Flying into or out of the Orlando Airport this summer? You need to read this first!

If you’re heading on a flight soon, there are some tips you need to consider before traveling through Orlando. Summer travel can be chaotic, but we’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs. These are the new rules for flying into or out of MCO!

Don’t Forget Your Real ID

First of all, do NOT forget your REAL ID. The TSA website notes, “As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs that are not REAL ID compliant are no longer accepted as valid forms of identification at airports. Passengers should either travel with an acceptable alternative form of ID, like a passport, or enroll for a state-issued REAL ID through their state DMV offices.”

This means you need to get your identification sorted BEFORE you go to the airport. Then, before you leave your house, double- and triple-check that you have your REAL ID on your person and are ready to go through security. It’ll make the whole process smoother! (Trust me — I’ve lost my ID in an airport before, and it was not a fun time.)

Read More About REAL ID Requirements Here! 

Arrive Earlier Than You Used To

Flying has gotten more complicated in recent years, and the Orlando International Airport seems to get busier year after year. That means you may need to arrive at the airport earlier than you used to if you’re flying home from here. The MCO website says: “The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority recommends arriving at the security checkpoint two hours before your scheduled departure time, but please check directly with your airline for specific recommendations for your flight.”

We also recommend increasing that arrival time if you are traveling during a busy season, like a long weekend, around a holiday, during spring break season, or during the summer. Remember, Orlando is a tourist town, and busy tourism times are going to make the airport chaotic! 

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Use MCO Reserve If You Can

One of the greatest perks of flying through MCO is the completely free MCO Reserve program. With this program, you can make a reservation to go through security. You simply go to the MCO Reserve website, input your flight information, and then choose a time when you’d like to go through the security checkpoint. 

This isn’t available for all flights or times of day, and it can fill up, so you need to do it in advance. But if you can manage to use MCO Reserve, you could save a significant chunk of time at security! We’ve used this in the past and been through in five minutes (though that’s not guaranteed).

Learn More About MCO Reserve Here!

Book Your Flights for Less Busy Days

If you’re really looking to avoid crowds at the airport, then you can book your arrival and departure dates for the less-busy days of the week. The days that are typically less busy at MCO are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. 

Obviously, weekends are peak travel days, but Mondays and Fridays are pretty popular too, as folks arrive or depart for their long weekend trips. And if you’re going toward the end of summer, the days surrounding Labor Day weekend are bound to be busier than other weeks.

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Pack Smart and Efficient

Saving time at the airport actually starts at home or in your hotel room, when you’re packing your bags and getting ready to travel. Make sure you’re packing efficiently to go through security and board the plane — have your ID, Passport, boarding pass, and phone easily accessible. Keep anything you might need on the plane in your personal item.

When you get dressed, think about security requirements. Don’t wear anything that might set off the metal detectors or get in the way of you going through security quickly. And if you want to avoid baggage claim, pack light and use compression packing cubes to fit as much as possible into your carry-on.

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Check for New Direct Flight Options

And last but not least, be on the lookout for new flights! As the Orlando International Airport grows and becomes more popular, many airlines are adding new direct flights to this location. We see it happen frequently during busy travel seasons like the summer.

Even if there wasn’t a good flight available a few weeks ago, you can check back and see if there have been any new additions that work for you! If you travel smart, you’re bound to have a much smoother time navigating MCO. Follow us at DFB for more travel tips and tricks!

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Are you flying through the Orlando Airport this summer? Tell us in the comments!