How early do I need to get to MCO for a flight?

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.



For departures from Orlando International Airport (MCO) in 2026, the general rule is to arrive at the security checkpoint at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. MCO is one of the busiest airports in the United States, and security lines—especially in Terminals A and B—can be notoriously unpredictable due to the high volume of families and tourists. If you do not have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, it is highly recommended to use the free MCO Reserve service, which allows you to book a specific time slot for security screening up to 7 days in advance. Additionally, Terminal C is now fully operational and often features more advanced screening technology, but the walk times can be longer. During peak holiday periods or school breaks, adding an extra 30–45 minutes to your arrival time is a "pro-tip" to account for busy shuttle trains and potential parking delays, ensuring you reach your gate with enough time to enjoy the airport's diverse shopping and dining options.

People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

When you're traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed below, Go to footer note).

MORE DETAILS

The General Guideline for How Early You Should Get to the Airport. Generally speaking, most airlines advise that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight, and at least 3 hours prior to an international flight.

MORE DETAILS

International flights require longer connections as you will often have to go through immigration and customs upon arrival. For international layover flights booked on one airline, two hours is often recommended to make your connection.

MORE DETAILS

Most of the flights from Europe arrive in Boston between 5-7 PM. This is rush hour at Logan International Airport. I have passed immigration, collected bags and gone through customs in anywhere from 25 minutes to 80 minutes. You are advised to check in to your departing flight at least 90 minutes prior to departure.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

International Arrivals Boston Logan International Airport is served by some 50 international destinations. Most of Boston Logan's international arrivals come through Terminal E for U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing.

MORE DETAILS

Customers arriving in Terminal A can walk to Terminal E by taking the Skywalk Bridge (up the escalator from the Terminal A lobby) which is about a 5-minute walk.

MORE DETAILS

Busiest Airport Days
  • Saturday, April 1 172, 449.
  • Saturday, March 11 171,959.
  • Saturday, April 8 169,398.
  • Sunday, April 2 165,683.
  • Sunday, March 19 165,683.
  • Sunday, March 26 165,049.
  • Sunday, March 26 165,654.
  • Easter Sunday, April 9 163,289.


MORE DETAILS

We recommend getting to the airport three hours before your flight if you're travelling internationally, or two hours if you're travelling domestically or to Europe.

MORE DETAILS

Is 2 hours enough time for international flight from UK? The Heathrow website also currently urges: We recommend getting to the airport three hours before your flight if you're travelling internationally, or two hours if you're travelling domestically or to Europe.

MORE DETAILS