orlando airport airlines
Why Orlando International Airport Is a Major Hub
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is more than a gateway to Disney World and Universal Studios. With over 70 million passengers in 2022, MCO connects the Sunshine State to every major continent. Its two sprawling terminals (East and West) serve a mix of domestic, international, and low‑cost carriers. Whether you’re flying for business, vacation, or a quick family trip, understanding the airline options available at MCO can save you time, money, and headaches.
1. Terminal Layout and Airline Assignment
- Terminal 1 (West): Hosts most legacy carriers, including American Airlines, United, and Southwest (via rental-car area).
- Terminal 2 (East): Dominated by low‑cost airlines such as Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant.
- Consolidated Kiosks: Major airlines have dedicated boarding gates, but many low‑cost carriers use the Concourse C area, often requiring a bit of a walk.
2. Flight Frequency
- Over 3,400 daily departures and arrivals.
- Peak seasons (summer, holidays) can double average flight frequencies in a day.
Top Airlines Operating Out of Orlando International
Below is a quick snapshot of the leading carriers at MCO, the types of routes they offer, and what they’re best known for.
| Airline | Alliance | Primary Terminals | Most Popular Destinations | Notable Perks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | SkyTeam | Terminal 1 | NYC, ATL, LAS | AAdvantage miles, extensive flight network |
| United Airlines | Star Alliance | Terminal 1 | NYC, Houston, LA | MileagePlus, trusted frequent‑flyer program |
| Delta Air Lines | SkyTeam | Terminal 1 | ATL, JFK, MCO‑direct flights | Delta SkyMiles, priority boarding |
| Southwest Airlines | None | Terminal 1 (via lease) | Chicago, Nashville, LA | Baggage‑free policy, no change fees |
| Spirit Airlines | None | Terminal 2 | Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver | Ultra‑low fares, optional add‑on services |
| Frontier Airlines | None | Terminal 2 | Dallas, Phoenix, Denver | Basic economy fares, “pay‑as‑you‑go” |
| Allegiant Air | None | Terminal 2 | Phoenix, Las Vegas, Dallas | Budget carrier to leisure hubs |
| Air France / KLM | SkyTeam | International | Paris, Amsterdam | Full‑service, connecting flights to Europe |
Quick Tip: If you’re aiming for two‑way peace of mind, book with SkyTeam or Star Alliance members to enjoy seamless transfers and extra miles.
Choosing the Right Airline: Factors to Consider
Finding the perfect match for your travel needs involves more than just price. Here are the key variables that matter most:
1. Route Availability & Destination Choices
- Long‑haul vs. Short‑haul: American, Delta, and United cover all major U.S. hubs and some trans‑Atlantic routes.
- Low‑Cost Carriers: Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant focus on domestic leisure destinations. They’re ideal if you’re headed to the Southwest or East Coast for a quick stay.
2. Fare Structure & Flexibility
| Fare Type | Airlines | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant | Lowest cost | No seat selection, no baggage |
| Standard Economy | Southwest, United, Delta | Free checked bag | Might have change fees |
| Premium Economy | United, Delta | Extra legroom | More expensive |
| Business/Flying First | American, United, Delta | Lounge access, priority boarding | High cost |
3. Baggage Policy
- Budget Airlines: Charge $30–$35 per checked bag.
- Legacy Carriers: Generally allow one free checked bag in economy; domestic round‑trip.
4. Loyalty Programs
- SkyMiles (Delta): Known for generous upgrade options.
- AAdvantage (American): Strong on redeeming miles for a wide array of flights.
- MileagePlus (United): Great for travelers frequently on the West Coast.
5. Comfort & Onboard Amenities
- Seat width, legroom, in‑flight Wi‑Fi, meals.
- Check each airline’s website for the latest cabin specifications, especially after 2023 cabin redesigns.
Practical Tips for Flying from Orlando Airport
1. Book Early but Look for Last‑Minute Deals
- Legacy airlines’ fares rise 30–50 % if you book within the week of departure.
- Low‑cost carriers often release “flash” sales on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
2. Use the Official Airline Apps
- Save boarding passes digitally.
- Get real‑time gate updates and delays.
3. Arrive Early but Not Overly Early
- Domestic flights: Arrive 90 minutes before departure.
- International flights: Arrive 2 hours early.
4. Pack Strategically
- Know the specific airline’s carry‑on size limits—e.g., Delta’s tiny 8‑inch bag allowance for no‑frills carriers.
- Keep a small power bank and TSA‑approved scanner for quick security checks.
5. Explore Lounge Access Options
- Delta Sky Club (at Terminal 1) is a gem for premium passengers.
- Many airlines now partner with lounge suites such as Priority Pass and Plaza Premium for broader access.
6. Check Flight Status Directly from MCO’s Website
- MCO uses the Android-based "FlightInfo" app to provide real‑time updates for domestic and international.
Case Study: Orlando to New York (NYC) – Comparing Two Airlines
Let’s walk through a typical 3‑hour flight to see how fare, onboard service, and best styles differ between Delta and Spirit Rail.
| Feature | Delta (Regular Economy) | Spirit (Basic Economy) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $185 (average 2023, mid‑seat) | $78 (base fare) |
| Check‑in | Free checked bag | $30 per bag |
| Seat Type | EBITDA 22″ seat pitch | 24″ seat pitch |
| Priorities | Business upgrade (free) | None, change fees apply |
| Wi‑Fi | $10 for Wi‑Fi | $12 for Wi‑Fi |
| Meals | Included | Optional (pay) |
| Onboard Entertainment | Unlimited streaming | No entertainment |
| Overall Value | Mid‑range cost, higher comfort | Cheapest but limited perks |
Bottom Line: For frequent travelers to NYC, Delta offers more value with frequent‑flyer miles and a more comfortable experience.
Which Airline Is Best for You?
| Traveler Type | Ideal Airline | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Vacations | Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant | Lowest prices, no-frills. |
| Business Frequent Flyers | Delta, United, American | Loyalty programs, lounge access, upgrade options. |
| Family Traveling | Southwest | Free checked bags, flexible changes, kids aboard. |
| International Travelers | American, United, Delta | Full‑service, more inclusive amenities, duty‑free selection. |
Credible Sources
- Orlando International Airport Official Site – https://www.mco.com/
- American Airlines – https://www.aa.com/
- Delta Air Lines – https://www.delta.com/
- United Airlines – https://www.united.com/
- Spirit Airlines – https://www.spirit.com/
- Frontier Airlines – https://www.frontier.com/
- Allegiant Air – https://www.allegiantair.com/
- FlightStats – MCO Airport Stats – https://www.flightstats.com/
Final Thought
Orlando International Airport’s diverse airline mix gives travelers unparalleled flexibility. By aligning your flight choice with your budget, comfort preferences, and loyalty goals, you’ll make the most of everything the Sunshine State has to offer.
Bon voyage!
