MCO Terminal A Guide: Airlines, Gates & Services

Orlando International Airport: Terminal A is the major terminal at this airport that handles a large number of domestic departures and arrivals. The terminal is connected to airside concourses (Gates 1-29 and 100-129) via the airport's automated people mover. All the major services like baggage drop areas, check-in counters, and TSA security checkpoints for airlines operating inside Terminal A mail hall. It is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours before a domestic flight. TSA PreCheck is available for eligible passengers at Terminal A. This terminal offers plenty of services such as restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi. For drop-off and pickup, use the Terminal A departures or arrivals level and parking garages are directly connected for easy access.

This terminal is one half of the North Terminal Complex at Orlando International Airport (MCO). This terminal is located on the northern side of the main terminal building and handles both international and domestic flights. This terminal features three primary levels with specific functions. On level 1, you can find ground transportation like shuttles, buses, can ridesharing. Baggage claims and rental cars, the US welcome center is also available. On level 2, you can find more baggage claim and pickup/drop-off points, including rideshare. On level 3, you can find ticketing, check-in counters and security checkpoints before heading to the gates. This terminal offers access to two airside concourses, such as Airside 1: gates 1 to 29 and Airside 2: gates 100-129.

Name of Airlines From Terminal A, Orlando International Airport

Many airlines operate from MCO Terminal A, and especially those focused on leisure and domestic travel, such as:

Southwest Airline

Spirit Airlines

Frontier Airlines

Avelo Airlines

Virgin Atlantic

Air Transat

You must check your boarding pass or flight information display to confirm your specific airline and gate.

Security Checkpoints at Terminal A

Most of the security points of Terminal A are modern and well-organized, but it can get busy, especially during the rush time like school holidays, summer travel seasons and theme park peak months. TSA PreCheck lanes are available, and clear signage for Airside 4 & 8 is available. The most important thing is understanding the average wait time at the airport security lines, which is 15 to 40 minutes. Passengers must arrive at least 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours early for international departures.

First Thing First – Where is Terminal A?

MCO has two main older terminals: A and B (they sit next to each other inside the same large building).

Terminal A usually uses:

Airside 1 (Gates 1–29)

Airside 2 (Gates 100–129)

After check-in, you'll take a small train (people mover) to your gate area. It's quick and easy.

Parking at MCO Terminal A

Parking at Terminal A is easy because all garages are directly connected to the main building. You don't need a shuttle if you park in the Terminal Top Garage.

Parking Options:

1. Terminal Top Parking (Garage A & B)

Garage A and B are the closest parking areas to Terminal A. It is the best for short trips, business travel and quick pickups.

2. Short-Term Parking

It is located inside the parking garage. It is good for dropping someone off or picking up passengers.

3. Long-Term Parking

If you are traveling for multiple days, long-term parking is available at daily rates.

4. Economy Parking

It is a cost-effective option and offers free shuttle buses running between the economy lots and the terminal.

Airport Address:

1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827, USA

You can also check real-time parking availability on the airport's official website before arriving.

Ground Transportation & Accessibility

There are many different transportation options available after arrival, and here are all -

Ride Share (Uber & Lyft)

You can find pickup areas because these are clearly marked on Level 2, which is the Arrivals level. You must follow the airport signs after baggage claim.

Taxi Services

Taxis are available outside the arrivals area. No pre-booking needed.

Lynx Public Bus

A budget-friendly option for local travel in Orlando.

Rental Cars

Rental car counters are located inside the Terminal on Level 1.

Restaurants & Food Options at Terminal A

Are you hungry before your flight? Terminal A has plenty of food choices, and you will find coffee shops, fast food options, pizza and sandwich counters, grab-and-go snacks, bar and casual dining restaurants.

Lounges Near Terminal A

Terminal A does not have a large number of dedicated premium lounges compared to newer terminals, but some airline lounges are available depending on your airline and ticket class.

MCO Terminal A Map & Layout Guide

Terminal A is part of the North Terminal Complex and connects to -

Airside 1 (Gates 1–29)

Airside 2 (Gates 100–129)

Frequently asked questions

1. What airlines operate from the MCO Terminal?

The major question of passengers about Terminal A is the airline's name. The major airlines that operate from this terminal are Southwest, United and other domestic airlines also operate from Terminal A.

2. What gates are in Terminal A at MCO?

Looking for the gate number at MCO Terminal A? Here is the information -

Gates 1–29

Gates 100–129

You can access to the gates requires taking the automated people mover (tram).

3. How early should I arrive at MCO Terminal A?

Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights

3 hours before international flights (if applicable)

4. Where is the baggage claim in Terminal A?

Baggage claim is located on Level 2 of Terminal A. Signs clearly direct passengers after arrival.

5. Does Terminal A have TSA PreCheck?

Yes, Terminal A has TSA PreCheck lanes.

6. Where do I get dropped off for Terminal A?

You can use the Departures Level (Level 3) for drop-off and the Arrivals Level (Level 2) for pickup.