Raggiemom

I am flying for the first time this March to visit my parents. I am flying into MCO Airport on Delta and my parents will pick me up. They are not at all familiar with Orlando and have never been to an airport. We have heard that MCO Airport is a crazy one. Does anyone have any advice to make it easier for my parents to find me and get around the area? Since I've never flown before, I'm not much help and I'm nervous enough about my end let alone finding them once I land!

Something positive--they're taking me to Rainbow's End in Dunedin while I'm there

Hope someone is able to help, thanks.

Prism99

I don't know about Orlando airport. However, what we do is agree to meet at the baggage claim carousel for the incoming flight. You will have the number of the baggage claim carousel for your flight on your ticket, and will likely just follow other passengers on their way to that carousel. This is typically on the lower level of the airport with lots of overhead signs saying "Baggage Claim". Your family can park (they need to write down information about where they park their car -- usually color-coded plus parking level info) and make their way to the lower level. They can then start at one end and walk along the corridor looking for your flight number on the signs above the baggage claim carousels. When they find it, there will be a place for them to sit and wait.

NJ Quilter

Most airports are set up with designated and well marked 'arrivals' and 'departures' sections. Tell your folks to just follow the large overhead signs for arrivals. They will likely end up near the baggage claim area that Prism99 suggests. Unless you all agree that they are meeting you at your arrival GATE (the area in the airport where you get off the plane), there should be no need for them to even park! In addition to the arrival/departure signs, there are generally large signs with specific airlines noted so you can 'pull off' to those specific airline baggage areas. They can truly just pull up outside your airline's baggage claim area.

All that said, sometimes if it's a really busy airport the picking up folks might get prodded along if they are hanging out near the baggage area for an extended period. Then they can just do a loop around the airport following the same signs. At Phila. airport - obviously a busy one - has a 'cell phone waiting lot'. I'm sure most major airports have the same situation these days. Those folks doing the pick ups wait in that lot until the arriving person gets off the plane and is headed to baggage claim. By the time those folks have left that lot, the arriving passenger has likely gotten their luggage and is ready to be picked up by the time the drivers get from the lot to the baggage area.

Enjoy your trip and the time with your folks. You'll have a great time. Just follow the herd.

susanlh

I live in the Orlando area and have flown in/out of the airport many times. My suggestion is for your parents to go slow and follow the overhead signs. There is a cell phone lot where they could wait until you have collected your luggage, then you could call and they can circle the arrival lane to pick you up curbside. Outside there are signs for the airline with a number. You can let them know where you are waiting. This would eliminate them having to pay for parking and fighting to find a space in the garage. Enjoy Rainbow's End--great shop with lots of variety.

Jan in VA

Explore this site for the airport and look for parking information, terminal maps, arrival/departure maps, baggage claim areas. http://www.orlandoairports.net/

Have them check your flight's arrival times on their smart phone, if they have one, about an hour before they are due to pick you up. If they print out the airport's maps they will feel better able to navigate the area. Maybe they can even make a trial run if they have maps.

Enjoy your visit!

Jan in VA

Peckish

I haven't checked Jan's link, just wanted to list this one.

www.flightview.com

My husband's traveled for his career for the last 19 years and this is the website I use to monitor his flights. It's very accurate.

dakotamaid

When I fly into a large town for anyone I take a cab to a designated meeting place out of the airport terminal. Makes it so much easier for those picking me up. Might be an idea for you if your parents don't care for the crowded airport traffic.

kathidahl

This is what we do and it works perfectly...love the cell phone lots.

tessagin

May be much easier on them. Who needs stress? You could meet at a place just down the road from the airport. Maybe restaurant to eat or relax with a cup of coffee/tea?

citruscountyquilter

Orlando airport is a busy airport. At any airport I try to always use the cell phone lot. The person picking up can wait there until the passenger calls and then be picked up curbside. No charge for waiting in the cell phone lots. The cab is also a good idea. I had never thought of that. There will be easy access to cabs by following the signs or asking.

You will enjoy Rainbow's End. There is also a nice cafe to eat near there but I can't remember the name of it.