Florida Guide > Travelling
Leaving Florida via Orlando International Airport
Sadly your holiday is over and now you have to catch your flight. Most important is to leave yourself plenty of time, if you are in rush it is a recipe for disaster. The day you leave your accommodation late there is bound to be a road traffic accident or some other unforeseen problem. The roads to the airport can get very busy especially in the afternoon. Don’t forget that there are tolls on the roads to the airport so you will need a few dollars.
If you are travelling to the airport by hire car watch out for both the correct terminal for your carrier and the correct hire company return zone. You will be directed to a parking slot and the car will be checked and its identity scanned, you should be given a printed receipt. Check that you have got all your belongings including the contents of the glove compartment, central console and door pockets. Porters (Skycaps) are available if required but there are no trolleys until you get into the terminal and you have to pay for them.
UK carriers expect you to check in 3 hours before flight time, this presumes that you have not checked in online or at one of the airlines or tour operators locations. Check in for BA and Virgin are located in Landside B gates 30-99 all other carriers are clearly identified.
Departures are on level 3. Unlike most UK airports most of the shops and restaurants are landside i. e. before you go through security, so make sure you do all your last minute shopping and get something to eat before going through security. There are plenty of shops, most of the theme parks are represented including Disney, Harley Davidson, Busch Gardens, Sea World and Kennedy Space Centre. There lots of places to eat everything from McDonalds to Krispy Crème Doughnuts. For those who would like something a little more sophisticated the Sheraton Hotel which is part of the terminal has McCoys Bar and Restaurant.
Make sure you allow time for getting through security, it can take at least half an hour. You will be expected to remove both shoes and belts as they are very thorough. Once through security you will have to get the transit to your satellite departure gate, it is easy to get on the wrong train so make sure you take a note of your gate number. BA and Virgin are usually on gates 60-99.
Once through security shopping is limited, there is a duty free, souvenir shops, a newsagents and a few small cafes and takeaways. Once you get to your gate find a seat, there are plenty and wait for your flight to be called. You will be seated by seat row number, families with children getting priority.
Having had an amazing holiday going home is always a little depressing but I am sure you will have many wonderful memories to ponder over on that long flight home.
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