Orlando International Airport-McO

We fly in and out of Orlando International Airport (MCO) quite often and it's definitely our favorite airport. Even though the airport itself is quite large and hosts many airlines in it's 129 gates, it's very well laid out and they've truely streamlined the extra security measures/screening put into place since 9/11 to make it quite easy for travelers. Our kids look forward to taking the shuttle (they call it the 'monorail') between the main terminal and the gates - they especially love the window seat in the front! :) The newer shopping area feels like a mall and they have a great selection of shops including Magic of Disney & Walt Disney Earport, Sea World Store, and Universal Studio Store in case you forgot to pick up your theme park souveniers! Restaurants include our favorite, Chili's, which is a super place to have a burger or split some appetizers! Perhaps the neatest feature is the Hyatt Hotel which is right IN the airport!!! I've heard great reviews from friends that have had the chance to stay there - some even got a runway view! ;) more

It's long curvy driveways are strewn with sunkist palm trees and tropical plants almost heralding a grand welcome to all who enter there. Although much smaller than Detroit Metro Airport it is of highest maintenance and organization. I was soon to learn the strict rules of security when I was asked to remove my shoes, jacket and the lighters in my purse. They kept the lighters. Orlando's airport is almost overcrowded, I am sure because of all the tourists that enter and leave their doors. My greatest beef was that once entering your terminal you cannot smoke. My spouse, a smoker, had to wait almost 5 hours until we got to Detroit to light up again. We arrived at the airport 2 hours early and it seemed to take forever to be cleared to board the plane. For everyone's convenience there is a large big screen television showing the CNN news to wide away the time. more

If you are flying out of the Orlando International Airport, you should allow yourself additional time. The last time I flew out of the airport, I had a 7 a.m. flight. I got there at 6 a.m. and tried to do the Delta Airlines SkyCap check-in. I waited for twenty minutes before the person at the counter told me that I had to go inside to check my bags, then walked off. I went inside, waited another fifteen minutes, and then got to the front at 6:35 a.m. The person at the counter told me the flight closed five minutes before, even though it was totally their fault that I missed it. So be careful- the first flight out is always the busiest in the airport, and the lines are ridiculous even when it's in the middle of the week and not even near a holiday. And the last time I flew into Orlando, they lost my luggage. more