time to get through MCO

Question

Hi can anyone advise how long it generally takes to get through passports and baggage on arrival at MCO? Assuming baggage not lost?

thanks

Answer

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busier airports in the U.S., and the time it takes to get through passport control and baggage claim can vary depending on several factors, including the time of day, the number of international arrivals, staffing, and whether you have Global Entry or not.

Here’s a detailed breakdown to give you a realistic expectation:

Passport control / Customs: For most travelers arriving on international flights without Global Entry, the process generally takes 30–60 minutes. During peak times—such as early morning or late evening when multiple flights arrive—it can extend to 90 minutes or more. Having your documents ready and filling out any required forms beforehand helps speed things up.
Baggage claim: MCO has a fairly efficient system, but your wait depends on the airline and how many passengers are on your flight. Typically, luggage arrives within 15–30 minutes of the plane docking, assuming no delays.
Customs exit: After collecting baggage, clearing customs usually takes another 5–15 minutes unless there are random checks.

If you use expedited programs like Global Entry, the passport control process can drop to 5–10 minutes, though baggage claim times remain the same. Also, arriving on a smaller aircraft with fewer passengers can be quicker than on a fully booked widebody flight.

Peak arrival periods: mornings (7–10 a.m.) and late afternoons (4–7 p.m.) often have longer lines.
Off-peak times, such as mid-day, typically see faster processing.
Electronic kiosks can speed up passport control for U.S. citizens and certain international travelers.

In total, from deplaning to exiting the terminal with your luggage, most travelers should plan for 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. If you’re connecting to a domestic flight or arranging transportation, giving yourself at least an hour is a safe estimate.