How long can we expect it to take to get through immigration at MCO?

[twogoto]

Only flown into MCO once before but we cleared immigration at Dublin, so we were classed as a domestic flight when we arrived at MCO.

I understand that they did have automated machines etc which have now been removed.

I know it can depend on how many flights arrive etc, but how long roughly does it take to get through immigration?

I think we land around 3pm, if that makes any difference... ?

[chmurf]

you can find around 5 such topics each week on the DIBB

that's something you can't have control over. It will take the time it requires, and that's the best estimate anyone can give you

it will take anywhere between 10 minutes and 3 hours, give or take a couple of minutes ...

[Orlandoguy]

There is no way of knowing until the day you fly, it will depend when the international flights arrive , you could be off the plane and in your hire car in 30mins but you could be looking at 1.5/2 hrs too so there is no definitive answer to your question sadly

[anneeb]

It is as long as a piece of string, we've been through quickly and then again nearly 2 hours, so anything plus or minus is the only measure that anyone can give you. It depends on how many flights have arrived before you, how long the queue was before said flights arrived. I would be prepared for any length of time. Possibly run a sweepstake within your family, have times ranging from 30 minutes up to 3 hours, it takes you mind off waiting to an extent, as everyone wants their time to win.

[mick]

As others have said the ultimate piece of string question I'm afraid. No point looking at timetables or past statistics.

No international arrivals within 20 minutes before you and you could be through in 15 minutes.

Three international 747s within 20 minutes before you and you could be 2 hours plus with 1,200 pax in the hall ahead of you. Even kept on the plane until the hall is empty.

We've experienced both over the years but to be fair it's getting nearer 30 minutes for us then waiting another 30 for the carousel to start.

The automated passport kiosks were removed some time between April 18 (when we last used them) and Nov 18 (They'd gone)

Mick

[twogoto]

Thanks everyone... though it might be the case but didn't know if there was an expected 'average'. I guess not!

We also didn't have to do anything with the second luggage drop thing I've read about when we came in as a domestic flight - what are the pros/cons to doing this? Presumably this is after immigration, too?

Sorry for all the Qs!

[boarder4life]

I’ve been through in 35 mins and up to 3 hours.

All depends if a couple of international flights empty before you, amount of officers and the line.

Best advice would be don’t have plans or your heart set on something when you land. It’s out of your control keep calm and don’t let it spoil the start of your holiday.

[mick]

Originally Posted by aj26392

Thanks everyone... though it might be the case but didn't know if there was an expected 'average'. I guess not!

We also didn't have to do anything with the second luggage drop thing I've read about when we came in as a domestic flight - what are the pros/cons to doing this? Presumably this is after immigration, too?

Sorry for all the Qs!

See more...

Have a look at the walk through in the "international Arrivals Guide" here. Slightly different this last couple of arrivals to all the ones we've had before but just a bit longer walk to the escalator.


orlandoairports/getting-...parture-guides

If you can manage cases and any toddlers, strollers etc. safely on a lift or escalator I would suggest ignoring the courtesy baggage transfer. You arrive on side B on a UK flight. If you use the CBT with a VS flight your luggage is sent over to side A. If the weather is inclement at the time Dibbers have waited over an hour for their luggage to appear.

Mick

[bighal]

What day of the week are you flying on as this has a huge impact on times. The weekends will result in longer waits than if you arrive midweek.

[twogoto]

Originally Posted by mick

Have a look at the walk through in the "international Arrivals Guide" here. Slightly different this last couple of arrivals to all the ones we've had before but just a bit longer walk to the escalator.


orlandoairports/getting-...parture-guides

If you can manage cases and any toddlers, strollers etc. safely on a lift or escalator I would suggest ignoring the courtesy baggage transfer. You arrive on side B on a UK flight. If you use the CBT with a VS flight your luggage is sent over to side A. If the weather is inclement at the time Dibbers have waited over an hour for their luggage to appear.

Mick

See more...

Thanks Mick, super helpful as always! Only the two of us so we will ignore the courtesy baggage transfer in case of having to wait an hour!