Before packing a suitcase or carry-on bag, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most flammable and/or potentially explosive material is prohibited, while federal regulations apply to food products, firearms, athletic equipment, liquids, and various sharp objects.

Please visit the official TSA website for a full list of restricted items.

To allow enough time to pass through the mandatory airport security screening, it’s recommended that travelers plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours before for international (not including transportation time to the airport).

To prepare for any unforeseen issues, like traffic or car trouble, why not plan to arrive an extra hour early? To make the travel experience as pleasurable as possible, URW at MCO has many wonderful shops and places to relax before your trip.

Do you know the proper protocol for locking luggage? The procedure for motorists to pick up passengers at baggage claim? With new and changing airport regulations, the amount of information can be overwhelming.

The official TSA website has the answer to most questions, but for a quick guide, print out a cheat sheet for airport and travel tips. You can also visit the airports website www.orlandoairports.net for additional information.

For those commuting from outside the greater Orlando area by car, the airport is accessible by most major interstates and state highways.

Many taxi companies offer service to MCO. To arrange a pick up from your location, contact a local operator. For those departing MCO, a taxi stand is located curbside on the arrival levels. Click here for a full list of vehicles for hire.

Several companies provide limousine and town car service to the airport. Many will offer to arrange for drivers to meet passengers at baggage claim and assist with luggage. Special livery parking is designated across from the terminal. Click here for a full list of vehicles for hire.

SuperShuttle and other long-distance companies provide services that operate out of MCO and serve surrounding areas of Florida. Please contact the operators to arrange a pick up at your home or a location that is convenient for you. Those departing the airport can follow designated signs to the shuttle loading area. Click here for a full list of vehicles for hire.

Most nearby hotels and motels offer complimentary airport transportation via courtesy vans. Contact the hotel concierge for schedule and information. Those departing the airport can follow designated signs to the shuttle loading area.

For those traveling to or from an area outside of Orlando proper and its surrounding suburbs, long-distance regional buses and trains, including Amtrak and Greyhound, offer service to the airport. Please contact the operators for rates and schedules. Those departing the airport can follow designated signs to the shuttle loading areas.

Several rental car companies, including Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis, are conveniently located on the airport property and can be accessed without shuttles for pick up and drop off.

Some cruise lines offer transportation between the airport and Port Canaveral. Contact your cruise line operator for more information.

Travelers are encouraged to protect the environment by traveling by bicycle. Convenient bike racks are located throughout the airport, in most terminals and parking lots. Bicycle racks are provided on the A-Side of the Terminal, at the east end of the Ground Transportation Level (Level 1).

For hourly parking and close terminal access, a garage with covered parking is located adjacent to the terminal outside of baggage claim. Electric charging outlets are also available.

For long-term parking, the economy lots are located just minutes from the terminals. These lots can accommodate all vehicles, including larger trucks and campers, available for extended stays and overnights, for daily flat or hourly rates. Complimentary shuttle service is available to transport travelers to the terminals.

Two cell phone lots are available outside of baggage claim for those waiting to pick up arriving passengers.

For those with SunPass Plus or E-Pass, special parking is available, short term.

For those on the fly, valet parking provides the quickest access to the terminal, for short or long term parking.

For registered guests of the Hyatt Regency, long or short term parking is available, charged directly to your room.

Upon arriving at the terminal, travelers can check any luggage and get a boarding pass with gate number and flight information. Many airlines also offer online check-in, and self-check-in kiosks to make transit smoother. Please note, additional luggage fees and weight limits may apply.

In addition to showing a valid passport to cross national borders, international travelers will need to pass through customs upon arrival at foreign airports, and then again upon returning to the United States. Visit the official TSA website for more information about procedures and items to declare.

Passing through the mandatory security screening can take longer than expected. Be sure to become familiar with security protocol before arriving to make the process as smooth as possible. Visit the official TSA website to find the answers to common security questions.

Once you’ve exited the aircraft, follow signs to Baggage Claim to reunite with your luggage. Located on the level 2 of each terminal A or B, find the baggage carousel marked with name of airline and name of your departing city. Once you’ve retrieved your bags, a variety of options, including car rentals, bus lines, taxi stands, are conveniently available to help you leave the airport easily and reach your final destination.

Once cleared by security, feel free to explore the multitude of shopping and dining opportunities on the way to boarding gates. Use the convenient airport guides to find the perfect place to grab a bite, pick up last minute gifts, or use the extra time to unwind.

Greeting travelers at the gate is no longer allowed in any U.S. airport, due to federal regulations, but you can meet your loved ones in the baggage claim area or outside of the terminal on Level 2 Arrivals/Baggage Claim or Level 3, Main Terminal.Immediate passenger loading is allowed curbside, but drivers are not permitted to park or wait outside the terminal, they must park in the nearby cell phone lots.

Once you’ve found your luggage, there are several convenient ways to exit the airport. From rental car services to bus lines and taxi stands or the train station, information is readily available to help you reach your final destination.

For arriving and departing international travelers needing to exchange foreign currencies into US dollars, currency exchange booths are conveniently located in each terminal and can easily transfer bills and coins in a one-stop transaction.

ATM cash machines are also located in each terminal, available to customers of all banking institutions (additional fees may apply).

Orlando makes every effort to accommodate the needs of all travelers. Contacting the airport in advance is recommended to make arrangements for any special assistance for those with disabilities. Wheelchairs service is available for use throughout the airport.

Don’t get lost trying to navigate the airport. Dedicated volunteers are stationed at the Information booths on Level 3 (Departures) and Level 2 Arrivals/Baggage Claim to assist travelers with directions and information.

Losing luggage is never an ideal situation, but it can happen. Please notify your airline of any items missing on the aircraft, while anything misplaced in the airport can be reported to the TSA or the local police department for insurance purposes. You may also contact the airport’s also Lost and Found Department, which handles all missing items in airport property, at 407-825-2111.

For emergency medical care, call 911 for an ambulance, or ask an airline employee for assistance.

Service Animal Relief areas are available on both the A Side and B Side of the main terminal. Dogs are not permitted in Orlando International Airport unless they are either working dogs, or they are in a carrier approved for traveling onboard an aircraft. Service Animal Relief Areas are available on Level 2 of both terminals. The “A” side area is located at the far East end of the building (to the right as you exit the building). The “B” side area is located at the far West end of the building (to the right as you exit the building). Please ask an airline employee for additional information.

For those looking to recharge devices, outlets and power stations are located throughout the airport.

Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the airport, and there are no designated smoking areas.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. The first 30 minutes of service are complimentary, additional fees will apply for premium services. FAQ’s site: https://orlandoairports.net/faq/#faq-1215