Credit: Inside The MagicNavigating airport security can often feel like the most stressful part of travel, especially at a bustling hub like Orlando International Airport (MCO). With security lines sometimes stretching to half an hour or more during busy periods, missing a flight becomes a real concern for those who don’t plan ahead.
However, MCO offers a free solution to bypass these lines — and it just got an update.
A Smarter Way to Clear Security: MCO Reserve
Say goodbye to long waits with MCO Reserve, a complimentary service that allows travelers to skip the standard security line. This user-friendly option lets you reserve a specific time to pass through security, offering a smoother and faster experience. Here’s how it works:
- Visit the MCO Reserve website and provide your flight details along with your preferred security screening time.
- Receive a confirmation for your reserved slot.
- Arrive at the designated time and enjoy a queue-free security experience.
MCO Reserve is available daily from 5 AM to 5 PM, and flights departing between 6:30 AM and 8:30 PM are eligible. Keep in mind that this service isn’t accessible to travelers who already use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+. It’s an ideal option for passengers flying without these premium memberships.
Heads up: If your flight departs from Gates 1-59, note that the security checkpoint for these gates has recently moved to the Terminal A entrance instead of the Terminal B side. Make sure to plan accordingly to avoid any last-minute confusion.
Major Upgrades Coming to MCO
In addition to enhancing security options, MCO is rolling out significant improvements designed to elevate the entire airport experience. Over the next few years, passengers can expect exciting upgrades to the dining, shopping, and parking facilities at this world-class travel hub.
A Feast of New Dining Options
Already home to more than 150 restaurants and stores, MCO is preparing to add several Central Florida favorites to its lineup. The following eateries will soon be making their debut:
- Stasio’s Italian Deli & Market
- Smoke & Donuts
- Kelly’s Ice Cream
- SoDough Detroit Pizza
- Milkhouse
- Jam-Eng
- 4 Rivers Smokehouse
These local establishments will join existing options to provide a diverse selection of flavors and support regional business owners.
Terminal Renovations
To keep pace with growing passenger numbers, MCO is undergoing extensive renovations:
- Airside 1 and Airside 3 will see $65 million in updates, including new flooring, upgraded bathrooms, and enhanced gate areas. Airside 1 serves Frontier, Silver Airways, and Spirit flights, while Airside 3 hosts Alaska, Allegiant, American Airlines, Breeze, and United.
- Additional upgrades are planned for Terminal C, including a parking reservation system and a future Consolidated Rental Car Facility that will add 4,500 parking spaces by 2032.
Renovation work is expected to begin in mid-2025 and will be completed in phases.
Smarter Parking Solutions
Travelers driving to MCO will soon benefit from a $13 million parking guidance system that displays real-time parking availability. This technology, similar to what’s found at Disney Springs, will make finding a spot easier than ever. The system will:
- Indicate the number of available spaces in each garage.
- Use a camera-based license plate recognition system to help locate lost vehicles.
MCO currently boasts 23,000 parking spaces, with plans to add thousands more in the coming years. Installation of the new system begins in mid-2025 and will be completed by 2027. All parking facilities will remain open during construction, with work completed in phases to minimize disruption.
Transforming the Passenger Experience
Each year, MCO welcomes more than 60 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in the United States. With these sweeping upgrades, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) aims to ensure that the airport remains a top choice for travelers.
“These are significant investments we are making at Orlando International Airport, and they really go to the heart of what we are about: creating timeless experiences for our guests who visit from around the world and here in Central Florida,” said Kevin J. Thibault, GOAA CEO.
“We are using emerging technologies to create seamless arrival to MCO with the new parking guidance system. Once visitors are here, they will be able to find unique and enjoyable restaurants and stores that are designed with passengers in mind.”
Plan Ahead and Enjoy Your Trip
Whether you’re leveraging MCO Reserve to speed through security or looking forward to new dining and retail options, Orlando International Airport is transforming travel into a more enjoyable and efficient experience. Plan ahead, arrive early, and take advantage of the many upgrades coming to this gateway to Central Florida.
Have you ever used MCO Reserve?