Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary airport serving Central Florida, located about six miles southeast of downtown Orlando. It’s one of the busiest airports in the U.S., welcoming tens of millions of passengers annually — many headed to world-famous destinations like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and the Kennedy Space Center.

MCO serves as a hub for Silver Airways, a focus city for Southwest, Spirit, and JetBlue, and offers extensive domestic and international connections across North America, Europe, and South America. The airport features three terminals — A, B, and the new Terminal C — connected by the Automated People Mover (APM) system.

Known for its modern design, efficiency, and traveler experience, Orlando International continues to expand with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.

Orlando International has multiple TSA security checkpoints, distributed across its three terminals:

• Terminal A: Primarily serves Southwest, JetBlue, Frontier, and select international carriers.
• Terminal B: Home to Delta, American, Spirit, and United Airlines.
• Terminal C: The newest terminal, hosting JetBlue’s international operations and several foreign airlines including Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, and British Airways.

Security checkpoints typically open around 3:30 a.m. and remain active until the last departure of the night. Peak wait times are generally seen between 5:00–9:00 a.m. and 4:00–8:00 p.m., especially during holidays and family travel seasons.

Each terminal offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes, with real-time wait time monitors placed throughout the airport. Travelers can also check live updates using community-powered tools like Airport Security Status to plan their arrival more efficiently.

Best Times to Fly from MCO: Midday flights between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. usually experience the shortest security lines. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to see the heaviest traffic due to family and vacation departures.

How early should I arrive before my flight?

What time does TSA open at Orlando International Airport?

How do I move between terminals at MCO?

Why is MCO so busy?