โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Orlando International Airport uses a landside terminal divided into Terminals A and B (north complex) with four satellite concourses (Airside 1โ4), plus the newer Terminal C (south complex). Terminals A and B share the same central building with separate check-in rows on opposite sides; passengers then ride short automated people movers to their assigned airside, with travel times of 3โ5 minutes once on the tram platform. Terminal C is a standalone structure linked by an automated people mover from the Train Station/Terminal C garage to the main terminal curb in roughly 5 minutes. There is no airside connection between the north (A/B) airsides and Terminal C, so allow extra time if your itinerary mixes those facilities.
Walking inside the north terminal from security to the tram platform takes about 5โ8 minutes depending on checkpoint lines, and gate walks within each airside are modestโgenerally under 7 minutes end to end. Transfers between Airside 1/3 (Terminal A) and Airside 2/4 (Terminal B) require exiting to the main terminal and re-clearing security; the landside walk between A and B ticketing areas is about 6โ10 minutes via Level 3. Terminal Cโs gate areas span two piers connected by moving walkways; walking from the checkpoint to the farthest C gates averages 8โ12 minutes.
Security checkpoints are located landside on Level 3 for Terminals A and B, feeding to their respective tram stations, while Terminal C has a central checkpoint on Level 2. Morning departures to the Northeast and Midwest (06:00โ09:00) and evening international bank (16:00โ19:00) can push waits to 25โ40 minutes; mid-day averages hover around 15โ20 minutes. TSA PreCheck lanes operate in both the A and B checkpoints, and CLEAR kiosks with PreCheck exist on each side. International arrivals for the north complex use the Federal Inspection Station attached to Airside 4 (Gates 70โ129), where passengers proceed through passport control before re-claiming bags and taking the tram back to the main terminal. Terminal C hosts its own U.S. Customs and Border Protection hall with biometric kiosks and separate re-check desks for onward connections.
Amenities in the main terminal include a large central food court on Level 3 with chains like Chick-fil-A and Bahama Breeze, plus retail clusters by the APM stations; each airside adds coffee bars, grab-and-go markets, and Disney/Universal/SeaWorld stores geared to leisure travelers. Terminal C offers newer dining such as Sunshine Diner by Chef Art Smith and Wine Bar George, along with duty-free and tech shops near the C240 pier junction. Lounges include the Club MCO in Airside 1 and Airside 4, Delta Sky Club in Airside 4, and an American Airlines Admirals Club in Airside 3; Terminal C houses a Plaza Premium Lounge near Gate C230.
Accessibility provisions feature step-free routes from parking and rail links (SunRail/ Brightline) via elevators, adult changing tables in select restrooms, and visual paging. Families can find nursing rooms on Level 3 of both Terminal A and B near the food court, as well as inside Terminal C near Gate C230; childrenโs play areas are located in Airside 1 and Airside 3. Pet relief areas sit landside on Level 1 by each terminal side and airside near Gates 23, 59, 80, and C242.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Orlando International Airport (MCO) requires an understanding of the physical separation between the Main Terminal (Terminals A and B) and the newer Terminal C. However, if your connection involves moving between different airsides or terminalsโespecially to or from Terminal Cโallow at least 90 minutes to two hours to account for transit times and potentially long security queues. For international arrivals, the process depends on the terminal. In both cases, if you have an onward connection, you must clear U. For high-speed rail access to South Florida, the Brightline station is located at the Train Station complex connected to Terminal C.
While Terminals A and B are two sides of the same central building, Terminal C is located to the south and is accessed via the automated Terminal Link (APM) train or a 24/7 shuttle bus. In Terminal C, you will retrieve your checked bags *before* proceeding to Passport Control. S. Customs, drop your bags at the 'Baggage Re-check' counter, and re-clear TSA security. Public Lynx buses (Route 11 or 51) provide economical links to downtown for $2. 00.
For domestic-to-domestic transfers within the same airside (e. g., within Airside 1 or 3), a connection time of 45 minutes is typically sufficient. In Terminals A and B (typically Airside 4), you clear immigration first, then collect your bags. Ground transportation to central Orlando is best handled by official taxis (Level 1) or ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, which have designated pickup zones on Level 2 of Terminals A/B and Levels 1 or 6 of Terminal C. Arriving at the airport three hours before departure is highly recommended during peak school holiday periods when security wait times can be significant.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
โ Back to Orlando International Airport