A Detailed Guide to Security Wait Time Orlando Airport

Air journeys are indeed amusing and pleasurable! But one thing that could be a spoiler is the pre-flight security screening. Yes, it is! It is a good point because it is. Nothing is more daunting than waiting for your turn in the prolonged queues of security screening and getting dead on your feet. 

Things might worsen, especially for passengers departing from the Orlando Interntional Airport. Since this airport is one of the busiest, the security wait time Orlando Airport is more extended. However, if you have any coming flight from Orlando Airport and you are worried about the drawn-out security wait. Then, you must read the following travelogue to clear the roadblock better for a hassle-free journey. Here we go!

A Quick Overview of the Security Wait Times at MCO

You might be surprised that the security wait time Orlando Airport is mainly calculated using a blend of historical plane traffic information. Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration staffing timelines are all processed with some of the advanced data analytic methods. Such techniques help the airport officials count on a final and reasonable estimate of wait times needed at the MCO Airport, excluding extraordinary scenarios. Yet, the Transportation Security Administration always suggests all travelers be available at the airport well in advance ahead of their flight scheduled time of departure. 

About Orlando’s Security CheckPoints 

Still, to give you an overview, Airport Security checkpoints at MCO refer to the area that is assigned for the security screening of passengers and their possessions before the flight boarding. However, for an airport like MCO, it is challenging to navigate through, so you might need some help navigating to the assigned security checkpoint. Here is a list comprising the particulars of all the Orlando checkpoints:

CheckPoint Name	Location (Gates)	Type	TSA PreCheck Hours	CLEAR Plus Lanes Hours	CLEAR Plus Lanes
West Checkpoint	Gates 1-59	All passengers, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR Plus Members	Daily, 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Daily, 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM	Daily, 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
EAST Checkpoint	Gates 70-129	All passengers, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR Plus Members	Daily, 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM	Daily, 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM	Daily, 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Terminal C Checkpoint	C230–C245	CLEAR Plus Members only	—	Daily, 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM	Daily, 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM

What are the Security Scanning Options at Orlando & their Wait Times?

Generally, three security screening options are available to minimize the Orlando International Airport security wait time for the flyers. This includes:

1. MCO Reserve 

If you are someone who has no access to the CLEAR+ or TSA PreCheck, then you simply need to pick the MCO Reserve to complete the Orlando Airport security. The Reserve program at MCO is powered by CLEAR and is absolutely free of charge to all passengers. This procedure allows the flyers to stay stress-free during their journey by planning the journey ahead. They get a reserved time slot for their trip to undergo the security screening. 

When you arrive at MCO Reserve lanes, you need to scan the MCO Reserve QR code and then move to the TSA to acquire the boarding pass and Identity. Furthermore, you will be directed to the standard TSA security screening. Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C are all MCO Reserve lanes that have few slots available for the day, and you have to book a slot before 7 days of your flight. For the flight departing from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., the screening times would be between 5:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2. TSA Precheck

Transportation Security Administration PreChcek is another program that provides expedited security screening at participating airports, and one of them is Orlando Interntional Airport. The significant benefit of enrolling in this program is to complete a convenient security screening at the MCO Airport. TSA PreCheck benefits you from keeping on your shoes, light outerwear, and belts as well as leaving your laptops and 3-1-1 complaint liquid stuffed into your carry-on baggage during the time of security checks. So, to know more, you should read the following:

1. TSA PreCheck is available at the TSA Terminal West Checkpoint, including Gates 1 to Gates 59 and the TSA Terminal East Checkpoint, Gates 70 to Gates 129. 
2. The daily hours for the screening are available from 4:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
3. Additionally, the service is helpful for the Select Frequent Flyers for participating Airlines and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection members. 

3. CLEAR+

Other than the above, CLEAR+ is also another security check procedure at the MCO Airport. It is typically a pre-clearance procedure that is based on biometrics. CLEAR+ allows you to enter the security checkpoint lanes at the participating airports. It allows thus will enable them to bypass the regular lanes and directly report for the screening. Additionally, the passengers can easily enroll for a CLEAR+ procedure at any of the three security checkpoints for Gates 70 to 129. The required travelers must sign up on the CLEAR website or enroll when they arrive at the Airport. In short, this security screening intends to save time for the passengers from waiting in prolonged queues and grants them a smooth and hassle free travel experience. 

Another blog: What terminal is Jetblue at Atlanta Airport?

Final words 

In a nutshell, the Orlando airport security wait time can be daunting and tiring for you! But with adequate planning, you can manage the entire situation well. It is vital to acknowledge the various factors that might impact your security wait times at the MCO Airport. And with this, it is pretty important to figure out some of the effective methodologies to save your time. 

Thus, this not only keeps you stressed but also safeguards you from all sorts of hassles during your flight. Hope that by now, you have acquired a better idea about the security wait times at the Orlando Interntional Airport. Yet, for any additional queries, you must reach out to the airport authorities for quick assistance with all your doubts. Bon Voyages, and enjoy your flight!

Frequently Asked Questions