After a relaxing vacation, the last thing you want is a long wait in a security line. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is unique because it serves many families and first-time flyers, which often slows things down. Currently, MCO is the busiest airport in Florida and the ninth busiest in the United States. Consequently, lines peak during the early morning rush and on Sunday afternoons.
Fortunately, you can avoid the unnecessary hassle. This guide highlights the fastest terminals and provides simple tools to save you time. For instance, using the MyTSA app or MCO’s free reservation system can save you over 30 minutes. Therefore, instead of guessing, follow real-time updates to streamline your path to the gate.
How Long Are Security Wait Times at MCO Airport?
Traveling through Orlando International Airport (MCO) can be quite an adventure. First, it is important to know that MCO is the busiest airport in Florida and the ninth busiest in the United States. Because it is so crowded, security wait times typically range from 15 to 30 minutes.
However, your experience depends heavily on the clock. For instance, early mornings between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM are the busiest, with waits averaging around 30 minutes.
On the other hand, if you fly in the evening, things move much faster, often taking only about 4 minutes. Consequently, it is always a good idea to plan. Orlando International Airport suggests arriving at least two hours before your flight. While the airport usually runs smoothly, security lines can be unpredictable. Therefore, give yourself the gift of an early arrival; it turns a frantic trek through this massive hub into a peaceful stroll.
What Should You Know About TSA Security Wait Times at MCO Airport?
Orlando International Airport (MCO) features three main security checkpoints located on Level 3 of the terminal complexes. Moreover, each checkpoint serves a specific set of gates, so your airline and gate number will determine which one you should use.
- Main Terminal (Terminals A & B): The main terminal building is divided into two sides (A and B), with two large security checkpoints located in the central atrium areas.
- West Security Checkpoint (serving Gates 1-59): This checkpoint is located on the west side of the main terminal. It provides access to Airside 1 (Gates 1-29) and Airside 3 (Gates 30-59).
- East Security Checkpoint (serving Gates 70-129): Located on the east side of the main terminal, this checkpoint serves Airside 4 (Gates 70-99) and Airside 2 (Gates 100-129).
- Terminal C (South Terminal Complex): Terminal C is a separate complex located south of the main terminal and is used primarily for international flights and JetBlue.
- Terminal C Checkpoint (serving Gates C230-C245): This security checkpoint is located on Level 2 of Terminal C. Once you clear security here, you will enter the Palm Court area, which leads to all C gates.
MCO Airport Current Wait Time Estimates:
Based on recent data, security lines at MCO Airport are moving quickly across all major gate clusters. Below is a breakdown of the wait times for General Screening and TSA PreCheck (TSA Pre✓®) at various gate locations.
| Gate Location | Screening Type | Estimated Wait Time |
| Gates 1 – 59 | General | 0 – 2 min |
| TSA Pre✓® | 0 – 2 min | |
| Gates 70 – 129 | General | 0 – 3 min |
| TSA Pre✓® | 0 – 2 min | |
| Gates C230 – C249 | General | 0 – 2 min |
| TSA Pre✓® | 0 – 2 min |
What types of security screening are offered at the airport?
Orlando International Airport offers several expedited screening services, including MCO Reserve, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR+, designed to get you through security in minutes. Skip the stress and head straight to the concourse to relax before your flight. Check out the details below and start your journey faster.
- MCO Reserve:
If you don’t have an expedited screening program, MCO Reserve is your secret weapon. It’s a completely free service that lets you reserve a time to breeze through security, helping you avoid those notoriously long MCO wait times without spending a dime.
Here is everything you need to know about using the service:
Key Benefits:
- Less Stress: You can book a specific time for your whole group, so you know exactly when you will get through the airport.
- Your Own Lane: Using MCO Reserve gives you access to special, shorter lanes in Terminals A, B, and C.
- Totally Free: The service doesn’t cost a dime. Just keep in mind that spots are limited, so it’s best to grab one early.
How does it work?
- You can book your time slot up to 7 days in advance.
- When you arrive at your scheduled time, head to the dedicated MCO Reserve lane.
- You can simply scan your MCO Reserve QR code.
- You will move directly to the TSA officer to scan your boarding pass and ID, then proceed through the standard TSA security screening (standard liquid and shoe removal rules apply).
Availability & Eligibility?
- Service Hours: Reservations are available for security screening between 5:00 am and 5:00 pm.
- Flight Times: Your flight must be departing between 6:30 am and 8:30 pm to be eligible for the service.
- Target Audience: This is intended for the general screening of passengers. If you already have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+, you should continue to use those respective dedicated lanes for their specific benefits.
- TSA PreCheck:
TSA PreCheck® makes airport security faster and less stressful for low-risk travelers. It is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and members of Trusted Traveler Programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. With TSA PreCheck, you can use dedicated lanes and keep your shoes, belts, laptops, light jackets, and 3-1-1 liquids in your bag.
As a result, frequent travelers save valuable time. TSA PreCheck lanes usually operate from 4:00 am to 8:30 pm, though hours may vary by flight. Enrollment at MCO takes five minutes or less, costs $85 for five years, and most travelers receive their KTN within three to five days.
- CLEAR+
CLEAR+ is a biometric pre-screening service that helps passengers move through airport security faster. Instead of waiting in regular lines, enrolled travelers use dedicated CLEAR+ lanes and go straight to the screening area, often saving 10-15 minutes during busy periods. Enrollment is available at all three security checkpoints serving Gates 70-129. You can sign up online in advance or enroll on the spot when you arrive at the airport.
What are the International Arrivals Options?
Travelers arriving on international flights at MCO Airport can take advantage of Global Entry kiosks, the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app, and more. These services are designed to streamline the customs process and reduce wait times.
- Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP):
EPP is a U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) program designed to reduce wait times and improve the overall arrival experience. It uses biometric facial comparison to verify traveler identities, allowing officers to focus more on passengers rather than paperwork, creating a smoother and more efficient entry process.
- Mobile Passport Control (MPC):
MPC is a free, CBP-authorized app that speeds up U.S. entry for eligible travelers. Passengers submit passport details and customs declarations digitally before meeting a CBP officer, helping cut down processing time at immigration.
You need to download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, create a profile with passport details, complete a “New Trip” upon arrival, submit the declaration form, and present the generated QR code along with your passport to a CBP officer.
- Global Entry:
Global Entry offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers arriving in the U.S. Members use automated kiosks at select airports, saving significant time at immigration, and also receive TSA Pre✓® benefits for domestic travel.
The enrollment center is located in Terminal C, Level 1, near the Orlando Police Department office. It operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Applications and interview appointments must be scheduled online.
- International Arrivals Guide:
The International Arrivals Guide helps passengers understand each step of the arrival process at Orlando International Airport. Since procedures vary between Gates 70–99 and Gates 230–254 (Terminal C), travelers should confirm their arrival terminal in advance.
The guide is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and Japanese, making it easier for international travelers to navigate the arrival process smoothly.
MCO Airport Security Made Easy: Insider Advice for Quick TSA Lines
You don’t need to stress about the security lines at MCO Airport. These quick tips will help you get through the screening process easily and on your way to your flight:
- MCO serves millions annually, so arrive three hours before your flight to handle long security queues.
- Book a free time slot online with MCO Reserve to bypass general lines without any membership.
- Keep liquids under 3.4 ounces in one clear quart-sized bag to avoid extra bag searches.
- Place laptops and tablets in separate bins unless you are using the expedited TSA PreCheck lane.
- Wear slip-on shoes and remove bulky jewelry or belts to speed up the metal detector process.
- Use the official MCO mobile app to monitor real-time security wait times before reaching checkpoints.
- Look for facial recognition scanners in Terminal C for a faster, paperless identity verification experience.
Explore our other blogs for more insights and updates.
Conclusion
Since Orlando International Airport is a major hub, it stays very busy, especially on weekends or early in the morning. As a result, the lines can get quite long, so you should definitely aim to arrive early. To make things even easier, you can save a lot of time by checking wait times online before you leave. Additionally, you might want to use services like MCO Reserve, TSA PreCheck, or CLEAR+ to skip the heaviest crowds. Do yourself a favor and prep a bit ahead of time using these tips. You’ will cruise through those long lines and hit your gate without breaking a sweat.
FAQs:
On average, TSA security wait times at MCO range from 15 to 30 minutes. However, during off-peak evening hours, waits can be as short as 4–5 minutes.
Security lines are typically busiest between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, as well as on Sunday afternoons and during holiday travel periods.
Yes, MCO Reserve is completely free. It allows travelers to book a specific time slot for security screening and use a dedicated lane at Terminals A, B, and C.
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR+ are generally the fastest options. TSA PreCheck reduces screening steps, while CLEAR+ uses biometric verification to skip ID lines.
