The New Rules You HAVE To Follow In the Orlando Airport

It’s no secret that flying can be quite a stressful experience, and things are seemingly only getting more complicated.

Orlando International Airport

If you’re flying through Orlando International Airport (MCO) anytime soon, there are some rules – old and new – that you definitely need to keep in mind.

Arrive EARLY!

For decades, fliers were recommended to arrive at the airport about 2 hours before their flight. However, thanks to a slew of political issues affecting the TSA and Homeland Security, wait times have been going up during the early spring of 2026. According to NBC News, “airports are facing shortages of TSA officers due to a partial shutdown of the government that began in mid-February and is affecting funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the TSA. As a result, roughly 50,000 TSA officers have not received a paycheck for more than a month, causing some to depart for other jobs to make ends meet or call out sick to work jobs for immediate money.”

MCO TSA Precheck

These shortages have led to wait times shooting up at major airports around the nation, including major hubs like MCO, with peak times hitting waits of 90 to 120 minutes just at security alone. This has led to some airports increasing their recommended arrival time to 2.5 hours before a traveler’s flight, while some aviation experts have taken things a step further, recommending up to 3 or 3.5 hours. However, MCO has a few ways to make the process go as quickly as possible.

Use MCO Reserve

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.” Flyers scan their MCO Reserve QR code at a specific MCO Reserve line, then move directly to TSA to screen their boarding pass and ID and proceed through the standard TSA security screening, cutting a considerable amount of time from the process on most days.

©Orlando International Airport

Dedicated MCO Reserve terminals are available at Terminals A, B and C. There are only a limited number of slots available each day, however, 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.

Book Your Parking In Advance

MCO offers the option of booking parking in advance, which can be very beneficial in locking down a spot. You can book on MCO’s website, as well as check the status and price for the airport’s various lots.

©MCO

In addition, travelers can also pay for certain lots using a SunPass. Simply park as usual, then “pay as you exit by using the specially marked E-PASS/SunPass lanes. The parking fees will be deducted from your E-PASS/SunPass account. No additional fees will be charged.”

©MCO

Finally, one general flying tip which applies to all U.S. domestic flights, including those coming into and out of MCO.

Remember Your Real ID

Since May of 2025, travelers flying domestically in the U.S. have been required to show a REAL ID-compliant license or an accepted alternative in order to 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.”

©DHS.gov

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.” 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.

In February of 2026, the TSA added another wrinkle to the Real ID story. According to the agency, “if you are unable to provide the required acceptable ID, such as a passport or REAL ID, you can pay a $45 fee to use TSA ConfirmID. TSA will then attempt to verify your identity so you can go through security; however, there is no guarantee TSA can do so.”

©FLHSMV.gov

If you’re flying into or out of MCO in 2026, you’ll need to keep these newly-developing aviation rules in mind. Stay tuned to DFB for more travel updates.

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