There are two international airports serving central Florida - Orlando International Airport (MCO) & Sanford Airport (SFB). The scheduled airlines (Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Delta, etc) use Orlando International Airport, and most charter airlines (Britannia, Air2000, etc) use Sanford Airport.

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Immigration Forms

Whilst on the flight you will be asked to fill in an immigration form and a customs declaration form. It is important that they are completed properly, and if you make a mistake, a flight attendant will provide you with a new form.

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Orlando International Airport

Orlando is a very large modern airport with satellite terminals connected by shuttle train.

When you disembark the plane you will first pass through immigration, where you may experience long queues. Make sure you have your passport and completed forms ready to show the immigration officers.

If they allow you in you will next go to baggage claim. Look for the conveyor belt that is displaying your flight number/airline name. Baggage trolleys are freely available here. Once you get your bags, don't get too attached as you will be parted from them again soon!

Next, it's US Customs. If you're lucky you can pass straight through without having your bags searched.

Into another corridor where you'll be asked to hand over your luggage. This is because you are still in one of the satellite terminals and you need to catch the shuttle train to the main terminal building.

The shuttle trains work a bit like the monorail at Disney World, although there are no seats. In a few minutes, and after your first view of Orlando, you'll be in the main terminal building. Here you can finally be reunited with your luggage at another baggage claim conveyor belt. If you need to use a baggage trolley you'll have to part with $2 in notes, so make sure you have some spare $1 notes.

Once you have your bags, you will find that your tour company representatives are available to direct you to the car hire company, or shuttle bus as appropriate, or answer any queries you may have. Car rental and shuttle bus transport is downstairs on Level 1, accessible via the lift (elevator).

If you're not with a tour operator you can make your own way to the car hire company, or take a look around the airport shops and maybe grab a bite to eat. If you've arranged for limo or towncar transport, your driver should be waiting for you in the baggage claim area. Look around to see if there is a driver holding a card with your name on. Taxis are available on Level 1.

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Sanford Airport

After getting off the plane, you'll first arrive at immigration, where you may well experience long queues. This is where you'll need to show your passport and immigration form that you completed on the plane.

Next it's the baggage claim area where you'll find your bags going round on the conveyor belt, identified by your flight number/airline name.

Then it's on to customs, x-ray and you're done. Much quicker than Orlando International Airport!

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