Orlando Security?
 

Hey everyone --

I'm flying out of MCO on Monday (the 4:20 to MEM). Anyone know what the wait times are like?

Lokos like no priority line... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Correct -- no prority line.

The security wait times are especially bad @ MCO. Combination of high traffic, unpracticed travellers, and general inefficiency. Even at 5:00 AM the sign warms of a 15 minute wait (it was faster).

I'm lurking here on the NW forum because I'm doing a long transpac with a friend on NW in April (seats 73 A,B all the way - good seats according to seatguru.com)

Anyway, I flew MCO-CLT 1/16 UGed to F on US. I noticed that US and NW (along with several others) share the same boarding area (Gates 30-59) at MCO. The US check-in agent made notations on my BP, and at Security, the first agent waved me through to the Express line. Result: check-in to US Club lounge took under 10 minutes, and I was very surprised considering the long lines.

Since li'l ol' US has made arrangements with TSA for speedy service at MCO, I wouldn't be surprised if NW has similar arrangements...

Happy travels!

I have found MCO and TPA's TSA security at the checkpoint to ignore/show indifference to the frequent traveler. There are no official "express lanes" for frequent fliers or any obvious accommodations.

Apparently, because this is a "family" destination the airport clubs are not operated by NWA, CO, or DL in very many Florida airports.

Just my .02

RC

DL has clubs in 5 of their cities in FL, more than any other carrier. Also, many consider the MCO CRC to be one of if not the best in the system.

Regarding MCO security, I flew out of Orlando around 60 times last year, and my wait time was under 2 minutes everytime with the expcetion of the Monday after the 4th of July, and then it was 20 minutes. No, they do not recognize elites, but as I say, security is rarely a problem. One little trick: there are 4 terminals (satelites) to MCO, and there are 4 separate trams to get to each. There are separate security lines for each, but if the one for your gate number is full, try the one next two it (either the left or the right). The signs overhead will say a different gate group, but you can still access the correct tram after security. Often times, when the DL line has a little depth to it, I drop over to the Southwest line, directly to the left... and go straight through.

My experiences at Orlando are that the lines are long, but generally move quickly as they have many lanes available to screen passengers.

As for airline lounges, the Orlando Crown Room Club is indeed very nice. The United Red Carpet Club in Orlando is a bit odd. It appears to be a very tacky, early 80s design.

The Fort Lauderdale Presidents Club is OK.

[This message has been edited by TransWorldOne (edited Jan 27, 2004).]