Florida’s Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the busiest in the state and the ninth busiest in the entire United States, with an annual traffic of over 57 million passengers. Millions of visitors head to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orange County Convention Center, and if you do not know your way around the airport, check-in at MCO can be a daunting task. That is why we have put together this guide that tells you everything about the check-in process at MCO terminal by terminal.
MCO Terminal Layout
Knowing where to go is the first step towards check-in at MCO, but many first-timers are often caught unprepared by MCO’s layout.
MCO airport follows the hub-and-spoke model with the following two terminal complexes:
- North Terminal Complex (Terminals A & B): The North Terminal complex consists of the original terminal that is divided into two terminals A & B, which is used by airlines for check-in procedures, baggages claim and boarding. The airline ticketing facility lies on level three while baggage claim on levels two and three and ground transport on level one. From the north terminal complex, there are several trams systems that link to four airside concourses such as Airside 1(Gates 1-29), Airside 2(Gates 100-129), Airside 3(Gates 30-59), and Airside 4(Gates 70-99).
- Terminal C (South Terminal Complex): The newest terminal at MCO which was opened in 2022 consists of the South terminal complex. It provides its own check-in counters, security checkpoints, and baggages claim. Terminal C handles both international and domestic flights and has connections through automated people mover (APM) system and to the brightline train station.
Since airlines keep changing their terminals at MCO as it continues to expand, it is best to confirm your terminal beforehand the day prior to your trip. By 2026, American, United, and Spirit Airlines fly mostly out of the North Terminal (A/B), while JetBlue, Southwest, and other international airlines like British Airways, Aer Lingus, Emirates, and Avianca check in at Terminal C. Be sure to consult your airlines’ website or app for terminal changes, as MCO is continuing to evolve.
Checking in at MCO: The Methods
As with all large U.S. airports, MCO provides several methods of checking in based on your amount of time available and whether or not you are checking baggage.
1. Online or Mobile Application Check-In
Most airlines begin their online check-in procedures 24 hours prior to departure. This is the quickest method to use if you are carrying just a carry-on – you can go straight to security after you check in online. You will, however, need to proceed to the bag drop counter or automated check-in kiosk if you are checking any baggage.
2. Self-Service Kiosks
Every airline that operates at MCO airport provides self-service kiosks at their respective ticket counters in Terminals A, B, and C. Through these kiosks, you will be able to print your boarding pass, book a seat, and print your baggage tag. Once you have tagged your luggage at the kiosk, you will deposit it at a neighboring manned baggage drop counter.
3. Traditional Counter Check-In
Counter check-in services remain an option if you wish to use the traditional counter services to sort out your paperwork and/or check in special items like sports gear. Check-in counters are located on Level 3 in the North Terminal and on the ticketing level in Terminal C.
4. Curbside Check-In
Some airlines provide the option of curbside check-in for passengers who want to check their luggage at terminal drop-off points for a nominal fee along with a tip. This could be a very convenient way of check-in, if you have reached MCO via a vehicle and just need to check your luggage and proceed to security.
How Early Should You Arrive?
It is one of the most frequently asked questions regarding MCO, and the answer varies according to your type of flight and time of arrival.
- Domestic flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
- International flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
- Peak travel periods (holidays, spring break, summer): Allow an additional 30 minutes to an hour, since security screenings and check-in lines tend to be much busier.
The three security checkpoints at MCO (one per Terminal A, B, and C) normally work between 4:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Check-in and security wait times usually vary between 10 minutes and 30 minutes, yet in cases of high demand may exceed 45 minutes. If you arrive by car, be ready to allow additional time for parking and walking/tram ride to your terminal.
Getting Your Check-In and Security Faster
There are several programs offered by MCO aimed at saving you time on check-in and security procedures:
- TSA PreCheck: The pre-enrollment program gives travelers the ability to use a special lane, to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, and to keep their laptop and 3-1-1 liquids in their bag. Enrollment is possible at MCO on-site enrollment centers and costs a one-time fee, which will be valid for five years. It can save a lot of time at the busiest hours.
- CLEAR+: The identity verification program allows members to skip an initial line with ID verification and get directly to screening, and it works together with both regular and PreCheck lanes.
- MCO Reserve: The free program unique only to Orlando allows any traveler with or without a PreCheck or CLEAR program to book a particular time slot for going through a security screening process up to seven days in advance. There are special MCO Reserve lanes at all three terminals where you just need to scan your QR code and go through security screening after that. Time slots are available from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for those who depart between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.; however, there is a limit on time slot availability.
International Flights: Some Additional Considerations
In case you’re departing internationally from MCO, give yourself some additional leeway. Apart from the usual check-in and security, you should be prepared with your passport and visa papers at the counter, and international check-in is likely to be more time-consuming because of document processing. The International Departures areas of Terminal B (Airside 3 and 4) and Terminal C, and US Customs and Border Protection for international arrivals (which may last 45-90 minutes at peak times) are all part of the process. In view of the additional considerations involved, the 3-hour recommendation for international flights can be considered a minimum rather than a goal.
Some Useful Tips
- Be sure of your terminal before setting out. With the recent changes by airlines from the North Terminal to Terminal C, do not make assumptions—check your carrier’s mobile app or flymco.com.
- After passing through security, you are committed to the airside of your terminal. Although terminals A and B have a common atrium area before security screening, you cannot go from one terminal to another after security without going back outside and being rescreened.
- Pack liquids properly. Carry liquid bottles below 3.4 ounces in one clear quart-sized bag, thus avoiding additional bag searches.
- Put on slip-on footwear and leave away accessories if you do not use PreCheck, as regular lines imply taking off shoes and belts.
- In case you travel to Disney or Universal resorts, keep in mind that Disney’s Magical Express airport shuttle service was discontinued in 2022. You should plan your transportation independently, for example, Mears Connect or car services from baggage claim.
Conclusion
It is possible to simplify check-in at MCO Airport once you learn the basics about its organization. First of all, it is important to remember which terminal is used by your airline (North Terminal A/B or the new Terminal C). Secondly, it is essential to choose the type of check-in that suits your needs (online, kiosk, counter, or curbside). Finally, you need to allocate sufficient time to the security check process (2 hours for domestic passengers and 3 hours for those who go abroad). Utilize such services as TSA PreCheck, CLEAR+, or MCO Reserve (it is completely free) to shorten the lines at MCO, and never forget to confirm the terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
It will depend on your airline. By 2026, American, United, and Spirit Airlines check-in at the North Terminal Complex (sides A and B), whereas JetBlue, Southwest, and all international airlines like British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Emirates use Terminal C. Always check your airline’s website or app, as well as flymco.com.
You should be 2 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. If your visit occurs during holidays, spring break, and summer seasons, add extra 30–60 minutes to your arrival time due to additional traffic, parking, and long queues at the airport security checkpoints.
Yes. You can check in online via airline’s website or application 24 hours before the flight. If you only take carry-on luggage, you can go directly to security after online check-in. If you will be checking any luggage, you will still have to drop off your luggage at the airport kiosk or counter.
It is a free service allowing you to schedule a security screening for a particular time slot in advance, up to seven days in advance, in Terminals A, B, and C. You just scan your QR code at a special Reserve lane and pass through screening without any TSA PreCheck or CLEAR memberships.
Not necessarily. Terminal A and B share a single pre-security area, but after passing the security checkpoint, you will have to stay in your terminal’s airside. In order to move between Terminal A and B after passing through security checkpoint, you will have to re-screen.