Heading to the airport can always be a bit of a stressful experience, but there are several ways to make your next trip out of Orlando International Airport (MCO) run just a bit smoother.
MCO Airport
While sometimes long waits at the airport can be unavoidable, when it comes to MCO, there are things you can do before your arrival to cut down the time you’ll be stuck at security or even waiting at your gate through a delay. These are some of the best tips to take advantage of before flying out of MCO.
TSA PreCheck
While TSA PreCheck is not exclusive to MCO, it’s the best place to start. For those unaware, TSA PreCheck is “an expedited screening program that makes risk assessments about passengers prior to their arrival at an airport checkpoint” which “enhances aviation security and provides a better travel experience.”
Those eligible for the program include:
- U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents enrolled in TSA PreCheck.
- Members of Global Entry.
- U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who are members of SENTRI.
- U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS.
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces including those serving in the National Guard and Reserves as well as government employees from select agencies.
- Cadets and midshipmen of the U.S. Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast
- Guard Academy, Air Force Academy and Merchant Marine Academy.
- Passengers 12 and younger traveling with an eligible passenger.
- Passengers who are selected using existing Secure Flight system requirements while traveling on participating airlines.
Security lines!
Passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck do not need to remove shoes, belts, compliant bags, light jackets/outerwear, and laptops from their bags and can take advantage of exclusive, quicker lanes at participating airports.
MCO Reserve
For those travelers who DON’T use TSA PreCheck, the Orlando International Airport, offers the MCO Reserve service, which “allows travelers to reduce stress by planning ahead and reserving a dedicated time slot for their party to go through TSA security screening.”
©Orlando International Airport
On arrival at the MCO Reserve lane, flyers scan their MCO Reserve QR code and move directly to TSA to screen their boarding pass and ID, and then proceed through the standard TSA security screening, cutting a considerable amount of time form the process on most days.
MCO Terminals A, B and C all have dedicated MCO Reserve lanes with a limited number of slots available each day, and travelers may book their time slot up to 7 days in advance. Screening times are available from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM for flights departing between 6:30 AM and 8:30 PM.
Check Online
There are two ways you can cut down on MCO delays before even leaving for the airport! The airport’s website — flymco.com — provides official, real-time tracking date for both each terminal’s security checkpoints…
©MCO
… as well as flight departure status.
©MCO
Remember Your Real ID
Beginning on May 7th, travelers flying domestically in the U.S. will be required to show a REAL ID-compliant license or accepted alternative in order fly. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the REAL ID law was enacted based on recommendations from the 9/11 Commission that the government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act established “minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting for official purposes licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards.”
©Department of Homeland Security
Those over the age of 18 who do not present a REAL ID-compliant license or any of those acceptable alternatives beginning on May 7th will “not be permitted through the security checkpoint.” Minors are not required to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.
Frontier Airlines
If you’re flying out of MCO anytime soon, be sure to keep these tips in mind to save yourself some stress! Stay tuned to DFB for more travel tips.
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If you’re TSA precheck. Double check when that lane is open. Especially if you have a very early flight. It may be closed and you’ll have to go through the regular security line. Annoying once you’re accustomed to TSA precheck.