TSA Info and Security Wait Times at Orlando MCO Airport
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest travel hubs in the U.S., which often leads passengers to check MCO wait times before their flights. Security lines typically take 10 to 20 minutes, but can stretch over 30 minutes during holidays or peak hours. Travelers flying with Virgin Atlantic or WestJet should plan accordingly. To speed up security screening, MCO offers services such as CLEAR, TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Mobile Passport Control, ensuring a smoother airport experience.
Orlando MCO Security Check Average Wait Times
At Orlando International Airport, current security lines typically take 10 to 20 minutes, though waits can be longer during busy periods, holidays, or peak travel hours. To help passengers move through checkpoints faster, MCO offers TSA PreCheck across all three terminals, making the security process more efficient and stress-free.
Orlando Airport Security Wait Times: What Travelers Should Know
Security wait times at Orlando International Airport vary depending on the time of day. The busiest periods are in the afternoon from 2 PM to 5 PM and in the evening between 7 PM and 10 PM, while the shortest lines are usually in the early morning hours from 2 AM to 6 AM.
| Time | Average Wait |
| 2 AM – 3 AM | 0 mins |
| 3 AM – 4 AM | 4 mins |
| 4 AM – 5 AM | 9 mins |
| 5 AM – 6 AM | 10 mins |
| 6 AM – 7 AM | 25 mins |
| 7 AM – 8 AM | 13 mins |
| 8 AM – 9 AM | 22 mins |
| 9 AM – 10 AM | 24 mins |
| 10 AM – 11 AM | 18 mins |
| 11 AM – 12 PM | 15 mins |
| 12 PM – 1 PM | 7 mins |
| 1 PM – 2 PM | 7 mins |
| 2 PM – 3 PM | 23 mins |
| 3 PM – 4 PM | 21 mins |
| 4 PM – 5 PM | 22 mins |
| 5 PM – 6 PM | 10 mins |
| 6 PM – 7 PM | 6 mins |
| 7 PM – 8 PM | 26 mins |
| 8 PM – 9 PM | 19 mins |
| 9 PM – 1 PM | 22 mins |
| 12 PM – 1 PM | 5 mins |
| 12 PM – 1 PM | 16 mins |
Orlando MCO Airport TSA Security Wait Times
TSA wait times at Orlando MCO usually range between 15 and 20 minutes, though this can vary depending on the terminal. The reported averages are based on Pacific Standard Time. During busy periods or peak travel hours, passengers should expect waits of 20 to 30 minutes at TSA screening checkpoints.
| Current Wait Time | TSA Precheck Available |
| 23 minutes and 48 seconds | Yes |
Orlando MCO TSA Pre-Check Checkpoint Locations
The TSA checkpoint status at Orlando International Airport can change throughout the day. Below is the current update for each terminal.
| Terminal | Checkpoint | Status |
| Terminal EAST | East Checkpoint | Closed |
| Terminal WEST | West Checkpoint | Closed |
Orlando Airport TSA Wait Times: Current Average
Security lines at Orlando International Airport can vary during the day. Below is a breakdown of average TSA wait times in Orlando for each hour to help plan your trip:
| Time Slots | Wait(mins) |
| 12 am – 1 am | 0.0 mins |
| 1 am – 2 am | 4.5 mins |
| 2 am – 3 am | 9 mins |
| 3 am – 4 am | 0.0 mins |
| 4 am – 5 am | 25.2 mins |
| 5 am – 6 am | 22.7 mins |
| 6 am – 7 am | 19.6 mins |
| 7 am – 8 am | 23.2 mins |
| 8 am – 9 am | 8.7 mins |
| 9 am – 10 am | 11.3 mins |
| 10 am – 11 am | 18.6 mins |
| 11 am – 12 pm | 15.2 mins |
| 12 pm – 1 pm | 8.7 mins |
| 1 pm – 2 pm | 12.8 mins |
| 2 pm – 3 pm | 13.3 mins |
| 3 pm – 4 pm | 15.1 mins |
| 4 pm – 5 pm | 20.6 mins |
| 5 pm – 6 pm | 14.8 mins |
| 6 pm – 7 pm | 8.4 mins |
| 7 pm – 8 pm | 15.5 mins |
| 8 pm – 9 pm | 17.8 mins |
| 9 pm – 10 pm | 0.0 mins |
| 10 pm – 11 pm | 22.8 mins |
| 11 pm – 12 am | 0.0 mins |
Orlando MCO Airport Fast-Track Security Options
Travelers at Orlando International Airport(MCO) have multiple options to reduce their security wait times. MCO provides programs such as MCO Reserve, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR+, designed to make getting through security faster and smoother.
MCO Reserve
The MCO Reserve program allows passengers who don’t have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to reserve a specific time slot for security screening. All three terminals at MCO feature Reserve lanes.
- Upon arrival at the MCO Reserve lane, travelers simply scan their QR code to proceed directly to screening.
- It is recommended to book up to 7 days in advance, as slots are limited.
- Reserve lanes operate from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM for flights departing between 6:30 AM and 8:30 PM.
TSA PreCheck
TSA Precheck offers faster security screening with dedicated lanes, allowing enrolled travelers to skip removing shoes, laptops, belts, light jackets, or liquids in the 3-1-1 format. This significantly reduces Orlando TSA wait times.
- TSA PreCheck operates from 4:00 AM to 8:30 PM. These services are available at Terminal C and the West Checkpoint at Terminal A/B at MCO.
- Passengers can enroll at the airport at MCO’s TSA PreCheck enrollment locations. Enrollment requires valid ID documents and a fee of $85, which covers participation for 5 years.
| TSA Precheck Locations | Hours of Operation |
| Terminal A/B – B side, near security for Gates 1-50 | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Terminal C – Front of security for Gates 230-249 | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
CLEAR+
With a CLEAR+ membership, travelers at MCO can bypass regular lines and head straight to security using biometric verification. CLEAR lanes are available in all terminals, providing an expedited screening experience.
- Passengers can enroll for CLAER+ online or directly at Orlando Airport.
| CLEAR Location | Operating Hours |
| Terminal A/B West Checkpoints(Near Gates 1-59) | 4:00 am to 9:00 pm |
| Terminal A/B East Checkpoint (Near Gates 70-129) | Monday to Saturday- 4:00 am to 8:30 pm Sunday- 4:00 am to 9:00 pm |
| Terminal C | Monday to Thursday- 4:00 am to 7:30 pm Friday to Sunday- 4:00 am to 8:00 pm |
MCO Airport Customs and Immigration Wait Time Guide
The typical processing time at Orlando customs and immigration is around 15 to 17 minutes, though this can vary based on the travel season, arrival volume, and time of day. To help speed up the entry process, MCO offers several trusted traveler programs that provide faster clearance and smoother arrivals.
Enhanced Passenger Processing(EPF)
Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPF) is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiative that uses biometric technology to verify traveler identities. This automated system reduces manual document checks, helping minimize wait times at MCO while delivering a quicker, more efficient arrival experience.
Mobile Passport Control(MPC)
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is another CBP program that allows eligible travelers to submit passport and customs declaration information via a mobile application before landing at Orlando International Airport.
- Once the form is completed, the app generates a digital receipt with a QR code. Upon arrival, passengers simply present this QR code to a CBP officer for faster processing and shorter lines.
Global Entry
Global Entry is designated for pre-approved, low-risk international travelers, enabling them to bypass traditional customs lines using automated kiosks. This program also includes TSA PreCheck benefits, allowing faster security screening for domestic departures.
| Global Enrollment Location | Operating Hours |
| Terminal C, Level 1, near Orlando Police Department Office | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
MCO Airport Security Wait Time Assistance Contacts
Passengers can reach out to the Transportation Security Administration(TSA) for help with security-related questions, screening procedures, and guidance during delays in Orlando Airport Operations.
TSA Contact Details:
| Phone Number | Website | |
| 1-866-289-9673 (TSA Contact Center) (855) 787-2227 (TSA Cares Helpline) | https://www.tsa.gov/ | TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov |
FAQs
Security wait times at MCO usually range between 10 and 20 minutes, extending beyond 30 minutes during peak hours.
The fastest security screening typically occurs between 2 AM and 6 AM.
Yes, TSA PreCheck provides faster screening through dedicated lanes, reducing Orlando TSA wait times.
Yes, MCO Reserve is available across all three terminals at Orlando International Airport.
Travelers should arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
Using EPP, Mobile Passport Control, or Global Entry can significantly reduce wait times.
