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Tips for TSA wait times at Orlando International Airport

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    Quick insights

    • Wait times at Orlando International Airport (MCO) are influenced by several factors.
    • Security wait times are typically longest during peak travel times which can include holidays and spring break.
    • TSA PreCheck®, CLEAR Plus and MCO Reserve are programs that can help reduce security wait times at the airport.

    Orlando International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Florida and among the busiest in the U.S. It serves as a major hub for both domestic and international travel, with direct international flights to more than 50 destinations.

    More than 57 million travelers pass through MCO every year, which means you may want to plan ahead to ensure you have enough time to clear security and reach your gate. In this article, we’ll discuss Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wait times at MCO and what factors affect how long you’ll stand in line.

    TSA wait times at MCO

    MCO has three terminals—A, B and C. Each has its own security checkpoint open from roughly 4 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.

    Wait times for TSA security checkpoints can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week and season. During peak travel times, such as holidays, wait times can increase.

    Wait times can also be influenced by the number of TSA agents available to screen passengers.

    How early to arrive at MCO

    For passengers traveling domestically from MCO, the airport’s website recommends passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to their departure time. The recommended arrive time is 3 hours prior to departure for international flights.

    Checking wait times at MCO

    There are several ways to find out the current wait times at MCO, including:

    • MCO website: The airport’s website provides real-time updates on security wait times on its homepage.
    • My TSA app: The TSA has a mobile app, called MyTSA, which provides estimated wait times at security checkpoints at airports across the U.S., including MCO. The app also provides information on which checkpoints are currently open.
    • MCO app: This app provides real time data on TSA wait times as well as parking availability, flight status notifications and ground transportation options.
    • Social media: The airport's official social media accounts may provide updates on wait times, especially during peak travel periods.
    • Airport signage: Signs at the airport’s security checkpoints display estimated times for getting through TSA checkpoints.

    Keep in mind, these tools provide estimates and actual wait times can change while you’re at the airport. Arriving at the airport well in advance of your flight can help you avoid potential issues that can arise from fluctuating security wait times.

    Ways to help expedite wait times at MCO

    MCO airport participates in a few programs that can help to expedite security and screening processes at the airport. They include:

    TSA PreCheck

    TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) run by the TSA. TSA PreCheck status can help streamline your airport experience by allowing you to access designated security screening lanes. You must enroll in the program, pay a fee and be approved before you can use designated TSA PreCheck lanes at the airport.

    CLEAR Plus

    CLEAR is a private security company that offers a membership called CLEAR Plus. CLEAR Plus uses biometric data to help expedite the identity verification part of the security screening process. Once verified, travelers can proceed to luggage screening lanes.

    CLEAR Plus can be used in conjunction with TSA PreCheck, but they are separate programs.

    MCO Reserve

    MCO Reserve is a program that allows general screening passengers to reserve a security screening appointment ahead of time. Passengers receive a QR code that can be scanned at their designated time in a dedicated MCO Reserve lane.

    This allows passengers to move directly to TSA to scan their boarding pass and ID. There are a limited number of slots daily, and travelers can book a reservation up to 7 days in advance.

    What to do at MCO airport

    MCO is a bustling airport with a variety of amenities and activities to keep travelers occupied prior to heading to their departure gate. Some options include:

    • Shopping: There are a wide range of shops, from high-end boutiques to retailers tied to popular Florida theme parks. There's also a duty-free shop for international travelers.
    • Dining: The airport offers a variety of dining options to suit all tastes, including fast food chains, sit down restaurants and coffee shops.
    • Art: The airport's art program includes a variety of rotating exhibits and permanent installations that showcase the work of local, regional and international artists.
    • Lounges: MCO lounges a handful of lounges which offer a quiet and comfortable space to relax, work or eat.
    • Spa services: If you’re looking to relax and unwind before your flight, there are places to enjoy a variety of spa services including massages, manicures, pedicures and facials.

    In summary

    Traveling through MCO during peak travel times may mean that you’ll experience longer wait times when getting though TSA security screening. Several factors play into how long TSA wait times can be—including time of day and TSA staffing levels—but having CLEAR Plus or TSA PreCheck may help provide an expedited experience.

    If you’re not part of one of these programs, general passengers may be able to sign up for a security appointment ahead of time via the airport’s MCO Reserve program.  

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