Air travel can be a bit complicated right now, but we’re here to help!

There have been a lot of delays and cancelations when it comes to flying, as well as staffing shortages. Some airlines are canceling routes, while other ones are adding them, so it’s kind of hard to keep up with everything. But, one thing we can help you out with is how to travel through Orlando International Airport without being super stressed. So, let’s get into it!

Get There Early and Pack Your Patience

We now everyone tells you to get to the airport early, but we’d definitely encourage it at the Orlando Airport! There can be a LOT of travelers — Orlando is regularly one of the busiest airports in the country (CNBC). Just think about how many people fly to Orlando to go to the theme parks, visit one of the nearby beaches, or are there for a big work conference.

So, get there early and be ready for a wait at security! If you want to help yourself out with those potentially long security lines, you can look into getting TSA PreCheck if you’re able to. There is usually a much shorter line!

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Don’t Rely on Eating at the Airport

We know that a lot of people will get to the airport with enough time to grab a bite to eat or a drink somewhere once they’re past security. But, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend doing this unless you’re not picky about where you eat AT ALL. There really are not a lot of food options available once you go through security.

So, if you’re hungry, we’d suggest eating before you get to the airport so you don’t risk not having a lot of options when you’re there. Or, eat BEFORE going through security. There a quite a few more solid options if you give yourself enough time. But, keep in mind that there will be some more options once Terminal C opens up in September.

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Reserve Your Spot in Security

The Orlando Airport has a system where you can actually reserve your spot go through the security line. The free Reservation Lane or MCO Reserve allows you to make a reservation, show up at that time, scan in, and go through an exclusive and shorter security lane.

However, the times to do this are pretty limited. It’s available from 5AM to 11AM on both checkpoints and you can reserve your time slot 72 hours prior to your flight. We do recommend researching this in advance, because it might not be possible to get a last minute reservation. You can reserve your spot at reserve.clearme.com.

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Double Check EVERYTHING

We know what you’re thinking — “DUH!” but seriously, we want to stress that you should be informed about the details of your travel ahead of time. Orlando International Airport is very big, so it’s easy to get confused or lost.

Double check your terminal, where you land, where you need to go to get transportation, and more. You don’t want to be trying to figure it out as you go! And, make sure you know where to go for things like Mears Connect.

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Know Where Your Rental Car Site Is

Some of the rental car locations at the Orlando International Airport aren’t actually on site, so it could take you a while to get there from the airport, or to get from the drop off location to the airport. Make sure you know what the deal is ahead of time and give yourself extra time so you don’t miss your flight!

Renting a car can definitely be a good option for you if you’re flying to Disney World. But, it has its negatives, too. If you want to visit a lot of other places besides what’s on Disney World property, then it could be worth it. But, if you’re only going to use it to go to and from the airport, you might be better off using a rideshare service.

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Get the App For Your Airline

Most major airlines have apps that you can download to your phone! These can come in VERY handy when you’re flying, and we’d definitely suggest using the app for your airline if you’re flying through Orlando any time soon.

With the app, you can see delays and cancelations as soon as they happen, which is important right now when so many flights are being delayed and canceled. And, you can sometimes even solve problems like rebooking a flight through the app instead of having to wait in line to talk to an airline employee. Those lines can get LONG!

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Pay for Checked Bags in Advance

Many airlines also let you pay for any bags you’re checking ahead of time so you don’t have to wait in line to do it at the airport! This can save you a lot of time, especially around busy travel times when those front desk lines can get suuuuper long. And, we bet if you’re going to Disney World, you might just need to check a bag to bring home your souvenirs!

Either through your airline’s website or app, you can go ahead and pay for your checked bags in advance, and that way, you can just drop them off once you get to the airport. If you have a habit of running late, this tip can come in really handy!

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Get Both Lyft AND Uber

If you’re planning on using a rideshare service to go to or from the Orlando Airport, we’d suggest downloading both the Uber and Lyft apps to your phone so you can compare costs and arrival times. We’ve been noticing some VERY big differences when it comes to price between Uber and Lyft, and you don’t want to end up paying more than you have to because you think you only have one option.

If you’re traveling to other places soon, check out some of the cheapest flights to Europe right now, the airlines that are cutting routes, the airlines that are adding routes, and the airlines that are merging together.

And, for general travel info, check out 6 travel destinations that were recently added to “High” risk COVID-19 category, what you need to know about the “Stealth” BA.2 COVID-19 variant before your next Disney trip, and an UNEXPECTED travel problem that could cause major issues for your next trip.

Stay tuned to DFB for more travel tips, tricks, and info!

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What is your best tip for the airport? Tell us in the comments!