Flying out of Orlando International Airport (MCO) may take a bit longer. TSA officials are urging those departing from the Central Florida airport to allow at least 2 hours for ticketing and security screening.
Due to “enhanced passenger screening procedures” passengers should expect the checkpoint processes to take longer than before. Those enrolled in “TSA Precheck” should not be affected by the new measures.
Central Florida rivals Las Vegas for the most hotel rooms in America. Add in resort destinations like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, Sea World and scores of smaller attractions, and its easy to see that MCO can be a very busy airport. The time it takes to leave Central Florida just got a bit longer.
According to the TSA, the stronger domestic security measures are being put in place “due to an increased threat to aviation security.” Passengers will now be required to remove any item larger than a cell phone and place it in the security check bin for x-ray.
“In standard screening lanes, TSA officers will be stationed in front of the checkpoint X-ray machines to guide passengers through the screening process and recommend how best to arrange their carry-on items for X-ray screening. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving. There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint; food and liquid items that comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags.” –TSA website
This enhanced screening was rolled as a pilot program, last summer, at 10 airports across the country. The increased bag checks and improved security processing procedures are now be expanded to additional airports including MCO.
Requiring the removal and scan of all large electronic devices combined with the busy spring break (and upcoming summer) travel season could result in longer lines at security checkpoints.
Guest departing from resort hotels should check with their selected transportation service (i.e. Disney’s Magical Express) to ensure they have sufficient time to process through airport security.
Source and images: Spectrum News 13, TSA, Orlando International Airport website and Instagram page, Disney
