Do you need a mask at MCO airport?

– Following a Federal Court decision and updated directives from the Transportation Security Administration, the wearing of facial coverings will no longer be mandated at Orlando International Airport.



As of February 2026, masks are not required at Orlando International Airport (MCO) for domestic travel. Following the lifting of federal mandates in 2022, MCO transitioned to a "mask-optional" policy for all passengers and staff. You are still perfectly welcome to wear a mask for your own personal comfort and safety, and you will see many travelers and airport employees doing so, particularly in crowded areas like the APM (people mover) trains or the security queues. However, there is no longer any legal requirement to do so, and you will not be denied entry or boarding for being unmasked. If you are flying internationally from MCO, you must still check the specific requirements of your destination country; some nations may still require masks on the aircraft or during the arrivals process, and the airline will enforce those specific rules at the gate. To assist travelers, MCO still maintains several "PPE vending machines" throughout the terminal where you can purchase masks and hand sanitizer if needed.

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In most public places in Central Florida, masks are not required. Individual businesses do have a right to require masks. Many had already begun only requiring unvaccinated individuals to wear them. Masks will continue to prevail in health care facilities like hospitals.

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The general rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight's departure time. MCO officials, however, recommend getting to the Orlando airport 3 hours in advance. Doing so will ensure you have ample time to check any bags, get through security, and find your gate.

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Current Average TSA Wait Time at MCO This average wait time is based on the current time (Pacific Standard Time). Please expect to wait up to at least (23 mins) on average to go through security checkpoints at MCO.

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Expect them to be viewed as liquids that must fit in your liquids bag. Sheet masks look about the same size as my medical wipes, about twice as big as baby wipes and wetter and I have no trouble carrying them in my hand luggage.

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General Departure Delays: Traffic is experiencing gate hold and taxi delays lasting 15 minutes or less. General Arrival Delays: Arrival traffic is experiencing airborne delays of 15 minutes or less.

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MCO ranks as the No. 1 busiest airport in the state of Florida.

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The TSA and airports want you to get there earlier, each for its own reasons. The agency does not like to be rushed with screenings, even if there's a long security line. Airports want you to take advantage of their incredible shopping and dining facilities, which you can't do if you're rushing to the gate.

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TSA counts mascara as a liquid, so the 3-1-1 rule for packing it in hand luggage applies. It states that all liquids have to be in 3.4 oz (100 ml) bottles or smaller and packed in a 1-quart bag. Mascara usually isn't above 3.4 oz, so you're free to pack it in your hand luggage.

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