Reviewing the Orlando International Airport

The Orlando International Airport, often referred to as MCO, is the main airport for the city of Orlando, Florida. While the main airport of Orlando, some airline service is offered out of Sanford International, but the vast majority of airlines fly to Orlando International. Many people ask why Orlando is known as MCO, the answer is very simple. Prior to being a commercial airport, the airfield was McCoy Air Force Base, named for Colonel McCoy, who died in a crash at the airfield. Locals often joke that MCO stands for Mickey's Corporate Office, as Orlando is known for their various amusement parks, which is visible upon arriving at the airport. The airport, being a former military base, and being close to the NASA facility in Cape Canaveral, has been designated an emergency landing site for the Space Shuttle.

Located just southeast of downtown Orlando, the airport is located just off a major parkway in the Orlando area, offering easy transportation to and from the airport. In 2006, the airport handled nearly 35 million passengers, ranking 13^th busiest in the United States, and 23^rd busiest in the world. The airport has a very easy configuration to navigate, with all shared services being located within a single terminal area, with 4 individual "Airsides" which are home to 30 gates each. The main terminal is set into two sides, A and B, which reflect sides of the airport. Side A holds check-in and baggage facilities for Airside 1 (Gates 1-29) and Airside 2 (Gates 100-129), while side B holds Airside 3 and 4 (Gates 30-59 and 60-99 respectively) similar facilities.

After check-in, passengers travel through a very large security checkpoint, which usually has short lines, but no more than a 10 minute wait. Just outside of the security checkpoint are many gift shops, which represent a last chance to purchase any goods that tourists didn't pick up at theme parks, with many theme parks even running a dedicated store. Upon passing through security, passengers climb aboard a train, which moves them to their Airside, where there are many restaurants and small duty free shops.

Orlando International Airport has non-stop service to over 80 destinations across the United States, as well as 20 international destinations to 13 countries. Upon arriving to Orlando, international passengers are greeted with very little wait time for customs, as little as half an hour. Baggage claim facilities are easy to find upon arrival and are very efficient in delivering luggage in a respectable time. Car rental facilities are just across from baggage claims, and have easy access to rented cars upon leaving the terminal. Public transit consists of bus service, which is convenient to take to many locations across the city.

Overall, if you're traveling to Central Florida for business or vacation, Orlando International Airport is where to book your flights to. The airport offers the selection that many will enjoy, as well as offering an airport that isn't full of lines or crowded areas. Travelers will enjoy traveling through Orlando International Airport.