Heading to Orlando International Airport for your next flight? If so, understanding the MCO check-in process before you arrive can save you time and unnecessary hassle. With options ranging from online kiosks to self-service, curbside, and offline airport desk kiosks, check-in at Orlando International Airport is a seamless process.
Whether you prefer checking in through your airline’s website, using a mobile app, visiting a self-service kiosk, or speaking directly with an airline representative, MCO airport professionals will help you with the same and ensure that you can enjoy your journey from start to finish without worrying about your boarding passes and processes.
So, in this guide, we will walk you through how Orlando International Airport check-in works, where your airline check-in counter is located, and tips to follow for a smoother check-in here. So, continue reading and make your trip hassle-free.
All About Orlando International Airport (MCO) Check-In: Inside-Out
The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary international airport serving Orlando, Florida, located 6 miles southeast of Downtown. The airport features 3 passenger terminals, i.e., Terminal A, B, and C.
The Orlando International Airport check-in process includes arriving at the airport counters, receiving boarding passes, selecting a seat, checking baggage, printing baggage tags, and verifying travel documents.
Passengers can generally choose from a variety of check-in methods available at the Orlando International Airport based on their travel needs. If they are traveling without checked luggage, online or mobile check-in can often save time. However, travelers with carry bags or complex itineraries can check in at the airport to get assistance.
Where Are the MCO Check-In Counters Located?
When arriving at Orlando International Airport, locating your airline’s check-in counter is typically a top priority. MCO consists of three main passenger facilities—Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C—with ticketing and check-in desks situated on Level 3 across all terminals.
You can check out your airline’s check-in location listed below and have a smoother Orlando International Airport check-in experience on your aviation daỵ.
| Airline | Terminal/Check-in Counter Location | Curbside Check-In Availability |
| Aer Lingus | C | No |
| Aeromexico | C | No |
| Air Canada | B | No |
| Air Canada Rouge | B | No |
| Air France | C | No |
| Air Transat | A | No |
| Alaska Airlines | B | No |
| Allegiant | B | No |
| American Airlines | B | Yes |
| Avelo Airlines | A | No |
| Avianca | C | No |
| Azul | C | No |
| Bahamasair | B | No |
| BermudAir | B | No |
| Breeze | B | No |
| British Airways | C | No |
| Caribbean Airlines | C | No |
| Copa Airlines | C | No |
| Delta | B | Yes |
| Discover Airlines | C | No |
| Emirates | C | No |
| Flair Airlines | B | No |
| Frontier Airlines | A | No |
| GOL | C | No |
| Iberia | C | No |
| Icelandair | C | No |
| JetBlue | C | Yes |
| LATAM | B | No |
| LATAM Airlines Brasil | B | No |
| LATAM Airlines Colombia | B | No |
| Norse Atlantic UK | C | No |
| Porter | C | No |
| Southwest | A | Yes |
| Sun Country | B | No |
| TAP Air Portugal | TBD | No |
| United Airlines | B | Yes |
| Virgin Atlantic | C | No |
| Viva | B | No |
| Volaris | B | No |
| Volaris Costa Rica | B | No |
| WestJet | B | No |
| ZIPAIR | C | No |
Tip: This is to inform you that the MCO check-in counters may change, so always verify your airline and terminal on the day of travel at Orlando International Airport.
How Early Should You Arrive for Orlando International Airport Check-In?
Knowing how early to reach the Orlando International Airport for check-in is another task for passengers. But not anymore! We have you covered. The amount of time you need at MCO depends on your destination, airline, baggage, and travel date.
- For a domestic journey, arriving approximately 2 hours before departure is a common recommendation.
- For international travel, allowing around 3 hours is generally more comfortable.
Moreover, if you are traveling during a holiday or another busy period, arriving earlier can give you extra time for check-in, baggage drop, security screening, and getting to your gate. But always remember that the airline’s check-in and baggage deadlines may be earlier than the actual flight departure time, so arrive accordingly.
Ways to Complete MCO Check-In
Completing the Orlando International Airport check-in isn’t easy, but understanding the available methods, procedures, and other things can make it much simpler. There are many ways to check in at Orlando International Airport depending on your airline and travel complications. This includes the following methods:-
- Online Check-In
The online MCO check-in is the easiest and most widely used method to complete the flight check-in kiosk. With online check-in, passengers can simply visit their airline’s official website and complete the check-in process before reaching MCO.
The process is simple: access the official website of your airline, key in your personal and booking info, follow the procedures, and get your digital boarding pass in your registered email. Moreover, if you do not have checked baggage, you can simply skip the check-in and baggage counters and proceed directly to security after arriving at the airport on your departure day.
So, if you want to avoid spending extra time at the airport, here are the steps to complete Online MCO check-in:
1: Open your airline’s official website or mobile application.
2: Select the Check-In option.
3: Enter your confirmation number, booking reference, or other requested passenger details.
4: Review your name, flight, destination, and travel information.
5: Select or confirm your seat if the option is available.
6: Add or confirm your baggage details if required.
7: Complete your document verification.
8: Save your boarding pass to your phone or print it according to your airline’s instructions.
- Mobile Check-In
Mobile check-in is one of the widely used methods to complete the MCO check-in. This convenient option allows passengers to process their flight check-in using their smartphones. To use the kiosk, passengers can open their airline’s mobile application, enter the booking information, and follow the steps to receive their e-boarding passes.
- Self-Service Kiosk Check-In
Self-service kiosks are available for passengers who want to check in without waiting in line at the airline’s check-in counter at the Orlando International Airport. To access this method, passengers are first required to locate the self-service kiosks available at the MCO Terminals.
Depending on the airline, self-service check-in at MCO allows you to:
- Confirm your flight
- Print your boarding pass
- Select or change a seat
- Print baggage tags
- Complete other basic check-in steps
After using the kiosk, passengers with checked luggage should follow their airline’s instructions for baggage drop-off.
- Airline Counter Check-In
Do you prefer direct assistance from the airline professionals? If so, you can use your flight check-in kiosks after reaching Orlando International Airport (MCO). The professionals available at your airline check-in counter will help you with a number of things, including:-
- Checked baggage handling
- Travel-document verification
- International travel kiosks
- Complex itinerary
- Special assistance
- Resolving your questions about your reservation
- Assistance with seat selection or additional baggage purchase
Here is the step-by-step guide on how to complete airport counter check-in at Orlando International Airport.
1: Arrive at Orlando International Airport with sufficient time before departure.
2: Confirm your airline and departure terminal.
3: Locate the airline’s check-in counter or self-service kiosk.
4: Provide your booking information and required identification.
5: Confirm your seat and complete any required travel-document checks.
6: Check your luggage if you’re traveling with checked bags.
7: Collect your boarding pass and baggage receipt.
8: Follow the signs to the TSA security checkpoint.
9: After security, check your gate and latest flight information before proceeding to your departure area.
- Curbside Check-in
At Orlando International Airport (MCO), Curbside Check-in lets you check in for your flight and drop off checked baggage at an airline’s outdoor check-in area near the terminal curb, instead of going inside to the ticket counter.
- American Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- JetBlue Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
What Happens After MCO Check-In?
Completing check-in is only the first part of your airport journey. Once you receive your boarding pass, step towards the baggage handling counter to tag your checked bags. Then proceed to TSA security counters for security screening processes.
However, always keep your identification and boarding pass accessible so you can present them when required. After clearing security, check the airport’s flight information screens or your airline’s app for the latest gate assignment.
Note: Please note that gate information can change anytime, so it’s worth checking again even if you already know your original gate on your aviation date.
Tips for a Smooth MCO Check-In
A few simple preparations can make Orlando International Airport check-in much easier. You should follow the tips below and complete your MCO check-in without any stress or hassles.
- Check in online when your airline allows it.
- Confirm your MCO terminal before leaving for the airport.
- Keep your flight’s confirmation details ready with you.
- Always have your identification and travel documents handy.
- Check baggage restrictions and additional baggage policies before arriving.
- Allow extra time during peak travel periods.
- Use a self-service kiosk if your airline offers one.
- Keep your boarding pass available after check-in.
- Check flight and gate information again after passing security.
- Follow your airline’s specific check-in and baggage deadlines.
Conclusion
The MCO check-in process isn’t complicated! With proper planning and understanding of the available MCO check-in methods, you can easily use the kiosk without facing any kind of inconvenience or delays. No matter whether you choose online check-in, a mobile app, a self-service kiosk, an airline counter, or curbside check-in, the best option depends on your travel plans and how much assistance you need.
So, arrive early, keep your documents handy, understand the terminal layout, and enjoy a smoother journey from start to finish. Wishing you a stress-free journey!
Commonly Asked Questions!
At the Orlando International Airport, you should arrive at least 2 hours prior for your domestic flight and 3 hours early for an international flight.
Indeed! 2 hours are enough for the passengers who want to process the travel kiosk for a domestic flight at Orlando International airport.
TSA wait times at MCO usually range from 2 to 10 minutes during normal travel hours. However, it may increase if there is huge passenger traffic, peak travel hours, or holiday season.
Of course! You can check-in early for your flight from Orlando International Airport using the online or mobile check-in kiosk.
You can complete Orlando International Airport check-in via online method, mobile check-ins, offline airport counter kiosk, self-service check-in, or by using the curbside check-in.