If you’re flying through Orlando International Airport (MCO) in 2025, you’re in for some very welcome airport security changes.
MCO Airport Security
It’s been a big year for air travel. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented some new protocols to make traveling a bit easier, and has even removed one longtime rule that has undoubtedly been a bother. If you plan to travel to and from Orlando International Airport throughout the remainder of the year, here is a reminder of the changes.
Dedicated Family Lanes
This year, TSA has rolled out a new initiative called “Families on the Fly”, which allows families traveling with small children to use dedicated family-friendly lanes when going through security at MCO and at other participating airports.
Security at MCO
The lanes — which are eligible for families with children aged 12 and under — aim to minimize stress for travelers. Pre-registration is not required. Families with small children can get a $15 discount for TSA pre-check enrollment, while TSA is offering Gold Star families free TSA pre-check.
Honor Lanes
Additionally, U.S. military members and their families now enjoy their own “Honor Lane”, a fast-track PreCheck experience that’s free for eligible travelers.
MCO Airport
Mobile enrollment stations are available in the terminals, so if you forgot to set it up in advance, you can still get it done on-site. These lanes are quick and offer less invasive screening with way shorter lines.
No More Shoe Removal
Perhaps the biggest change this year was that the removal of shoes during TSA screenings is no longer required. This lifts a two-decade-old requirement, thanks to new scanning technology.
Stitch!
Exceptions may still apply at TSA officer discretion, but for the most part, you can keep your kicks on when passing through MCO’s security checkpoints.
REAL ID Enforcement
Starting around May 2025, the REAL ID rule has been strictly enforced at MCO. A passport or tribal identification still works just fine, but double-check your ID before heading to MCO — traveling with the wrong identification is a quick way to ruin a trip.
©DHS.gov
You can apply for a REAL ID through your local DMV’s website and its physical office.
Banned Items
When traveling through MCO, prepare to pack differently moving forward.
Baggage
Cordless curling irons or flatirons with butane or gas cartridges — as well as spare cartridges — are now banned from checked baggage. Additionally, all portable electronics with lithium-ion batteries must be placed in carry-on bags.
Orlando Airport
How are you feeling about these MCO TSA changes? Let us know in the comments, and continue to follow us here at DFB for all the latest travel updates and tips!
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What changes to TSA protocol would YOU like to see in the future? Let us know in the comments!
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I flew out of Orlando on United last week and TSA appeared at our Gate Rechecking ID’s and going through some Carry On Bags. Our flight took off on time, but it was an inconvience.
The lithium battery issue should be old news even for TSA. The affected batteries were older, attempted to make nearly flat batteries and even slight bending could cause breaks in the dielectric leading to shorting of the electrode surfaces. Few of those batteries exist anymore and construction emphasizes more robust physical characteristics. So, expect another 20 years before it changes…