Orlando International Airport (MCO) Security Wait Times

Traveling through Orlando International Airport (MCO) can be smooth and hassle-free if you understand the current security wait times and plan accordingly. The average Orlando International Airport Security Wait Time is about 18 minutes, but it can be longer during busy travel times. Knowing what to expect at the airport can help you plan your arrival and avoid unnecessary stress. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step overview of what to expect, how to check live updates and tips to minimize your waiting time.

As of now, the live TSA security wait time at MCO is about 13 minutes. Keep in mind that this number is subject to change, especially during busy travel periods.

MCO Security Wait Times

Typical TSA Security Wait Times at MCO

To prepare better, it’s helpful to understand how wait times fluctuate throughout the day. Here’s an overview of MCO security wait times on a normal day:

Time RangeAverage Wait Time (Minutes)
5:00 AM – 6:00 AM20 minutes
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM25 minutes
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM30 minutes
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM18 minutes
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM15 minutes
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM12 minutes
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM10 minutes
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM14 minutes
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM16 minutes
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM11 minutes
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM15 minutes
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM8 minutes
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM6 minutes
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM5 minutes
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM4 minutes

Main point to remember: The busiest hours are early mornings (7-9 AM) and midday (11 AM-2 PM), and wait times tend to be longer. Unlike late evenings, hours are usually shorter.

TSA PreCheck Wait Times at MCO

Passengers with TSA PreCheck enjoy shorter wait times, averaging about 5–10 minutes depending on the time of day and gate location. Current live updates show that at Gates 1–59 and Gates 70–129, the wait time ranges between 3–7 minutes, making TSA PreCheck an excellent option for faster screening.

Understanding how wait times fluctuate throughout the day can help travelers plan their airport visits more efficiently. Typically, TSA PreCheck wait times vary based on factors such as flight schedules, peak travel hours, and day of the week.

Time Range (AM/PM)Average Wait Time (Minutes)
2:00 AM – 3:00 AM0.0 mins
3:00 AM – 4:00 AM4.0 mins
4:00 AM – 5:00 AM7.9 mins
5:00 AM – 6:00 AM12.0 mins
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM23.4 mins
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM14.7 mins
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM20.9 mins
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM15.1 mins
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM17.5 mins
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM17.1 mins
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM15.2 mins
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM7.7 mins
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM7.0 mins
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM20.9 mins
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM21.6 mins
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM21.6 mins
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM9.6 mins
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM5.8 mins
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM26.4 mins
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM17.1 mins
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM22.8 mins
10:00 PM – 11:00 PM5.8 mins

TSA Precheck Checkpoints, Location, and Hours at MCO

MCO Airport has TSA PreCheck lanes in different terminals, which help you go through security faster. Each terminal has its own set of hours when these lanes are open. Here’s a simple overview of the operating hours for each terminal so you can plan your travel better.

CheckpointTSA Terminal West CheckpointTSA Terminal East CheckpointTerminal C Checkpoint
LocationGates 1-59Gates 70-129Not specified
TypeAll passengers, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR Plus MembersAll passengers, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR Plus MembersCLEAR Plus Members only
TSA PreCheck HoursDaily, 4:00 AM to 8:00 PMDaily, 4:00 AM to 8:00 PMNot available

Security Screening Options at Orlando International Airport (MCO)

At Orlando International Airport, travelers have several security screening options designed to make their journey smoother and faster. Here’s a simple overview:

  • TSA PreCheck: Available at the West and East checkpoints from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, TSA PreCheck lanes allow passengers to keep shoes, belts, and laptops on, speeding up the process. U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, enroll in trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS. Enrolled travelers enjoy faster screening lanes where they don’t need to remove shoes, belts, or laptops, making the process quicker and more convenient.
  • CLEAR: CLEAR is a biometric-based system that allows members to skip regular lines and go straight to screening lanes. It’s available at select terminals. Using fingerprint or iris scans, passengers can quickly verify their identity and gain access to dedicated security lanes, bypassing the standard lines altogether. This service provides a faster route through security for members.
  • MCO Reserve: A service where you can book a specific time slot for security screening, scan your QR code upon arrival, and proceed swiftly through the process. This service is available at Terminals A, B, and C, each with its own dedicated MCO Reserve lanes, helping to reduce wait times and schedule your security process more efficiently.

Getting through security at Orlando International Airport (MCO) is easier when you know your options. Check current wait times and use services like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR to move faster. This helps make your airport experience smoother and less stressful.

Suggested Read: Orlando Airport Smoking Area

Understanding Orlando International Airport security wait times is essential for a stress-free travel experience. By staying informed through live updates, planning your arrival accordingly, and utilizing expedited screening options, you can significantly reduce wait times and start your trip on a positive note. Always check current wait times just before your departure and give yourself plenty of time to navigate security smoothly.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is the best way to find out the current security wait times at Orlando International Airport?

You can check the current security wait times at Orlando International Airport online through the airport’s official website or mobile apps that provide real-time updates.

How can I make my experience at Orlando International Airport easier regarding wait times at MCO security?

You can make your experience easier by checking the wait times at MCO security in advance and using expedited services like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR to reduce your wait.

Is there a way to avoid long security lines at MCO during peak hours?

Yes, arriving early, checking wait times beforehand, and utilizing services like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can help you avoid long lines during peak hours at MCO security.

Why is it important to check wait times at MCO security before heading to the airport?

Checking wait times helps you plan your arrival, avoid unnecessary stress, and ensure you have enough time to go through security without rushing or missing your flight.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Call Now: +1-844-428-1701