Orlando International Airport (MCO) TSA Wait Time
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the U.S. All thanks to its proximity to Disney World and other theme parks as millions of travelers pass through its terminals each year. It means long lines at security, which can be a real issue if the passengers do not plan.
The average wait time at TSA can take around 15 to 35 minutes. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent flyer, understanding TSA wait times MCO can help you arrive prepared, avoid stress, and catch your flight with time to spare. This guide unfolds everything in detail and states the best and worst times to go through security, daily wait time averages, terminal information, insider tips, and more.
Quick Overview of MCO TSA Wait Times
| Airport Code | MCO |
| Airports Website | flymco.com |
| Average Wait Times | 15-35 minutes |
| Peak Wait Times | More than 45+ minutes during holidays or mornings |
| Best Time to Arrive | Weekdays after 10:00 AM or evenings after 8:00 PM |
| Worst Time to Arrive | 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| TSA PreCheck Available | Yes (All Terminals) |
| CLEAR Available | Yes (Select Terminals) |
| Real-Time Wait Info | MyTSA App or MCO Airport App |
Average Security Wait Times at MCO Airport
Here are the TSA wait times for Orlando International Airport, these wait times may vary in real time. The passengers can check the wait times through the My TSA app for more informed and accurate timings.
| Time of Day | Wait Time |
|---|---|
| 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM | 20-22 minutes |
| 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM | 23-25 minutes |
| 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | 28-30 minutes |
| 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 15-18 minutes |
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 13-15 minutes |
| 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 10-12 minutes |
| 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 8-10 minutes |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | 12-14 minutes |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | 14-16 minutes |
| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 10-11 minutes |
| 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 14-15 minutes |
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 6-8 minutes |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 5-6 minutes |
| 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 4-5 minutes |
| 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 3-4 minutes |
MCO Terminal Breakdown and Security Wait Times Details
Orlando International Airport is divided into three terminals: A, B, and C. Each terminal handles different airlines and has its security checkpoints.
| Terminals | Airlines | Wait Times |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal A | JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Alaska, Avianca, Copa | Busy early mornings; long lines for budget carriers |
| Terminal B | Southwest, Delta, American, United, Sun Country | High wait times during business hours and weekends |
| Terminal C | British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, GOL, JetBlue Airways | Newer design, generally smoother TSA flow |
Best and Worst Times to Clear TSA at MCO
Best Times for Short Waits
- Weekdays between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
- Late evenings (after 8:00 PM)
- Saturday afternoons (surprisingly calm)
Worst Times for Long Waits
- Weekday mornings (especially 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM)
- Late afternoon rush (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Fridays and Sundays
- During holidays and school vacations
Reserve Lane, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR
Reserve at MCO
- It allows passengers to book a specific slot to complete their security screening process.
- Once you arrive at the MCO Reserve lane, you can scan the assigned QR code and move to the TSA to screen your boarding pass and ID.
- Terminals A, B, and C have dedicated MCO Reserve Lane.
TSA PreCheck at MCO
- Available at all terminals.
- Average wait: 5 to 10 minutes.
- You don’t need to remove shoes, belts, or laptops.
- If you’re not signed up, you can enroll online and complete your in-person appointment at the airport or nearby locations.
CLEAR
- Biometric scanning lets you skip the ID line.
- Available in Terminals A and B.
- Can be combined with TSA PreCheck for even faster processing.
TSA PreCheck Security Lanes at Orlando International Airport
Orlando International Airport features security lanes for TSA PreCheck on several terminals. Here’s a thorough overview of checkpoints, hours locations, and more.
| Checkpoint | Location | Type | TSA PreCheck Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSA Terminal West Checkpoint | Gates 1-59 | All passengers, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR Plus Members | 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
| TSA Terminal East Checkpoint | Gates 70-129 | All passengers, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR Plus Members | 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
| Terminal C Checkpoint | Not confirmed | CLEAR Plus Members only | N / A |
MCO TSA PreCheck Wait Times
Here’s a quick overview of MCO TSA PreCheck wait times:
| Time (AM) | Wait Time |
|---|---|
| 2:00 AM – 3:00 AM | 0 minutes |
| 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM | 04 minutes |
| 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM | 8 minutes |
| 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM | 12 minutes |
| 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM | 24 minutes |
| 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM | 15 minutes |
| 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | 20-21 minutes |
| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | 15-16 minutes |
| 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | 17-18 minutes |
| 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | 17-18 minutes |
| Time (PM) | Wait Time |
|---|---|
| 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 16 minutes |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | 7-8 minutes |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | 7 minutes |
| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 20-21 minutes |
| 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | 21-22 minutes |
| 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 21-22 minutes |
| 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 9-10 minutes |
| 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 5-6 minutes |
| 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 26-27 minutes |
| 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 17-18 minutes |
| 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 22-23 minutes |
| 10:00 PM – 11:00 PM | 5-6 minutes |
Additional Tips to Get Through MCO TSA Faster
- Download the MyTSA App: See real-time TSA MCO wait times and view peak travel predictions.
- Pack Smart: Check the 3-1-1 liquid rule and avoid items that trigger secondary checks.
- Dress Simply: Avoid boots, belts, and bulky jackets if you don’t have PreCheck.
- Arrive Earlier During Peak Seasons: During Spring Break, summer, and holidays, give yourself even more time than usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
They average 15–35 minutes but can exceed 45 minutes during busy times.
Yes, at all security checkpoints.
Yes, at Terminals A and B.
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially on Fridays and Sundays.
Yes, use the MyTSA App for live updates.
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