Category: FAQs

Answers to frequently asked traveler questions regarding airport amenities and policies. Find quick details on luggage storage lockers, designated smoking zones, pet relief areas, free airport Wi-Fi access, and device charging stations.

  • Is There Luggage Storage or Lockers at Orlando Airport?

    Is There Luggage Storage or Lockers at Orlando Airport (MCO)?

    Whether you have a long layover at Orlando International Airport (MCO), an evening flight after checking out of your hotel, or time to spare before heading to Port Canaveral for a cruise, dragging heavy suitcases around can ruin your day. A common question travelers ask is whether MCO offers self-service luggage lockers inside the terminal.

    Due to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations, there are no self-service luggage lockers anywhere inside Orlando Airport. However, travelers still have secure options: an official commercial luggage storage provider operates inside Terminal B, and several trusted off-site storage services operate near airport grounds.

    Quick MCO Luggage Storage Directory

    Storage ServiceLocationSecurity StatusBest For
    Self-Service LockersNONE (Banned by TSA)N/ANot available anywhere at MCO
    Hold My LuggageTerminal B, Level 1 (Ground Transport)Pre-Security (On-Site)Same-day & multi-day holding at the airport
    Hold My Luggage TransportDelivers to Hotels / Cruise TerminalsMobile ServiceDirect delivery from MCO to your destination
    Bounce / Nannybag AppsPartner stores & hotels near MCOOff-Site (Shuttle/Rideshare)Budget-friendly daily storage ($3–$7/day)
    Resort / Hotel Bell DesksDisney World, Universal & Nearby HotelsOff-SiteStoring bags before check-in or after check-out

    1. Official On-Site Storage: Hold My Luggage

    While traditional lockers do not exist, MCO features an official commercial baggage holding company called Hold My Luggage. This service allows passengers to drop off bags inside the airport terminal pre-security.

    • Terminal Location: Located inside **Terminal B on Level 1 (Ground Transportation)**.
    • Services Offered: Same-day baggage holding, multi-day holding, and custom luggage transport (they can pick up your bags at MCO and deliver them directly to your hotel or Port Canaveral cruise ship).
    • Hours & Contact: Open daily to align with passenger flight schedules. Bookings can be made online or directly at their Level 1 counter.
    • Best Use Case: Perfect for travelers with a 6-to-10-hour layover who want to leave their bags safely at MCO while taking a rideshare to Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk, or the Mall at Millenia.

    2. Off-Site Luggage Apps Near MCO (Bounce, Nannybag, Qeepl)

    If you prefer lower daily rates, several luggage storage networks partner with local business locations, hotels, and shops located 3 to 5 minutes outside Orlando Airport grounds:

    • Bounce / Nannybag: Partner with local shops and hotels along McCoy Road and Semoran Boulevard (just north of MCO). Rates start around $3.95 to $6.95 per bag per day and include protection coverage.
    • How It Works: Reserve a spot via the mobile app, drop off your suitcases at the verified partner store via a short Uber/Lyft ride, and explore Orlando baggage-free.

    3. Airline Early Bag Check & Resort Options

    Depending on your travel schedule, you may not need to pay for storage at all by taking advantage of these alternatives:

    • Early Airline Check-In (4 Hours Prior): Most major airlines at MCO (American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue) allow passengers to check luggage up to **4 hours prior to scheduled flight departure**. Once checked, your bags are handled by the airline and you can relax post-security.
    • Hotel / Resort Bell Desks: If you are checking out of a hotel near MCO, Disney World, or Universal Orlando, bell desks will store your luggage for free until late afternoon, allowing you to enjoy the theme parks before heading to the airport.
    • Brightline Station Luggage Service: Passengers riding the Brightline High-Speed Train between MCO and South Florida can utilize luggage check-in options inside the Brightline Orlando Station attached to Terminal C.

    Pro Tips for Layover Baggage Holding at MCO

    • Allow TSA Buffer Time: Storing luggage at Hold My Luggage in Terminal B requires stepping outside security. You must allow at least 30 to 45 minutes to re-clear TSA security before your departing flight.
    • Connecting Baggage Transfer: If you are on a single ticketed flight connection, your checked bags are automatically transferred to your connecting aircraft by the airline—you do not need to retrieve or store them during your layover.
    • Cruisers Heading to Port Canaveral: If arriving at MCO early on cruise day, you can store bags with Hold My Luggage or use direct port shuttle services (like Go Port) that handle baggage drop-off directly at your ship pier.

    Due to strict federal security regulations, there are no self-service luggage storage lockers located inside any of the public or secure MCO airport terminals. Passengers cannot leave bags unattended anywhere on airport grounds.

    Alternative Storage Options for Layovers

    If you have a long layover before your flight or arrive early from a cruise ship, you can still secure your bags using these reliable third-party options:

    • Baggage Wrapping Desks: Check with the commercial luggage wrapping stations on the ticketing level, as select locations offer temporary day-storage holds for a small fee.
    • App-Based Storage Networks: Services like Bounce or LuggageHero partner with secure hotels and shops right down the road from MCO, letting you book affordable storage space via your phone.

    Early Airline Check-In

    The easiest workaround for heavy baggage is checking your bags early with your airline. Most major domestic carriers at MCO allow passengers to check their luggage up to 4 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure time, freeing you up to explore the airport or dining shops hands-free.

  • Where is Uber and Lyft Pickup at Orlando Airport? (MCO)

    To avoid driver cancellation fees or waiting in the Florida heat, follow these standard airport procedures:

    • 1. Collect Bags First: Do not request your Uber or Lyft until you have collected all checked bags from the carousel. MCO drivers wait in an off-site staging lot and usually arrive at the terminal curb within 3 to 7 minutes of accepting your request.
    • 2. Open App & Confirm Terminal Side: Open your Uber or Lyft app. The app will use your location to select Terminal A, B, or C. Confirm your specific door number or pillar zone when prompted.
    • 3. Head to the Marked Zone: Step out to the commercial curb designated for “TNC / Ride App Pickup” and confirm your driver’s vehicle make, model, and license plate before entering.

    4. Estimated Rideshare Fares from MCO

    Rideshare pricing at MCO varies based on vehicle size (UberX vs. UberXL) and real-time surge demand. Below are average estimated fares to major destination hubs:

    • Universal Orlando Resort: $32 – $48 (Standard) | $50 – $75 (XL)
    • Walt Disney World Resorts: $38 – $58 (Standard) | $60 – $85 (XL)
    • International Drive / Convention Center: $28 – $42 (Standard) | $45 – $65 (XL)
    • Downtown Orlando: $25 – $38 (Standard) | $40 – $60 (XL)
    • Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals: $65 – $115 (Standard) | $95 – $150 (XL)

    Pro Tips for Using Uber & Lyft at Orlando Airport

    • Connecting to Port Canaveral: If traveling to Port Canaveral with 3 or more passengers, an UberXL is often cheaper than buying individual $30 shared shuttle tickets.
    • Uber Reserve: You can schedule your airport pickup in advance using Uber Reserve. The app tracks your flight arrival and holds your driver for up to 45–60 minutes after landing.
    • Free Airport Wi-Fi: MCO offers free high-speed Wi-Fi (`MCO-Net`) throughout all terminals, allowing you to easily order your ride even if you have poor cellular coverage indoors.

    Catching a rideshare vehicle at MCO is quick if you know where to walk. Open your Uber or Lyft app only after you collect your luggage from baggage claim, as drivers wait in a remote staging lot and arrive at the curb within minutes.

    Pickup Locations by Terminal

    MCO relies on strict curb designations for app-based rideshare vehicles to prevent traffic jams. Follow the signs to these locations:

    • Terminals A & B: Head down to Level 2 (Baggage Claim level) and look for the designated rideshare pickup loading curbs outside the doors.
    • Terminal C: Head all the way up to Level 6, which handles all arrivals, passenger drop-offs, and app-based pickup traffic.

    Rideshare Tips for Cruise Parties

    If you are heading straight to Port Canaveral with a family, remember that standard vehicles will not fit large cruise suitcases. Always select an Uber XL or Lyft XL to ensure there is enough trunk room for your entire group and your gear.

    Where is Uber and Lyft Pickup at Orlando Airport (MCO)?

    If you are arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and planning to catch a rideshare like Uber, Lyft, Wingz, or KreweCar, knowing exactly where to meet your driver is key to a smooth departure. MCO is a sprawling facility split across three main passenger terminals—Terminals A, B, and C—and each terminal has designated rideshare pickup curbsides.

    To help you navigate straight from baggage claim to your ride without getting lost, this complete guide breaks down the official pickup locations, late-night departure rules, step-by-step app instructions, and expected pricing to top Orlando destinations.

    Quick MCO Rideshare Pickup Directory

    Terminal ComplexDaytime Pickup LocationLate-Night Option (9:00 PM – 2:00 AM)Key Landmarks
    Terminal A (Gates 1–59)Level 2 (Arrivals / Baggage Claim Curb)Level 3 (Departures Curb)Outside Doors 1–14 (Baggage Claim 1–16)
    Terminal B (Gates 70–129)Level 2 (Arrivals / Baggage Claim Curb)Level 3 (Departures Curb)Outside Doors 20–31 (Baggage Claim 20–32)
    Terminal C (Gates 230–245)Level 6 (Arrivals / Baggage Claim Curb)Level 6 (Arrivals Curb)Exit past International Arrivals / Bag Claim

    1. Terminal A & B Rideshare Pickup Locations

    Terminals A and B make up the main North Terminal Complex. Pickup rules and locations are symmetrical for both sides:

    • Standard Pickup (24 Hours): Level 2 (Arrivals / Baggage Claim Curb). After collecting your luggage on Level 2, step outside the glass doors marked for Ground Transportation and Rideshare. In Terminal A, pickups occur outside Doors 1 through 14. In Terminal B, pickups occur outside Doors 20 through 31.
    • Late-Night Option (9:00 PM – 2:00 AM): Level 3 (Departures Curb). To ease traffic congestion on Level 2 during peak night arrival hours, MCO permits Uber and Lyft drivers to pick up passengers upstairs on **Level 3 (Departures Curb)** between 9:00 PM and 2:00 AM. Check your ride app prompt upon ordering to confirm if your driver is assigned to Level 2 or Level 3.

    2. Terminal C Rideshare Pickup Location

    Terminal C (South Complex) operates on a different multi-level layout than Terminals A and B:

    • Official Pickup Point: Level 6 (Arrivals / Baggage Claim Curb). Unlike Terminals A and B where baggage claim is on Level 2, Terminal C’s baggage claim hall and customs exit are located on **Level 6**. Step directly outside the Level 6 exit doors to meet your Uber or Lyft driver at the designated rideshare curb.
    • Access from Brightline / Garage C: If you are arriving via the Brightline Train Station or Parking Garage C, follow signs to Level 6 of Terminal C to access the rideshare pickup line.

    3. Step-by-Step: How to Request Your Ride at MCO

    To avoid driver cancellation fees or waiting in the Florida heat, follow these standard airport procedures:

    • 1. Collect Bags First: Do not request your Uber or Lyft until you have collected all checked bags from the carousel. MCO drivers wait in an off-site staging lot and usually arrive at the terminal curb within 3 to 7 minutes of accepting your request.
    • 2. Open App & Confirm Terminal Side: Open your Uber or Lyft app. The app will use your location to select Terminal A, B, or C. Confirm your specific door number or pillar zone when prompted.
    • 3. Head to the Marked Zone: Step out to the commercial curb designated for “TNC / Ride App Pickup” and confirm your driver’s vehicle make, model, and license plate before entering.

    4. Estimated Rideshare Fares from MCO

    Rideshare pricing at MCO varies based on vehicle size (UberX vs. UberXL) and real-time surge demand. Below are average estimated fares to major destination hubs:

    • Universal Orlando Resort: $32 – $48 (Standard) | $50 – $75 (XL)
    • Walt Disney World Resorts: $38 – $58 (Standard) | $60 – $85 (XL)
    • International Drive / Convention Center: $28 – $42 (Standard) | $45 – $65 (XL)
    • Downtown Orlando: $25 – $38 (Standard) | $40 – $60 (XL)
    • Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals: $65 – $115 (Standard) | $95 – $150 (XL)

    Pro Tips for Using Uber & Lyft at Orlando Airport

    • Connecting to Port Canaveral: If traveling to Port Canaveral with 3 or more passengers, an UberXL is often cheaper than buying individual $30 shared shuttle tickets.
    • Uber Reserve: You can schedule your airport pickup in advance using Uber Reserve. The app tracks your flight arrival and holds your driver for up to 45–60 minutes after landing.
    • Free Airport Wi-Fi: MCO offers free high-speed Wi-Fi (`MCO-Net`) throughout all terminals, allowing you to easily order your ride even if you have poor cellular coverage indoors.

    Catching a rideshare vehicle at MCO is quick if you know where to walk. Open your Uber or Lyft app only after you collect your luggage from baggage claim, as drivers wait in a remote staging lot and arrive at the curb within minutes.

    Pickup Locations by Terminal

    MCO relies on strict curb designations for app-based rideshare vehicles to prevent traffic jams. Follow the signs to these locations:

    • Terminals A & B: Head down to Level 2 (Baggage Claim level) and look for the designated rideshare pickup loading curbs outside the doors.
    • Terminal C: Head all the way up to Level 6, which handles all arrivals, passenger drop-offs, and app-based pickup traffic.

    Rideshare Tips for Cruise Parties

    If you are heading straight to Port Canaveral with a family, remember that standard vehicles will not fit large cruise suitcases. Always select an Uber XL or Lyft XL to ensure there is enough trunk room for your entire group and your gear.

  • Where are the Smoking Areas at Orlando Airport?

    Where are the Smoking Areas at Orlando Airport (MCO)?

    If you are traveling through Orlando International Airport (MCO) and need a cigarette or vape break, understanding the airport’s strict smoking rules will save you time and frustration. In compliance with Florida state law, MCO is a 100% smoke-free facility indoors.

    There are no indoor smoking lounges or post-security smoking areas anywhere inside the airport. All smoking and vaping must take place at official designated outdoor curbside zones located prior to TSA security screening. This complete guide outlines exact outdoor locations across Terminals A, B, and C, rules for e-cigarettes, and advice for connecting passengers.

    Quick Orlando Airport Smoking Area Directory

    Terminal / LocationSecurity StatusExact AreaRules & Amenities
    Terminal APre-Security OnlyOutdoor Curbside (Level 1 & Level 3)Designated ashtrays, outdoor seating
    Terminal BPre-Security OnlyOutdoor Curbside (Level 1 & Level 3)Designated ashtrays, outdoor seating
    Terminal CPre-Security OnlyOutdoor Curbside (Level 1 & Level 6)Marked outdoor curbside zones
    Airside Gates (1–129 & C)Post-SecurityNO SMOKING AREASStrictly prohibited; requires exiting TSA

    1. Official MCO Smoking & Vaping Policy

    Under the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act, smoking is banned inside all enclosed public airport facilities. The airport enforces strict rules regarding tobacco and nicotine products:

    • Vaping & E-Cigarettes: Electronic cigarettes, vapes, and vape pens are subject to the exact same restrictions as traditional cigarettes. Vaping inside terminals, restrooms, or gate areas is strictly illegal.
    • Distance from Entrances: Outdoor smoking is restricted to designated marked areas equipped with ashtrays. Smoking directly in front of glass entrance doors or baggage claim exits is prohibited.
    • Fines & Penalties: Violating the indoor smoking ban inside terminals or restrooms can result in airport security intervention and state fines.

    2. Designated Outdoor Smoking Locations

    To smoke or vape before your flight, step outside the terminal buildings at these designated curbside zones:

    Terminals A & B (Main Building)

    • Level 1 (Arrivals / Baggage Claim): Step outside the baggage claim doors on either Side A or Side B. Marked smoking areas with standing ashtrays are situated along the outer commercial curb across the pickup lanes.
    • Level 3 (Departures / Ticketing): Exit the departures drop-off doors on either Side A or Side B. Designated smoking spots are located along the outer sidewalk areas.

    Terminal C (South Complex)

    • Level 1 (Ground Transportation): Located outside the ground transportation exits near the bus and shuttle pickup zones.
    • Level 6 (Departures): Located outside the airline check-in and drop-off curb.

    3. Can You Smoke After TSA Security or During Layovers?

    No. There are zero smoking areas past security checkpoints at MCO. This includes all gate concourses (Airsides 1–4 and Terminal C), airline lounges, food courts, and outdoor balconies.

    If you have a layover at Orlando Airport or have already cleared TSA security and need to smoke, you must follow these steps:

  • Pet Relief Areas: Traveling with Pets at Orlando Airport MCO

    Traveling through Orlando International Airport (MCO) with a pet or service animal requires a bit of advance planning. Whether you are flying out on a vacation, arriving for a Florida stay, or connecting to a cruise out of Port Canaveral, knowing the exact locations of pre-security outdoor pet parks and post-security indoor relief stations ensures a stress-free trip for both you and your animal.

    MCO maintains official Service Animal and Pet Relief Areas across Terminals A, B, and C, as well as every post-security gate concourse. This guide breaks down airport pet policies, exact indoor and outdoor relief locations, and essential tips for passing through TSA security checkpoints with a pet.

    Quick MCO Pet Relief Area Directory

    Location / ZoneSecurity StatusExact Area / LandmarkFeatures
    Terminal APre-Security (Level 2)East end of building (outside Baggage Claim)Outdoor grass patch, waste disposal bags
    Terminal BPre-Security (Level 2)West end of building (outside Baggage Claim)Outdoor grass patch, waste disposal bags
    Gates 1–29 (Airside 1)Post-SecurityConcourse wing for Gates 20–29Indoor artificial turf, sink, wash-down area
    Gates 30–59 (Airside 2)Post-SecurityConcourse wing for Gates 40–49Indoor artificial turf, sink, wash-down area
    Gates 70–99 (Airside 3)Post-SecurityConcourse wing for Gates 90–99Indoor artificial turf, sink, wash-down area
    Gates 100–129 (Airside 4)Post-SecurityAcross from Gate 121Indoor artificial turf, sink, wash-down area
    Terminal CPost-Security (Level 2)Near Gates C236, C238, C241 & C242Modern indoor relief rooms with turf
    Terminal C (International)Post-Security (Level 6)Immediately before International Bag ClaimIndoor relief room for international arrivals
    Cell Phone LotOutside AirportEast end of North Cell Phone LotGrassy outdoor relief area for waiting drivers

    1. Official Orlando Airport Pet Policy

    Before arriving at MCO with an animal, keep the following official Greater Orlando Aviation Authority rules in mind:

    • Carrier Requirements: Non-service pets are not permitted to walk freely inside terminal buildings. Pets must remain inside an airline-approved enclosed carrier at all times while indoors, except when using designated pet relief rooms or going through TSA screening.
    • Working & Service Dogs: Fully trained Service Animals assisting passengers with disabilities are exempt from carrier rules but must remain under leash, harness, or tether control at all times.
    • Vaccination & State Regulations: If you are importing pets into Florida or traveling internationally, verify health certificate and rabies documentation required by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and USDA APHIS.

    2. Pre-Security Pet Relief Areas (Terminals A & B)

    If your pet needs a potty break before clearing TSA security or after collecting luggage at baggage claim, use the designated outdoor areas on Level 2:

    • Terminal A (East End): Exit the building on Level 2 (Baggage Claim) on the far East side (turn right as you walk out the doors past Baggage Carousel 16). You will find a grassy area equipped with waste disposal bags and trash receptacles.
    • Terminal B (West End): Exit the building on Level 2 (Baggage Claim) on the far West side (turn right as you exit past Baggage Carousel 20). Includes a dedicated grassy area and cleanup station.
    • North Cell Phone Lot: If someone is driving to pick you up with a pet, a designated grassy pet relief area is located on the east end of the North Cell Phone Lot on Jeff Fuqua Boulevard.

    3. Post-Security Pet Relief Rooms (Gate Concourses)

    Once you clear TSA security and ride the monorail train to your departure concourse, you do not need to exit security to let your pet relieve itself. Every airside concourse at MCO features an indoor, ventilated pet relief room:

    North Complex (Terminals A & B Airsides)

    • Gates 1–29 (Airside 1): Located on the concourse wing near the entrance to Gates 20–29.
    • Gates 30–59 (Airside 2): Located on the concourse wing near the entrance to Gates 40–49.
    • Gates 70–99 (Airside 3): Located on the concourse wing near the entrance to Gates 90–99.
    • Gates 100–129 (Airside 4): Located directly across from Gate 121.

    South Complex (Terminal C)

    • Gate Level 2: Dedicated indoor rooms with synthetic turf, wash hoses, and handwashing stations located adjacent to **Gates C236, C238, C241, and C242**.
    • International Arrivals (Level 6): Located on Level 6 immediately before entering the Customs & Border Protection international baggage claim hall.

    Pro Tips for Passing TSA Security with a Pet at MCO

    • Carriers Go Through X-Ray: Your pet’s soft or hard-sided carrier must go through the X-ray machine. Never place a live animal inside the X-ray machine.
    • Walking Through Metal Detectors: You will carry your pet or walk them on a leash through the metal detector alongside you while TSA officers inspect the empty carrier.
    • Private Screening Rooms: If you are concerned about your cat or dog escaping in a crowded security line, request a private screening room from a TSA officer before removing your pet from its carrier.
    • Hydration & Collapsible Bowls: Keep a collapsible water bowl and empty water bottle in your carry-on; fill it up at MCO hydration stations immediately after passing security.

    Traveling through an airport with a service animal or family pet can be stressful. Orlando International Airport (MCO) accommodates animal travelers by providing designated pet relief areas located both before and after the TSA security checkpoints across all three terminals.

    Pre-Security Pet Relief Areas (Outdoor)

    If you are checking in or waiting outside the secure gates, you can access these grassy curbside pet areas:

    • Terminal A, Level 1: Located outside the main doors at the far east end of the building.
    • Terminal B, Level 1: Located outside at the far west end of the building.
    • Terminal C, Level 1: Grassy areas clearly marked outside the arrivals hall exit doors.

    Post-Security Pet Relief Areas (Indoor Service Animal Rooms)

    If you have already passed through TSA security and are waiting near your gates, MCO features custom indoor pet relief rooms equipped with synthetic grass, flushing systems, and waste disposal bags:

    • Gates 1–29 Concourse: Located near Wing 1.
    • Gates 30–59 Concourse: Located in the central hub area near the shops.
    • Gates 70–99 Concourse: Tucked away near the center point of the gate wings.
    • Gates 100–129 Concourse: Located on the main departures level.
    • Terminal C (Gates 230–245): A dedicated indoor room located near the main retail concourse.