I have visited the Orlando International Airport (MCO) multiple times per year, since bringing my kids to Disney World in the early 2000s. I’ve learned that it can be a bustling megalopolitan and can feel overwhelming when you’re traveling with your family.
Navigating MCO is something I do with my eyes closed now, but it took YEARS to get there. The fact of the matter is, most people visit once, or maybe even just a handful of times in their lifetime.
Here are some tips to increase your chances of having a stress-free experience at Orlando International Airport.
1. Just Book the Flight Already
Consider this the prequel to navigating the airport. When it comes to booking flights for business or vacations, a good rule of thumb is to purchase flights 2-3 months prior to travel.
Disney is the exception to this rule. You’ll want to purchase your flights as soon as possible, especially if you are traveling with family. This way, you get your first pick of days and times, and you’ll be more likely to get seats together.
If a sale comes up, most airlines will apply the promo and you can either receive a refund or airline credit.
Pro tip: make sure you are searching flights in an incognito browser ~ it is rumored that your searches can create inflated demand and therefore prices can hike.
2. Consider Getting State IDs for Your Kids
A career ago, I was a public safety professional. Local law enforcement agencies and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) recommend that all kids have and carry identification cards. After sitting through a presentation and then touring the NCMEC center (the missing child clearinghouse) in 2012 in Alexandria, Virginia, I went straight to the DMV and got my kids their state IDs.
It is true that most airlines do not require minors under the age of 18 to present ID for domestic travel. But consider a few other things that having a state ID is useful for, especially when crossing state lines.
If your child has a state ID, their information can be spread instantaneously across state lines to law enforcement agencies and the public at large in the event of an Amber Alert Activation.
I cannot remember the statistics, but it is well known in the public safety community that an alarming number of parents are unable to accurately describe their child to law enforcement in the event that they go missing. I’m not sure if this is because of panic, or because it’s hard to guess how many inches a little one might be in feet, but I witnessed this happening first-hand in my old line of work.
An ID card can provide medical information to first responders in the event of an injury or accident. It can be used as a way to share important information beyond basic identification, for example, if a child is non-verbal or has other needs.
And completely trivial to all of these things, it was really nice to have my kids’ old state ID as souvenirs of sorts with their age progressions.
3. Download the Apps
Yep, there’s an app for that. With airline apps, you can purchase and check in for flights, get notifications when it’s time for boarding, download your boarding pass, enjoy on-flight entertainment, flight-tracking, and more.
I remember there was a terrible storm one winter, and I was trying to make it home from Chicago O’Hare to West Texas. Many flights were delayed, including mine. The app notified me to speak with the airline clerk. The lines were long, people were upset and cranky.
Side note: the ultimate test that determines if a person is “the one” for you is how a person handles traveling under stressful situations. That is when you genuinely see their true colors.
I digress ~ I opened the app, found a flight available (thankfully it was just me), and I was able to get home that night. All while at least a dozen people were still waiting to talk to a person.
Pro Tip: it may be tempting to download your boarding pass after checking in for your flight. I wait until my bags are checked because that’s when it will show the most up-to-date gate information.
You may also consider downloading the MCO app, which is loaded with tons of useful information, like reminding you where you parked, FAQs, TSA information, and more. It’s most useful feature for me has been the “Where is?” feature, which will even give you directions for what you are looking for. Want to find the Universal Studios gift shop? It’s in the app.
MCO offers various family-friendly amenities to keep your family entertained and comfortable. It has play areas, nursing rooms, and family lounges, which are strategically located throughout the airport. Familiarize yourself with these facilities in advance to plan your time accordingly.
4. Plan Ahead and Arrive Early:
I cannot stress this enough. The TSA advises arriving at the airport two hours before your flight for domestic travel and three hours before for international travel.
MCO is ranked consistently as one of the top 10 busiest airports in the world. I have been through hours-long TSA lines and have seen so many families sprinting with their infants and toddlers in tow to catch their flights.
If you coordinate ground transportation, most companies will pick you up 3-4 hours prior to your flight for this reason. If you plan to grab a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, do that at least 3 hours before your flight.
Arriving early allows for any unexpected delays and gives your family ample time to navigate the airport comfortably.
5. Prepare for Security Screening:
To breeze through security, ensure that everyone in your travel party is aware of the rules and regulations regarding carry-on items, liquids, and electronics.
Sidenote: the TSA does a great job of educating the masses about these rules on their Instagram account in a fun way. They’ve also got the best corny dad jokes, and it’s one of my favorite IGs in the universe.
Organize your bags and strollers in a way that facilitates easy inspection, such as placing items in clear, resealable bags. I use gallon-sized bags for this.
If you go through the standard TSA security line, make sure your family is aware that they will need to remove their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets.
If you bring a stroller, bags will need to be removed, and it will also need to be inspected. Consider babywearing instead of bringing a stroller.
When traveling with children, have a game plan on who will carry or hand-hold each child, and make sure the adults and kiddos understand this beforehand.
For more information on traveling with disabilities and medical conditions, seniors, children, and more, go to: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures.
Know that formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag as they are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk). Your child or infant does not need to be present or traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula, and/or related supplies.
Pumping tip (from someone that traveled a lot for work and had to pump while away from 4 infants): if you are traveling with breast milk, it will almost always be inspected. Declare it prior to it going in the bin and politely ask the TSA Agent to use a new set of gloves when doing so.
6. Consider Getting TSA PreCheck, CLEAR Options, or Global Entry
Did I stress you out about the TSA security screening? All the reason to apply for TSA Pre-Check.
This program allows you to go through an expedited screening at over 200 airports across the United States, including Orlando International Airport. PreCheck passengers can keep their shoes on, leave laptops and liquids in their bags, and experience shorter lines.
I have had TSA Pre-Check for years and have never regretted having it ~ $78 for 5 years is one of the best investments any traveler can make. Many credit cards pay will even pay for it for you.
If you want a free option, CLEAR Reserve is like a Genie+ selection at MCO. 🤣It’s like reserving your spot in the security line.
You can skip the standard security lines and enjoy a separate, dedicated lane for faster processing by making a CLEAR reservation. And yes, you’ll want to download their app. The idea of scheduling a time to arrive at security stresses me out, so I have not tried this option.
CLEAR Plus is the costliest option, with a $189 annual membership that gives you expedited entry at many airports nationwide, without waiting in line to show your I.D. at airport security. They use your biometric data (eyes and/or fingerprints) to identify you via a booth.
Children can join you if you have CLEAR Plus, and there are discounts for students, military service members, and some government employees.
If you frequently travel internationally with your family, consider enrolling in Global Entry. This U.S. Customs and Border Protection program provides expedited processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers when entering the United States. With Global Entry, you can bypass long immigration lines and use automated kiosks for a quicker and more efficient clearance process.
Out of all of these options, my family has TSA PreCheck and we get along just fine at MCO.
8. Keep Essential Items Handy:
Ensure you have easy access to essential items such as passports, boarding passes, and identification documents. Keep them in a secure yet easily accessible pocket or bag, so you can quickly retrieve them during check-in, security checks, or boarding.
Don’t forget your MagicBands in your carry-on bag! You can use them right away to unlock your hotel room and more.
9. Pay Attention to the Signs and to Your Surroundings
This may sound obvious, but keep your eyes open for signage of terminal maps, gate information, and services available in each terminal.
You’ll also want to use the flight screens to make sure your gate and flight information is up-to-date.
Lastly, don’t just simply follow the people in front of you.
- 10: Gate-Check Strollers
I only ever traveled with our personal stroller a handful of occasions and hated the experience of bringing it through TSA, having to unpack it to be inspected by TSA, setting up gate-checking at the gate counter, folding it at the gate, put it in the stroller bag, watching it get thrown like garbage onto the plane’s conveyor belt, and coming out with the bag destroyed, all while juggling my infant.
Please consider renting a stroller, it’s probably less expensive than you think AND your stroller will remain unscathed.
If you must bring your own stroller, consider gate-checking your stroller. Most airlines allow you to check your stroller at the gate, which means you can use it until you board the plane and have it waiting for you as soon as you disembark.
- Use Luggage Carts
If you have multiple pieces of luggage or heavy items, take advantage of the luggage carts available throughout the airport. These carts can save you from unnecessary strain and help keep your family together as you navigate the terminal. The first time we used one I heard angels singing from heaven. Why hadn’t we used one before?
Take a Deep Breath, It’ll be Okay!
As many times as I’ve traveled through MCO, I have to admit, it’s a different experience when traveling with my family. By following these ten essential tips, navigating Orlando International Airport will help minimize that stress. Plan ahead, arrive early, and make use of the available resources to make your time at the airport enjoyable for the entire family. Safe travels and have a magical time!
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