Information: (407) 825-2352, Airport code: MCO

Direction

Orlando International Airport is located about 10 miles east of Orlando’s major attractions, on the Bee Line Expressway. Orlando International Airport is 9 miles (14km) southeast of downtown Orlando and 22 miles (35km) northeast of Walt Disney World. A decent bus service exists between the airport and downtown Orlando’s Lynx Bus Center.

Domestic departures

Orlando International Airport is almost always busy, so if you’re checking baggage we suggest that you arrive at least an 90 minutes before your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-in lines can be very long during busy periods (especially around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays), so you might try checking your bags at the curb with a sky cap. Generally, sky caps should be tipped about 50 cents per bag. Some major airlines are imposing strict limits on carry-on baggage, so expect check-in lines to grow during 1998. Check with your airline for specific details.

International departures

If you’re headed out of the country, arrive an hour earlier than you would for a domestic flight, because international check-in takes longer than check-in for domestic flights. International passengers must check in at the airline ticket counter; they can’t check bags with a sky cap at the passenger drop-off. Be sure to have your passport ready for the agent if you’re flying to a country where it’s required of you.

Security

After you check in at your airline’s main ticketing counter, you’ll have to pass through metal detectors and have your bags X-rayed before being allowed into gate areas. Remove any metal items and hand them to the security officer before you walk through the machine to save time.

Cameras, computers and film

Increased security measures at U.S. airports have resulted in frequent checks of carry-on luggage. In Orlando, you stand a very good chance of being asked to start up your laptop computer or open your bags for visual inspection on your way through security. In some cases, you may be asked to take a photo with your camera. Be prepared for this in advance: if your laptop computer’s battery is dead or your camera isn’t working, you may be detained until you can prove it’s really what it looks like. (From our experience, the more unusual your computer system is, the better your chance of being detained for inspection.) We suggest you pack film in your carry-on luggage and hand it to the security agent while you walk through the metal detectors. Don’t allow it to be passed through the X-ray machine , and don’t take the risk that your checked baggage will be passed through a strong X-ray machine that may seriously damage your vacation photographs.