TSA Wait Times & Security Checkpoints at Orlando Airport (MCO): PreCheck, CLEAR & MCO Reserve

Navigating Orlando International Airport (MCO) requires understanding its terminal layout and transit connections. MCO features two primary complexes: the North Terminal Complex (Terminals A and B) and the South Terminal Complex (Terminal C and the Brightline Train Station).

Whether you are arriving for a theme park trip, connecting to a flight, or taking the Brightline train to South Florida, this guide breaks down gate layouts, ground transportation levels, and inter-terminal transfers.

Quick MCO Terminal & Gate Overview

Terminal ComplexAssociated GatesPrimary AirlinesKey Features
Terminal A (North Side)Gates 1–29 & 100–129Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, WestJetGround Transport, Rental Desks, Baggage Claim
Terminal B (South Side)Gates 30–59 & 70–99American, Delta, United, Air CanadaHyatt Regency Hotel, Main Atrium Dining
Terminal C (South Complex)Gates C230–C254JetBlue, British Airways, EmiratesPalm Court, Automated Baggage, Brightline Link
Train Station (South)Intermodal CenterBrightline High-Speed RailDirect Access to Terminal C, Garage C

1. Terminals A & B (The North Terminal Complex)

Terminals A and B sit inside a single main building separated by a central atrium:

  • Level 1 (Ground Transportation): Rental car desks, taxis, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), off-site hotel shuttles, and local bus stops.
  • Level 2 (Baggage Claim): Carousel belts for arriving flights (Carousels 1–16 on Side A; Carousels 20–32 on Side B).
  • Level 3 (Ticketing & Security): Airline check-in counters, main TSA checkpoints, central food court, and the Hyatt Regency entrance.
  • Gates & APM Trains: Automated People Mover (APM) monorails run continuously from Level 3 to four gate concourses.

2. Terminal C (The South Terminal Complex)

Terminal C handles international carriers and modern domestic connections:

  • Key Carriers: JetBlue, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, and Azul.
  • Level 1: Ground transportation, rental car pickup, and cruise transfer buses.
  • Level 2: Arrival hall, facial recognition customs clearance, and baggage claim.
  • Level 4: Pedestrian bridge linking directly to Garage C and the Brightline Train Station.

How to Transfer Between Terminals A/B and Terminal C

  • Terminal Link APM (Train): Located on Level 3 of the main A/B building (B-side end). The train runs 24/7 every few minutes to the Terminal C / Brightline hub.
  • Shuttle Bus Alternative: Airport shuttle buses run between Level 1 of Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C 24 hours a day.
  • Connecting Flights Tip: Terminals A/B and Terminal C are on separate security footprints. When transferring, you must exit security, take the Terminal Link train, and re-clear TSA at your destination terminal.