How much time do I need at Orlando Airport?

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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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).

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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. That said, there are many factors to consider that will help you decide how much time you should budget for at the airport.

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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.

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You do not go through customs departing the US. On your return, I would count on it taking 2 hours if you do not have Global Entry or even Mobile Passport. We usually recommend 3 hours for such a connection. It might be shorter, but that builds in a pad for delays or unusually long lines.

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Yes Orlando has two airports. It has the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). SFB is the smaller of the two airports.

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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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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.


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

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What is the recommended layover time for international flights? 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.

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If your itinerary was purchased as one ticket (as in: you have only one itinerary and one confirmation number), and the connection time was too short and you miss the second (or third) flight, you can rest easy, no matter what happens. The airline will simply put you onto the next available flight, free of charge.

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If a delay in your first flight is the reason you're missing your connection, don't worry too much. Usually, most airlines will rebook you on the next flight, and that too for free. Although, you might have to fly on standby depending on seat availability.

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Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport three hours before departure for international flights. It's common for international flights to start boarding earlier than domestic flights (the aircraft are often larger and have higher passenger capacities), which accounts for the earlier recommendation.

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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.

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