Ava McDonnell
A new study by Luxury France Tours places Orlando International Airport (MCO) among the top U.S. airports where travelers need to arrive the earliest to avoid delays and potential trip disruptions.
According to the study, which analyzed major airports nationwide, Orlando International ranked second overall, trailing only Denver International Airport. Researchers evaluated airports using several operational factors, including average TSA wait times, passenger volume, airport size, number of gates and terminals, parking capacity, and the share of delayed flights.
Why Orlando Ranks So High
The data shows that passengers flying out of MCO face a combination of heavy traffic and operational challenges:
Average TSA wait time: 24 minutes
Annual passengers: More than 18.7 million
Number of gates: 102
Share of delayed flights: 23.26%
Total score: 51.47 (second-highest in the study)
The study notes that longer-than-average security wait times and a high percentage of delayed departures contribute significantly to Orlando’s ranking. While MCO operates out of a single main terminal complex, its size and passenger volume can create congestion.
The report also highlights Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, which ranked 17th overall, further underscoring the travel pressures faced by Florida’s major airports. Fort Lauderdale recorded a higher share of delayed flights than Orlando but lower overall passenger volume.
The study suggests that at airports like MCO, arriving only at the standard two-hour mark before a domestic flight may not always be sufficient, especially during high-traffic days.
For Central Florida travelers, the findings serve as a reminder that Orlando’s popularity comes with its challenges, but that preparation can make all the difference on travel day.
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