MCO Airport

[Melfuzz]

When you arrive do you go through security before baggage claim or after?

Thanks

[AlecK]

When you arrive you go through immigration,then claim your bags and go through customs. Then you give your bags back and they are transferred to the main building. You follow them by monorail ; when you get to the main building you go through hand luggage and personal security screening and then you are free to claim your bags for the last time and get your car hire or transfer to resort. It's not as bad as it sounds :D

[Whitequeen]

After.

Off plane through immigration, collect baggage, round corner give baggage back, up the stairs, through security, on Monorail, off Monorail, through to baggage point B! Ta da!!

[AlecK]

oops got the security and monrail bit mixed up :lol:

[Melfuzz]

How long does that all take?

Not to sound stupid but whats the difference between immigration and security. Last time I went to the US (west coast) we went through the immigration people then bags were screened and we could go. This sounds so much more complicated!

[Whitequeen]

Immigration check to see whether they'll allow you in and security search you to make sure you're safe to let in. :D

Honestly, it's not that difficult. Follow the crowd. :thumbs:

[Melfuzz]

Cool

I was hoping after a 9 hour flight I would be able to go to my hotel within an hour.

[Whitequeen]

Unlikely, I'm afraid. :(

I think the record is 1hr 30 mins. :D

Unfortunately most of the UK flights arrive at the same time. Usually about 3 Virgins and the odd BA. :lol:

[Keith]

How long does it take.... million dollar question that <G>

Depends how many people in front of you at immigration that's the one that can take AGES if another 747 has just landed in front of you.

I've spent as much as 3hrs trying to get through and as little as 45minutes.

Don't worry about it though.. it's not complicated (it just sounds that way).. you're directed well and if you read the signs etc, you can't really go wrong.

Immigration is making sure YOURE ok to get into the country, security/customs is making sure your luggage/carry on/anything you have on your person ;-) is ok.

Best advice? Take a deep breath, keep relaxed and just take it as it comes.

[Squidgey]

Definately good advice Keith on the keep cool front!

The amount of people I've seen 'losing it' in the lines for immigration, security and the nightmare of baggage collection doesn't bear mentioning. Mind you, after a 9 hour flight, everyone is keen to get through the rigmarole and get on with enjoying their holiday.

We've just come to accept the whole thing, take it in our stride as best we can, and grin madly at the never smiling immigration officer! :lol:

[Melfuzz]

Travelling is the worst part of the holiday it really is.

[tajainaz]

All US airports are different, Melfuzz. Some have more convenient layouts than others. Some have expanded older facilities, others have built new. MCO isn't perfect, but it's one of the better ones!

[Cindernaenae]

Must agree with you Taja. I do like the layout of MCO & the one in Tampa.

[Melfuzz]

I love San Francisco airport. The fear of when you are about to land and the water is getting closer and closer, you only see the runway last minute.

Its a lovely layout in the airport too.

[Slowhand]

I love San Francisco airport. The fear of when you are about to land and the water is getting closer and closer, you only see the runway last minute.

The "old" Hong Kong airport [Kai Tak?] takes some beating for scariness. If you approached over the city, you could almost see what meals the residents of the tower blocks were eating as you flew by their windows! :eek:

[PaulaK]

The "old" Hong Kong airport [Kai Tak?] takes some beating for scariness. If you approached over the city, you could almost see what meals the residents of the tower blocks were eating as you flew by their windows! :eek:

Can't wait to go to Hong Kong Disney! is the new airport better?! :afraid:

[Slowhand]

Can't wait to go to Hong Kong Disney! is the new airport better?! :afraid:

The new airport [so I`m told as I have not used it yet] is a lot better Paula, although I do believe it`s one of those landings where all you see is water until you touch down.

Depending on the wind direction, you used to approach the old airport either over the city or from over the sea. Both of which made for an exciting landing!

The new airport is fantastic from what I`ve heard.

[tajainaz]

Makes landing at Reagan National Airport in D.C. almost a cakewalk! My first landing there scared me silly! :eek: