A Guide to Orlando International Airport (MCO)


Orlando International Airport (MCO), which sits just 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida was once designated as an emergency landing site for NASA’s Space Shuttles.

A view of Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando, Florida. Image credit: Javier_Art_Photography/iStock
A view of Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando, Florida. Image credit: Javier_Art_Photography/iStock

Orlando International Airport’s IATA callsign, MCO Airport, dates back to its days as a military installation, the McCoy Air Force Base. During its decades as a commercial airport, MCO has grown exponentially in terms of the number of passengers served each year.

With two terminals and four concourses, which Orlando International Airport calls “airsides,” the airport serves almost 50 million passengers per year, so having an airport map on hand can help you find what you’re looking for.

Getting to and from Orlando International Airport shouldn’t be a hassle. Keep your business trip serene and focused when you book a reliable Blacklane car service for Orlando International Airport to travel to the airport in comfort and style.

Airlines flying out of Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Terminal A houses Airside 1 and 2, and Terminal B is the home to Airside 3 and 4. Follow this list of airlines to determine where you need to go.

Terminal A, Airside 1

  • Avianca Airlines
  • Azul Airlines
  • Copa Airlines
  • Flair
  • Frontier Airlines
  • InterJet
  • JetBlue
  • World Atlantic Airlines

Terminal A, Airside 2

  • Alaska Airlines
  • Southwest Airlines

Terminal A, Airside 4

  • Aer Lingus
  • AeroMexico
  • Air Transat
  • El Al
  • Emirates
  • LATAM Airlines
  • Norwegian Air
  • Sunwing Airlines
  • Virgin Atlantic

Terminal B, Airside 1

  • Icelandair (departures only)
  • Miami Air International
  • Silver Airways
  • Spirit

Terminal B, Airside 3

  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

Terminal B, Airside 4

  • Aerolineas Argentinas
  • Air Canada
  • Air Canada Rouge
  • Air France
  • Bahamas Air
  • British Airways
  • Caribbean Airlines
  • Delta Airlines
  • Edelweiss Swiss
  • GOL
  • Icelandair (arrivals only)
  • Lufthansa
  • Sun Country Airlines
  • Swoop
  • Thomas Cook Airlines
  • Volaris
  • WestJet

Airport lounges at Orlando International Airport – relax before you fly

All the major U.S. airlines host airport lounges at MCO Airport, so you can find a place to escape the confusion of the airport no matter which terminal you’re flying from.

Terminal A, Airside 1

The Club at MCO

The Club at MCO is open to same-day passengers flying any class with the purchase of a one-day pass. Priority Pass members may also gain access when space is available, but the lounge often gets crowded. Passengers departing from Terminal B should be aware that they’ll have to go through security again after they leave this club.

A communal work area provides plenty of space to spread out when you need to get some work done, and shower rooms are available to help you freshen up before you fly. A hot and cold buffet is available, with a pancake machine at breakfast and hot soups at lunch. A separate children’s room is available to let kids burn off some energy.

Terminal B, Airside 3

American Airlines Admirals Club

This lounge is available to Admirals Club members and holders of certain AA-branded credit cards. It’s also possible to buy a one-day pass if space is available in this somewhat small lounge. The buffet serves basic breakfast items and snacks, and printers and computers are available if you’re trying to do some last-minute work.

United Club

You can access this lounge if you’re a member of United Club and are holding same-day boarding passes on a United flight. Other United passengers with same-day tickets may buy one-day passes to the Club. You’ll find a dedicated children’s area in this club, and a small business center is also available, as is a conference room for a fee. This relatively small club features a cold buffet with snacks plus soups, and premium liquor is available for purchase.

Traveling in a group for work? Find a quiet place to hold a meeting. Image credit: FangXiaNuo/iStock
Traveling in a group for work? Find a quiet place to hold a meeting. Image credit: FangXiaNuo/iStock

Terminal B, Airside 4

The Club at MCO

This lounge, the larger of the two clubs, caters to international premium passengers flying on British Airways, Lufthansa, and Emirates. You can also access this lounge with your Priority Pass, and same-day passes can be purchased when space is available.

Multiple seating areas in this Club include a large communal work space with places to plug in your laptop plus some individual workstations. You can also find recliners with ottomans, as well as traditional lounge seating throughout. A shower room is available, as is a kids’ room filled with video games, books, and Lego. The cold buffet is augmented by a pancake machine and hot soups at lunch, and the bartender at the full-service bar makes drinks to order.

Delta Airlines Sky Club

Delta Sky Club members with same-day Delta boarding passes can access this club, as can American Express Platinum cardholders, though you’ll have to pay for guests. Delta and Virgin Atlantic premium class passengers also have access to the club.

A work area that’s separated from the rest of the lounge provides semi-private workstations, and another separate area of seating allows views of the tarmac. Food consists primarily of a cold buffet featuring salads and snacks, and alcoholic drinks are available at the bar, with the option to purchase more premium offerings.

Orlando International Airport hotel – stay within the airport

Orlando Airport features a high-end hotel right inside the airport. Because it’s outside security, you can meet with clients and colleagues there conveniently before you catch your flight.

Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport

This Hyatt Regency makes it easy to prepare for business meetings, vacations, and your next flight with comfortable, spacious rooms that feature airport views and in some cases, even balconies. Relax at the outdoor pool where the staff cater to your every whim or head to the fitness center or rooftop jogging track to get your workout in.

The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport also offers day-use passes that are perfect for brief layovers or those fly-in, fly-out conference meetings where you have to be at your best. Plenty of meeting space is available for more substantive work, and three restaurants await you for both relaxation and meetings.

Shopping at Orlando International Airport – practical and fun

If you feel like you’re visiting a high-end shopping mall when you stroll through the main terminal at Orlando International, it’s understandable — national mall chain Westfield manages the main terminal shops with all the style and amenities you’d find at any of the other Westfield malls around the U.S. Don’t worry, though — you’ll also find plenty of shopping opportunities to pick up what you need (or want) in the four Airsides as well.

Main Terminal at Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Need accessories to complete your outfit for that business meeting? Head to Johnston & Murphy for fine shoes, or Swarovski for just the right piece of jewelry. Of course, if you need a pair of sunglasses for your Florida stay, so stop in at Sol Shades. Pick up casual clothes to get you ready for your trip to Disney World at Cariloha, Mango, Ron’s Surf Shop, Guess, Lids or Desigual.

And speaking of Disney — if you’re focused on business but still need to bring a present home to the kids, Disney’s Earport and Magic of Disney await you with the latest Magic Kingdom goodies. You can find fascinating souvenirs of a different type at the two Kennedy Space Center stores, the SeaWorld shop, or the Universal Orlando shops. Don’t forget to grab some reading material for the flight at Hudson News, and all those gadgets to make your business trip or vacation easier await you at Brookstone and InMotion Entertainment.


Airside 1


If you’re heading home and want to stock up on fine liquors, fragrances, tobacco, jewelry, and more without worrying about customs, the Duty-Free/Duty-Paid store can supply your needs. A visit to Kidsworks is mandatory if you’re traveling with children, or head to the Bead Factory to get started on make-your-own-jewelry fun. Tech on the Go can help you with those new earbuds or your other travel tech needs, and you’ll find reading material at Hudson News and Keys News.


Airside 2


High-end vending machines from Benefit Cosmetics and Best Buy can help you fill in the gaps in your toiletries kit or carry-on electronics, respectively. You’ll also find those tech gadgets at InMotion Entertainment, and your reading material for the flight awaits you at Hudson News and the CNN Kiosk. Grab a pair of sunglasses at the Sunglass Hut for your stay in the Florida sun, and pop in to Naturally Inspired for a unique gift to bring home.

Airside 3


Your shopping options are more limited in Airside 3, but you can still upgrade your electronics at the Best Buy vending machine or at InMotion Entertainment. Two Hudson News shops provide your travel essentials and reading material.

Airside 4

Another Duty-Free Store awaits you here for your purchases of luxury goods, including tobacco, fragrances, electronics, and liquor. You’ll also find electronics to meet your travel needs at InMotion Entertainment and Best Buy. Head to Pure Aroma Cigars or See’s Candies to pick up some welcome treats for yourself, and don’t forget something to read at the CNN Kiosk or Stellar News.

Get some shopping done in long layovers at Orlando International Airport. Image credit: YakobchukOlena/iStock
Get some shopping done in long layovers at MCO. Image credit: YakobchukOlena/iStock

Dining at Orlando International Airport – quick-serve and table-service

You can eat in the Main Terminal with colleagues, clients or friends who aren’t flying. Once you pass through security, you’ll still find plenty of dining options at the various Airsides.

Main Terminal

You’ll find most of MCO Airport’s slow dining, table-service options here, so don’t be in a hurry to get through security if you want to enjoy a relaxed meal.

  • Hemisphere: This table-service restaurant emphasizes steaks and seafood at dinnertime, with locally sourced ingredients. In the mornings, you can choose between a breakfast buffet and plated options like eggs Benedict.
  • Chick-Fil-A: Only have time for the food court? Pick up a quick chicken sandwich for any meal.
  • McCoy’s Bar & Grill: Head to the Hyatt Regency lobby to find this leisurely dining haven that features everything from mix-and-match small plates and a salad bar to burgers and sushi.

Airside 1

  • On the Border: This Mexican grill mixes a great margarita to help you prepare for your flight.
  • Urban Crave: Grab a seat at the bar to enjoy spicy delights (huevos rancheros, anyone?) with your cocktail or beer.
  • Brioche Doree: If you’re a pastry-lover, then the perfect crusts on the tarts and quiches at this food court spot will make you happy indeed.
  • Coldstone Creamery: When you’re craving something cool and delicious, you can’t do better than this ice cream shop that lets you mix and match flavors till you’ve got just what you want.
  • Le Grand Comptoir: Travel + Leisure picked this brasserie as one of its “Best Airport Spots,” so you know you’re in good hands when you sit down to enjoy a glass of wine, French cuisine and some smooth jazz.

Airside 2

  • Zaza: Rich Cuban coffee and a tasty empanada might be all you need before you board.
  • Manchu Wok: This fast Chinese food spot delivers on the sizzle — but don’t take it on board the plane unless you want seatmates upset over the irresistible aromas.
  • Qdoba Mexican Grill: For those times when you need a massive burrito.
  • Camden Food Co.: Sit down to enjoy organic salads and fair trade ingredients, along with a full bar — or pick up the healthiest grab-and-go options in the airport.

Airside 3

  • Ruby Tuesday: Relax with American favorites and a full bar before you fly.
  • Nathan’s: If it’s been too long since you’ve been to NYC and you’re craving a hot dog, Nathan’s is here for you.
  • Carvel: Airside 3 has not left you bereft of ice cream. Indulge in a sundae to make up for that flight delay.

Airside 4

  • Outback: If you love a good bloomin’ onion, Outback is waiting for you — along with its steaks, burgers, and a full bar.
  • Cask & Larder: MCO regulars are happy to go through security twice if it means they can eat at this table-service restaurant. You’ll find elevated comfort food served with craft beers that will make you feel like the airport is your favorite place on Earth.
  • Villa Italian Kitchen: This NYC transplant is the perfect destination when you’re craving a slice.

Whether you’re arriving at Orlando International or heading out on the next leg your journey, any trip goes a little more smoothly when you book a reliable Blacklane airport transfer for Orlando International Airport (MCO) to make your airport transfers in comfort and style.