You're Making 3 BIG Mistakes at the Orlando Airport

Traveling and planning your trip can be stressful, especially after you just enjoyed your relaxing vacation! The last thing you want to deal with is the craziness of an airport.

Orlando International Airport

We’re here to help you avoid some mistakes we’ve made before, and up your chances of having a stress-free flight home from the Orlando Airport!

Orlando International Airport is the 11th busiest airport in the country, and things can get hectic when flying out of MCO. Security lines can get shockingly long at certain dates and times, and if you need to park — the parking garages fill up often. Flights from Orlando can be delayed by winter weather at your destination, and afternoon thunderstorms during Florida’s rainy season can make getting out on time in the afternoon and evening tricky.

Orlando International Airport

We’ve made these three big mistakes multiple times — and we’re warning you today to do as we say, not as we do!

Not Checking FlightAware

If you are ever wondering where your plane is or if your flight has any delays or changes, you need to be checking FlightAware. FlightAware is a great tool to track your flight and get important information. You can use FlightAware online via their website or by using their mobile app. We recommend using the app because it will save your recent searches!

©FligtAware

This is also a great tool to share your flight information with people who might be picking you up from the airport, or for loved ones to see the status of your flight. Make sure to check for any updates or changes to your flight — especially on your day of travel!

Not Reserving a Security Time

OK, this is the BIG one! Did you know there is a FREE way to skip the lines at security at Orlando Airport? Yep! We understand that not everyone flies enough to pay for the services that let you get through security faster, like TSA PreCheck and Clear. But in Orlando, you can make a reservation for security by using MCO Reserve powered by CLEAR.

MCO Reserve is open from 5AM to 5PM. If your flight is set to depart between 6:30AM and 8:30PM, then you are eligible to use this service. Now if you already have paid for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+, you can join those special lines at the airport, and you won’t need to do this.

©Orlando International Airport

You can make a reservation for you and your party three days before your flight is set to depart — so we recommend setting an alarm to remind yourself in advance of your travel! You may forget when you’re immersed in your vacation! This service is not always available for each airline, but we think it’s always worth checking!

Not Checking the MCO Website

Did you know you could check security wait times and parking availability on the MCO Website and app? Looking at average security times can help you plan when you should arrive at the airport. Sometimes garages at MCO close due to capacity so it is important to check ahead of time to help avoid the panic of not knowing where to park. You can even reserve parking ahead of time to help you plan on where to park.

If you are active on X (formerly Twitter), the airport’s account, @MCO, is also quick to post updates on traffic delays and other issues you may encounter — like this recent security issue that shut down some roads and terminal areas.

We hope these tips will help make your next flight from Orlando Airport smooth sailing! We’ll keep you up to date on any changes at Orlando Airport, so be sure to follow us here at DFB!