TVs, gaming stations, a sleeping room, a children’s room and complimentary food and drinks. USO volunteers are on-hand to assist with travel arrangements and information on local services and to greet service members upon their return from overseas. Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., daily.

As of July 1, 2003, in accordance with State law, Orlando International Airport became a non-smoking facility. The smoking of cigarettes, cigars or other forms of tobacco, e-cigarettes and vaping is prohibited inside all airport buildings.

There are no organized services; however, we have the following facilities:

• Terminals A & B
  • An interfaith chapel inside Terminals A & B, located just beyond the security checkpoint for Gates 1-59, which can be accessed by any passenger holding a boarding pass
• Gates 70-99
  • A reflection room located at Gates 70-99
• Gates C230-C245
  • A serenity room in the Palm Court

 

Aircraft spotting/photography is permitted on Level 9 and 10 of the Terminal Top Parking Garage above Terminals A & B, Level 6 of Parking Garage C near Terminal C and the South Park Place Economy Lot. The Terminal Top Parking Garage provides a panoramic view of most of the airfield and aircraft gates.

To access these areas, each person interested in plane spotting activities, or those accompanying minors, should complete the online form. A GOAA representative will review and return it to you. Please be prepared to present the form to airport staff upon request.  If you would like to fill out the form in person, please come to the Aviation Authority Executive Offices between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), located in Terminal A, Level 3, the offices are to the left of the Security Checkpoint for Gates 70-129.

Download the MCO Coloring Book and show your creative talents while waiting for your flight.

The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is located between Terminals A & B, above the Security Checkpoint for Gates 70-129.

Please see Local Hotels for a list of hotels offering free airport shuttles.

Yes! Visitors can pick up their pass at any of the six locations in Terminal A, B or C and will need to decline the rental car company’s toll program. Next, Visitor Toll Pass customers just add their rental car license plate number in the app, hang it on the rental car rearview mirror and leave the airport ready for non-stop travel. At the end of their trip, customers simply return the toll pass to one of 14 return drop boxes located throughout the airport. All tolls will be billed to the customer’s credit card associated with the pass with no additional fees or charges.

Please see the Parking page of our web site for a list of the parking options at Orlando International Airport.

Yes. Bicycle racks are provided at Terminal A, Level 1, at the east end of the building.

To determine in which Terminal your airline operates, please visit the Airlines page of our web site.

Private vehicles may drop passengers off at the curb on Level 3 (Departures) at Terminal A or Terminal B, or Level 2 (Departures) at Terminal C. If you wish to park after dropping off passengers and luggage, follow signs to either Economy Parking or use the “Quick Park” ramp (located on the left, at the end of the Departures Curb) to access the Parking Garage A or B.

Although dropping off passengers on the curb outside the Terminal is still permitted, vehicles may not be stationary unless actively unloading passengers and/or baggage, and under no circumstances may vehicles be left unattended.

Picking up passengers at the Arrivals/Bag Claim Curb (Level 2) at Terminals A & B, or Level 6 of Terminal C is permitted; however, vehicles may not be stationary unless actively loading passengers and/or baggage, and under no circumstances may vehicles be left unattended. Therefore please use the FREE! Cell Phone Lots and allow at least 20 minutes after aircraft arrival time (40 minutes if passenger has checked baggage) to allow for passengers to transfer from the Gate Area to bag claim. To determine on which Terminal (A, B or C) your airline operates, please visit the Airlines page of our web site.

Although only ticketed passengers are allowed through security and out to the gates, it is possible to have gate passes issued to non-travelers under certain circumstances. These are issued at the airline’s discretion, so please go to your airline’s ticket counter, provide a valid photo ID, and the airline will determine whether they are able to issue you a pass based on your particular circumstances.

For arrivals into Terminal C. you may apply for an Experience MCO Visitor Pass which allows approved guests to enjoy the amenities post-security in Terminal C.

Terminals A and B

• Under the Flight Information Display Boards near the Security Checkpoints for Gates 1-59 or 70-129
• By the fountain in the Hotel Atrium, near the Security Checkpoint for Gates 70-129
• In the baggage claim area for the airline being flown.  Please check the Airlines page to determine which baggage claim is used by each airline
• On the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Curb (Level 2) outside baggage claim (please note that cars may not be stationary in this area unless actively loading/unloading passengers and/or baggage, therefore please allow at least 20 minutes after aircraft arrival time to allow for passengers to transfer to Terminal A or B, and exit the baggage claim area)
• In one of the restaurants or bars in Terminal A or B
• In McCoy’s Bar & Grill, Hemispheres Restaurant, or the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport above the Security Checkpoint for Gates 70-129

Terminal C

• In the Meet & Greet area on Level 6 inside the terminal
• In the baggage claim area for the airline being flown.  Please check the Airlines page of the web site to determine which baggage claim is used by each airline
• In the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Curb (Level 6) outside baggage claim (please note that cars may not be stationary in this area unless actively loading/unloading passengers and/or baggage, therefore please allow at least 20 minutes after aircraft arrival time to allow for passengers to transfer to the terminal, and exit the baggage claim area)
• At one of the (pre-security) concessions in the terminal
• At one of the (post-security) concessions in the terminal if you are approved for an Experience MCO Visitor Pass which allows approved guests to enjoy the amenities post-security in Terminal C.

Please see the Airport Terminal page or the Arrivals Guide on our web site to find these locations.

Please use our live flight information display, call 407-825-TIME (8463) or contact the airline directly to determine whether a specific flight has arrived.

Hold My Luggage operates in Terminal B, Level 1, offering:

• Luggage pickup/return
• Luggage storage (same day or multiple days)
• Luggage transport services (hotel to hotel or city to city)

The customer signs a waiver of liability while the staff tag their bags, and gives the customer a claim ticket. The customer is then free to roam about the city luggage-free.

To retrieve luggage the customer can return to the desk in Terminal B, Level 1, or have Hold My Luggage meet the customer at their airline check-in location.

Terminal C features early bag storage within the baggage system. Please check with your airline to determine how far ahead of your flight you may check you baggage.

Wrap N’ Fly operates in Terminal A, Level 1, near the USO, from 6:00am-8:00pm. They can be contacted at 407-825-1529.

Although hoverboards are allowed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), each airline has its own policy regarding hoverboards and whether they are allowed in checked baggage, carry-on baggage and whether the batteries must be removed. Please check directly with your airline for its hoverboard policy.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now responsible for security checkpoints at all U.S. airports, therefore all checkpoint security related comments should be directed to the TSA at TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov, at 1-866-289-9673, or via its web site at www.tsa.gov

Please contact your airline directly regarding your missing item(s) as directed on your ticket or baggage receipt. Claims for missing items may also be filed with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is responsible for the screening of passengers and baggage at all U.S. airports.

You may also file a report with the Orlando Police Department, which has jurisdiction over thefts which occur at the Orlando International Airport. This may be done by calling the Orlando Police Department Information Desk, which is available 24 hours per day, at (407) 246-2470.

Please see the TSA “Can I Bring” web site for details of permitted and prohibited items.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulates the importation of alcohol into the United States. For more information please see the CBP web site at https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1395?language=en_US

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS) regulates the importation of animals and animal-derived materials to ensure that exotic animal and poultry diseases are not introduced into the United States. For more information please see the APHIS web site at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/importexport

According to the US Department of Agriculture, the majority of milk products originating from countries affected with Foot and Mouth Diseases are prohibited; however, Plant Protection and Quarantine has been instructed to provide some exceptions including “Milk and milk products intended for use by infants or very young children are enterable (into the U.S.) if in a reasonable or small quantity for several days’ use”.

For more information on this topic please read Importations of Milk, Dairy and Egg Products on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service web site.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection web site (www.cbp.gov), foreign visitors to the United States frequently confuse the state sales tax with value-added tax (VAT). The state sales tax is a small tax on purchases or services, calculated at the time of purchase, which the individual states assess and which the U.S. federal government neither determines nor receives. VAT, on the other hand, is a national tax commonly applied in foreign countries that is included in the actual sales price of an item. The United States does not have a VAT, and the federal government cannot refund state sales taxes. Some states do not charge tax on items shipped out of state, therefore please ask about sales-tax policies in the state where you make your purchases.

Dogs are not permitted in Orlando International Airport unless they are either working dogs, or they are in a carrier approved for traveling onboard an aircraft. Service Animal Relief Areas are available:

• Outside Terminals
  • North Cell Phone Lot
• Terminal A & B – before security
  • Terminal A, Level 2: At the east end of the building (to the right as you exit the building)
  • Terminal B, Level 2: At the west end of the building (to the right as you exit the building)
• Terminal A & B – after security
  • Gates 1-29: On the wing for Gates 20-29
  • Gates 30-59: On the wing for Gates 40-49
  • Gates 70-99: On the wing for Gates 90-99
  • Gates 100-129: Across from Gate 121
• Terminal C – after security
  • Level 2 near Gates C236, C241 and C242
  • Level 6 immediately before international bag claim

Pets which are shipped rather than carried on-board the aircraft by a passenger are generally handled through the cargo facility for the airline, not in the passenger terminal, so please contact your airline or cargo handling company directly for details of where to drop-off/pick up your pet.

There are many companies that do this, including the airlines and cargo handling companies listed on our website, as well as AirAnimal, a company specializing in transporting pets.

Before traveling with a pet you should review the APHIS web site. If you are importing pets from another state, please review the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services web site.

The airport designator code “MCO” comes from the former McCoy Air Force Base, named after Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy, on which site, located at -81.08W 28.96 N, and at 113 feet (34 meters) above sea level, Orlando International Airport now stands.

Yes! The B-52 Memorial Park is located off Bear Road, adjacent to SR 528, and is open to the public. The park features a B-52D Stratofortress, Air Force Serial Number 56-0687, from the Strategic Air Command. The aircraft was at one time assigned to the 306th Bomb Wing of the now defunct McCoy Air Force Base (now Orlando International Airport). The bomber was built in 1956 and retired 28 years later in 1984. Final flight was from its last unit of assignment, the 7th Bomb Wing at Carswell AFB in Fort Worth, Texas, to the former McCoy AFB, on February 20, 1984.

To access the park, exit Jeff Fuqua Blvd. onto the Cargo Road ramp. Turn left onto Cargo Road, then right onto Bear Road. The park is located on the right, just before Bear Road turns parallel with SR 528.

If you are in possession of a disabled parking permit, you may obtain a temporary permit for use in Florida during your stay. Permits are issued by the Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles from their Motor Vehicle Services offices. The closest office to the airport is located at 8185 Lee Vista Boulevard, Orlando, Florida 32829, telephone number (407) 836-4145, and is open Monday – Friday 8:30-5:00. To obtain a permit, you must:

• Be present at the office to provide your signature
• Have your out-of-state/country parking permit
• Have a letter from your doctor stating your need for a permit for the duration of your vacation
• Pay $15

Please contact Visit Orlando who should be able to provide you with a list of local companies offering such a service.

Applications must be completed online, but must be submitted for specific job opportunities which are currently open, as stated in the Application Procedure, which can be found on the web site, along with our current job postings. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority only recruits for the Aviation Authority, employment opportunities with the other organizations at Orlando International Airport, such as airlines, cleaners, concessions, parking, etc. are handled by each separate organization that must be contacted directly (see the Employment Guide for more details).

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the closest commercial airport to the world-famous Central Florida attractions (20 miles), the Orange County Convention Center (13 miles), International Drive (13 miles), downtown Orlando (12 miles), and so much more…

Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) is located near downtown Orlando, but is a general aviation airport and is not served by commercial airlines.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is 33 miles from Orlando International Airport, and 60 miles from Disney World along SR 417 which takes you right past…… Orlando International Airport!

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) is 62 miles from Orlando International Airport, and 75 miles from Disney World along I-95 and SR 528 which takes you right past…… Orlando International Airport!

Orlando International Airport (MCO) the airport that lands you closest to your final destination, wherever that happens to be in Orlando.

 

Please visit the Contact page of our web site.

You may also visit Lost and Found in Terminal A on Level 1 (Ground Transportation) from 7:00am – 7:30pm daily, or in Terminal C on Level 1 (Ground Transportation) from 8:00am – 4:00pm daily.

Please note that Orlando International Airport does NOT charge a service fee, nor is affiliated with any company that charges a service fee, for assisting in locating lost items.

Per FAA regulations, nobody may operate a UAS / drones of any type within 5 miles of an airport without first contacting the airport or the air traffic control tower. GOAA is working with the FAA and the industry to better serve all affected by these regulations. Please review the maps and links below before operating a UAS / drone.

FDOT UAS Web Site

FDOT UAS Brochure

Orlando International Airport (MCO) MCO 5-mile radius Contact: AirsideOpsSupv@goaa.org

Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) ORL 5-mile radius Contact: OEAops@goaa.org