The Orlando International Airport (MCO) – Everything You Need to Know!
The busiest international air gateway in Florida is Orlando International Airport, which has surpassed Miami International Airport as of 2017.
Pine Castle Airfield was constructed in the early 1940s for the United States military and saw action during World War II as Pinecastle Army Airfield. Operations were paused again after a short period of time, but they were restarted during the Korean conflict.
The airport’s IATA code, MCO, is derived from the name of a former pilot, Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy, who was killed in a bombing and navigation event while attempting to fly through Mt. McKinley in Alaska. In memory of him, the airfield was renamed as McCoy Air Force Base in 1958; however, the letters have remained since then.
The airport began to serve as a joint base for both civilian and military flights in the 1960s. After the end of the Vietnam War, the air force base was shut down, with usage being reduced dramatically. Passenger services were introduced in 1981, and passenger terminals were constructed during this time.
The modern Orlando Airport has a hub-and-spoke design with one main terminal building and four peripheral concourses linked. It has four runways and a helipad, as well as over 22 million passengers in 2017, making it the 11th busiest airport in the United States.
What to Expect
The beginning of the rebound for Orlando International Airport will be marked by mandatory face masks, window shields for ticket agents, fewer airlines and destinations, and half as many passengers in the airport for travelers.
Behind the scenes at Orlando’s airport is a high-stakes, gut-wrenching battle for survival – from airlines, rental-car firms, and shops to restaurateurs, other concessions operators, and even the airport. It might take up to five years for passenger levels to return before the pandemic.
There is considerable enthusiasm among airlines and others about the airport’s future. Many who work there believe that their immediate futures are in the hands of others’
As a result of the CDC’s recent recommendation, Frontier Airlines is taking new safety precautions for flights, including fogging aircraft interiors with sanitizing sprays, using high-efficiency filters for cabin air, and forcing passengers to wear masks. Frontier is also adding extra measures such as having passengers fill out health-acknowledgement forms.
Air Service and Destinations
Orlando International Airport is a focus city for JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. It is also a hub for Silver Airways and a base for Allegiant Air, as well as a major gateway for Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
Airlines that fly in and out of MCO include Aer Lingus, Aeroméxico, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, easyJet, Emirates, Frontier Airlines, Interjet, JetBlue Airways (hub), Lufthansa Regional operated by Eurowings (seasonal), Norwegian Air Shuttle operated by Danish Air Transport (seasonal), Southwest Airlines (focus city), Spirit Airlines (focus city), Sun Country Airlines, TUI fly Belgium (seasonal), United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, and XiamenAir.
Orlando International Airport has non-stop scheduled passenger air service to/from destinations in North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
Ground Transportation
There are various ways to get from Orlando International Airport to your final destination. The most popular methods are renting a car, using ride-sharing services such as a Taxi, Uber or Lyft, taking a shuttle bus or van service, or using the Lynx public bus system.
Taxicabs
Taxis are available at Orlando International Airport and can be found on Level 1 of the Terminal garages, near the baggage claim areas. Fares are metered, and credit/debit cards are accepted.
Airport Shuttle
For those looking for a more economical option, the LYNX public bus system provides service to/from the airport and many locations throughout Central Florida. Lynx buses can be found on Level 1 of the Terminal B parking garage, across from bag claim B. A one-way fare is $2.65 (exact change required), and a day pass is $5.30.
There are also several shuttle bus and van services that provide transportation to/from Orlando International Airport and various locations throughout Central Florida. These services can be found on Level 1 of the Terminal B parking garage, across from bag claim B. Fares vary depending on the service and destination.
The Best Time To Arrive At MCO
The best time to arrive at Orlando International Airport for a domestic flight is typically 2 hours before your scheduled departure time. For an international flight, it is recommended to arrive 3 hours prior to departure. These times may vary depending on the airline you are flying with.
The Facilities And Amenities At The Orlando International Airport
There are many facilities and amenities available at Orlando International Airport, including restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, newsstands, ATMs, and more.
Restaurants and Cafes
There are a variety of restaurants and cafes located throughout the airport, offering a wide range of cuisine options. Some of the most popular places to eat include Wolfgang Puck Express, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Chick-fil-A.
Bars
For those looking to grab a drink, there are several bars located throughout the airport, including The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille and Calico Jack’s Cantina.
Shops
There are many shops located throughout Orlando International Airport, offering a variety of items such as books, magazines, clothing, souvenirs, and more. Some of the most popular shops include Hudson Booksellers, Discover Orlando, and Harley-Davidson of Orlando.
Lounges
There are also a number of lounges located throughout the airport, offering travelers a place to relax and unwind. Some of the most popular lounges include The Club at MCO and The Centurion Lounge by American Express.
Orlando Airport Parking Spot Rates
Orlando International Airport offers a variety of parking options, including short-term, long-term, and economy parking. Rates vary depending on the type of parking and length of stay.
Orlando Airport Parking Lot Map
Here’s a full version of the Orlando International Airport Parking Map:
Credits: https://orlandoairports.net/parking-transportation/parking/
MCO Economy Parking
Orlando International Airport offers economy parking for those looking to save money on parking. Economy Parking is available in Lot E and costs $10 per day.
Short-Term Parking at MCO
The best place to park for a short time is at one of the airport terminal lots. These lots charge around $1 for every 20 minutes or $3 per hour. There are cheaper options, but you must transfer to terminals via shuttle; expect to pay $4 for parking that is valid up to 3 hours.
Long-Term Parking at MCO
Off-airport parking at Orlando International Airport (MCO) starts at $3.95 per day for outdoor self, plus $1.00 per square foot of covered area and an additional charge per item in the vehicle (up to a maximum of $50).
MCO Off-Site Parking Lots
Orlando International Airport also offers off-site parking in a number of different lots. Rates and availability vary depending on the lot. For more information, visit the Orlando International Airport website here.
On Air Parking MCO
With only $3.75 per day, On Air Parking MCO is the best option for parking at the Orlando International Airport. They offer the most convenient and affordable off-airport parking in the area.
Best Parking At MCO
The greatest choice is On Air Parking, which is the one that offers you the most in terms of flexibility and price. They are simply the finest since they charge $3.75 as their first fee. You may make a reservation by going online or phoning them, and they will prepare you for your next excursion. They have a free shuttle that departs every 15 minutes, so you can unwind before your flight. For $4/hour or $33/day, valet parking and covered parking are available at MCO.
FAQs:
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How much does it cost to park at Orlando Airport?
Parking rates at Orlando International Airport vary depending on the parking option and length of stay. Short-term parking is the most expensive, while economy parking is the cheapest.
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What is the cheapest parking at Orlando Airport?
With only $3.75 per day, On Air Parking MCO is the best option for parking at the Orlando International Airport. They offer the most convenient and affordable off-airport parking in the area.
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How much does it cost to park at MCO for a week?
Parking rates at Orlando International Airport vary depending on the parking option and length of stay.
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How much is long term parking in Orlando Airport?
Off-airport parking at Orlando International Airport (MCO) starts at $3.95 per day for outdoor self, plus $1.00 per square foot of covered area and an additional charge per item in the vehicle (up to a maximum of $50).
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Where can I park for Orlando Airport short term parking?
The best place to park for a short time is at one of the airport terminal lots. These lots charge around $1 for every 20 minutes or $3 per hour.
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What are the rates for Orlando Airport short term parking?
Rates for Orlando Airport short term parking vary depending on the lot. It’s around $1 for every 20 minutes or $3 per hour.