Orlando International Airport (MCO), the busiest airport in Florida, handles over 57 million passengers annually, serving as the primary gateway to Central Florida’s theme parks and beyond. Located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, MCO connects to 160 destinations worldwide with airlines like Southwest, Delta, and JetBlue.
Aer Lingus uses terminal C in Orlando Airport, which they share with JetBlue. The flight leaves from Gates C240-243. It is also the terminal where you find the Brightline train service which serves Fort Lauderdale and Miami. There is a two carriage shuttle train service that passes between terminal C and terminal A and B, used by American and Canada Services.
The Aer Lingus check-in desks and baggage drop are located on Level 2 departures. Once you clear security, you will be directed to your departure gate, which typically falls in the C230 to C249 range. Arrivals are on Level 6.
This is a noisy airport. Apart form the theme park bound children, the halls are filled with loud and often rancorous music. The Plaza Premium lunge is right beside the Aer Lingus departure gate. Wine Bar George at Orlando International Airport is a good option for those who do not wish to use a lounge.
The passenger experience at MCO is designed for efficiency, with clear signage and digital flight screens guiding travellers through check-in, security, and boarding. Staff at Service Centres assist with queries, and the MCO app provides real-time updates on wait times and gate assignments. Accessibility features include wheelchair assistance and nursing pods on the B-side of the main terminal. The airport’s modern design, enhanced by the 2022 opening of Terminal C, ensures a smooth journey, though its size requires planning.
Accessing MCO is straightforward, with a 15-minute drive from downtown via State Road 408. Parking options include Terminal Top Parking (£20/day) and Economy Lots (£12/day), with valet services at Terminals A, B, and C. The Lynx bus (Route 42, £1.60) connects to downtown in 17 minutes, while SunRail and Brightline trains link to Miami and West Palm Beach from the Intermodal Terminal, accessible via a free people mover.
Taxis cost £25-£35, and rideshares like Uber operate from Level 3 (Terminals A/B) and Level 2 (Terminal C). Car hire from Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise is available at the Ground Transportation Curb.
The airport’s layout features a North Terminal Complex (Terminals A and B) with four airside concourses (Gates 1-129) and a South Terminal Complex (Terminal C) for international flights. Terminals A and B handle check-in, baggage claim, and security on three levels, connected to concourses via automated people movers. Terminal C, with 15 gates, has its own security and customs facilities. Walking times can reach 20 minutes, but shuttle trains run every few minutes. International arrivals process through Terminal C’s customs area, with Global Entry kiosks.
Delays can occur during peak hours (6-9 AM, 4-7 PM) or holiday seasons, with security waits reaching 30 minutes. Weather, particularly thunderstorms, and high traffic in Florida’s airspace may cause disruptions. Travellers should arrive three hours early for domestic and four for international flights, checking status via FlightAware or the MCO website. Construction for Brightline expansions may affect road access.
Dining options reflect Orlando’s culinary scene, with Terminal A offering Chick-fil-A and Cask & Larder, Terminal B featuring Ruby Tuesday, and Terminal C showcasing Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith and 4Rivers Smokehouse. Retail includes duty-free stores in Terminals A and C, Disney and Universal shops landside, and Hudson News for essentials. Terminal C’s Plaza Premium Lounge doubles as a dining destination open to non-passengers via a visitor pass.
Facilities are comprehensive, with free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and lounges like Delta Sky Club (Terminal B) and The Club at MCO (Terminal A). A children’s play area, pet relief zones, and a chapel are available, alongside the on-site Hyatt Regency with a rooftop pool. Lost and found services operate in Terminal A, and baggage storage costs €14 per bag.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with Southwest, the largest carrier, maintaining consistent schedules. The airport’s four runways handle over 850 daily flights, though weather can cause delays. Connections are efficient, with 60-minute minimums for domestic and 90-minute minimums for international transfers, aided by shuttle trains. Passengers should confirm gate assignments to avoid confusion.Potential delays may stem from summer storms, peak-season crowds, or construction around the Intermodal Terminal. Travellers can mitigate risks by using TSA PreCheck (£62) or CLEAR lanes and avoiding peak hours.
As an airport, Orlando has many advantages, but security is not one of them. It is the only airport I’ve come across in the world where there is a restriction on passengers picking up their empty tray and putting them on the camera. It was after that I nearly got arrested, but there was an immense hostility when I picked up three trays to clear a backlog caused by an enormous number of people on wheelchairs, of which there is a growing population in the United States.
Passengers are left in no doubt where they are because of the merchandising. In the corner and we have Walt Disney World store and Universal Orlando resort. it is as if they are trying to get the last shake out of of the oppressed parents, who have just been subjected to the full theme park treatment.
