View Full Version : Orlando Airport Terminal C
Buckeyephan
10-07-2023, 06:57 AM
Returned Thursday on an international flight which landed at Terminal C. This was our first experience with this location. After an 11 hour flight, passengers had to climb a spiral ramp up four floors to passport control. Very steep and a long time to find a restroom. Getting through the checkpoint was easy. Then the fun began. Our car was parked in the North Lot. Big terminal with very limited signage but we found one that said where shuttle service was. We knew we needed to get to the main terminal. Only shuttles went to South Lot and Employee Parking. Shuttle driver said we needed to take the train which was on level 3. Went to the elevators but there is no button for 3. Choices went from 2 to 4. Went to level 4 and found the sign that showed where to get the train. Hauled our cargo there only to find the only way to get down to level 3 was by dragging our suitcases on an escalator. I feel sorry for any visitors who encounter this mess. We knew where we needed to go but found it difficult to figure out how to get there. It was easier to make our connecting flight in the huge Frankfort Airport with a language barrier than it was to get through the mess in Orlando.
Arctic Fox
10-07-2023, 07:56 AM
I think all modern airports must be designed by people who don't use airports.
To get anywhere involves a walk of miles, poorly signed, with large open areas that are a waste of space while the functional areas are crowded and cramped.
dewilson58
10-07-2023, 09:07 AM
Returned Thursday on an international flight which landed at Terminal C.
Heard the nightmare story a number of times.
One of the local news channel did a story on it.
MCO "promised" to fix it.
:censored:
kkingston57
10-07-2023, 09:15 AM
Returned Thursday on an international flight which landed at Terminal C. This was our first experience with this location. After an 11 hour flight, passengers had to climb a spiral ramp up four floors to passport control. Very steep and a long time to find a restroom. Getting through the checkpoint was easy. Then the fun began. Our car was parked in the North Lot. Big terminal with very limited signage but we found one that said where shuttle service was. We knew we needed to get to the main terminal. Only shuttles went to South Lot and Employee Parking. Shuttle driver said we needed to take the train which was on level 3. Went to the elevators but there is no button for 3. Choices went from 2 to 4. Went to level 4 and found the sign that showed where to get the train. Hauled our cargo there only to find the only way to get down to level 3 was by dragging our suitcases on an escalator. I feel sorry for any visitors who encounter this mess. We knew where we needed to go but found it difficult to figure out how to get there. It was easier to make our connecting flight in the huge Frankfort Airport with a language barrier than it was to get through the mess in Orlando.
Thanks for the info. Hope Virgin does not end up there as we are going to the UK soon. Jet Blue uses this terminal. Off site parking companies hate going there and it does involve a lot more walking than if a person uses terminal A or B. Like Jet Blue but will not use them unless they are $100 less because of this new terminal.
dtennent
10-07-2023, 10:32 AM
We recently came into Terminal C from an overseas flight and had a similar experience. Because of our connecting flights in Europe, we were 20 hours into our trip home by the time we hit Terminal C. We will consider which terminal the plane disembarks on future flights.
Altavia
10-07-2023, 10:34 AM
Style overruled pratical things like people movers, but upgrades are planned by 2024.
But I prefer Terminal C if picking up or dropping people off. The other terminal is a zoo in that regard.
Orlando International Airport upgrading terminals for growth (https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/10/03/orlando-international-airport-tourism)
Terminal C Upgrades
Expecting growth to keep going, MCO leaders are already in the process of upgrading Terminal C by adding projects that were put on hold during the pandemic and preparing for renovations in the original Terminals A and B. These projects include:
Moving Walkways
Pedestrian Bridge
Seating Areas
Additional Gates
Crews are currently constructing a pedestrian bridge that will connect Terminal C directly to the Intermodal Terminal, allowing passengers to connect to MCO terminal trams and Brightline trains. This bridge will allow passengers to avoid walking through the parking garage as they must do now.
Moving walkways will also be installed within the pedestrian bridge, and throughout Terminal C itself, retrofitting areas for the walkways post-security.
“Some of it was how can we help with walking distance and that’s what we’re doing now and we’re not stopping there,” Thibault said. “We’re looking at other features that we can implement. We’re looking at more room for seating, and as this area grows, we’re putting in more seating, more interior landscaping, more trees, and so on to build on those added features.”
They expect the pedestrian bridge and moving walkway to be completed in 2024.
Crews are also in the process of building 8 narrow body gates that were in the original plans for Terminal C, but also put on hold due to funding uncertainty during the pandemic.
The additional gates under construction now will open by the end of 2025, expanding capacity for an additional 3-5 million passengers.
Long term, Thibault said Phase II expansions include an additional 16 to 24 gates built at Terminal C.
Thibault said short-term and long-term planning is focused on keeping up with growth.
“We’re actually getting out in front of where this growth is taking us so we can keep ahead,” Thibault said. “Having the size (12,000 acres) gives us the ability to grow and handle growth without impacting Terminals A and B, so in the master plan we envision Terminal D on the other side of the train station, mirror image of Terminal C, so as we grow we have a plan to follow that says this is how we handle that growth
Stu from NYC
10-07-2023, 12:04 PM
Wow lots of airports to copy from and seems like designers have no clue
Bogie Shooter
10-07-2023, 12:21 PM
Wow lots of airports to copy from and seems like designers have no clue
“Expecting growth to keep going, MCO leaders are already in the process of upgrading Terminal C by adding projects that were put on hold during the pandemic and preparing for renovations in the original Terminals A and B. These projects include:”
Maybe the pandemic had something to do with the issues?
Keefelane66
10-07-2023, 12:25 PM
“Expecting growth to keep going, MCO leaders are already in the process of upgrading Terminal C by adding projects that were put on hold during the pandemic and preparing for renovations in the original Terminals A and B. These projects include:”
Maybe the pandemic had something to do with the issues?
Yes Stu it was already stated in POST #6
EastCoastDawg
10-07-2023, 12:56 PM
...Moving walkways will also be installed...
Let's hope they don't cut costs. Moving walkways are only useful when they are moving. I have been through many airports where they are "out of service".
Stu from NYC
10-07-2023, 01:23 PM
Yes Stu it was already stated in POST #6
My point was whoever designed the airport in the first place screwed up.
Chi-Town
10-07-2023, 01:48 PM
They are going to retrofit Teminal C with moving walkways. The pandemic has nothing to do with the lack of installing them at the time of construction. It was cost cutting and stupidity. Unless you have used Terminal C you have no idea how user unfriendly it is.
mtdjed
10-07-2023, 02:15 PM
They are going to retrofit Teminal C with moving walkways. The pandemic has nothing to do with the lack of installing them at the time of construction. It was cost cutting and stupidity. Unless you have used Terminal C you have no idea how user unfriendly it is.
With all of the above problems, we also had to endure a very slow baggage retrieval system.
Bogie Shooter
10-07-2023, 02:52 PM
There’s always Sanford…………….:shrug:
kkingston57
10-07-2023, 05:15 PM
Style overruled pratical things like people movers, but upgrades are planned by 2024.
But I prefer Terminal C if picking up or dropping people off. The other terminal is a zoo in that regard.
Orlando International Airport upgrading terminals for growth (https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/10/03/orlando-international-airport-tourism)
Terminal C Upgrades
Expecting growth to keep going, MCO leaders are already in the process of upgrading Terminal C by adding projects that were put on hold during the pandemic and preparing for renovations in the original Terminals A and B. These projects include:
Moving Walkways
Pedestrian Bridge
Seating Areas
Additional Gates
Crews are currently constructing a pedestrian bridge that will connect Terminal C directly to the Intermodal Terminal, allowing passengers to connect to MCO terminal trams and Brightline trains. This bridge will allow passengers to avoid walking through the parking garage as they must do now.
Moving walkways will also be installed within the pedestrian bridge, and throughout Terminal C itself, retrofitting areas for the walkways post-security.
“Some of it was how can we help with walking distance and that’s what we’re doing now and we’re not stopping there,” Thibault said. “We’re looking at other features that we can implement. We’re looking at more room for seating, and as this area grows, we’re putting in more seating, more interior landscaping, more trees, and so on to build on those added features.”
They expect the pedestrian bridge and moving walkway to be completed in 2024.
Crews are also in the process of building 8 narrow body gates that were in the original plans for Terminal C, but also put on hold due to funding uncertainty during the pandemic.
The additional gates under construction now will open by the end of 2025, expanding capacity for an additional 3-5 million passengers.
Long term, Thibault said Phase II expansions include an additional 16 to 24 gates built at Terminal C.
Thibault said short-term and long-term planning is focused on keeping up with growth.
“We’re actually getting out in front of where this growth is taking us so we can keep ahead,” Thibault said. “Having the size (12,000 acres) gives us the ability to grow and handle growth without impacting Terminals A and B, so in the master plan we envision Terminal D on the other side of the train station, mirror image of Terminal C, so as we grow we have a plan to follow that says this is how we handle that growth
Any sensible person would have thought that these projects could have been performed when the new terminal was being built. Now will take longer and cost more due to people in the area.
kkingston57
10-07-2023, 05:17 PM
There’s always Sanford…………….:shrug:
Should be called Allegiant Airport.
Michael 61
10-07-2023, 05:34 PM
Not a fan of MCO - Tampa is a better alternative when possible.
Utah Flyfisher
10-07-2023, 08:26 PM
Not a fan of MCO - Tampa is a better alternative when possible.
Have you compared costs? I haven’t 😬 just wondering.
Do u use service from/to TV? Sometimes we have other options but we’ve had to use shuttle to TV, so I’m wondering about the total ‘cost’
Topspinmo
10-07-2023, 10:01 PM
Returned Thursday on an international flight which landed at Terminal C. This was our first experience with this location. After an 11 hour flight, passengers had to climb a spiral ramp up four floors to passport control. Very steep and a long time to find a restroom. Getting through the checkpoint was easy. Then the fun began. Our car was parked in the North Lot. Big terminal with very limited signage but we found one that said where shuttle service was. We knew we needed to get to the main terminal. Only shuttles went to South Lot and Employee Parking. Shuttle driver said we needed to take the train which was on level 3. Went to the elevators but there is no button for 3. Choices went from 2 to 4. Went to level 4 and found the sign that showed where to get the train. Hauled our cargo there only to find the only way to get down to level 3 was by dragging our suitcases on an escalator. I feel sorry for any visitors who encounter this mess. We knew where we needed to go but found it difficult to figure out how to get there. It was easier to make our connecting flight in the huge Frankfort Airport with a language barrier than it was to get through the mess in Orlando.
Was ALL bathrooms all genders? I went through remodels airport and all bathrooms was all genders except for baby changing bathroom. There was very long line of women waiting with no babies. :shocked: if not it’s coming.
Topspinmo
10-07-2023, 10:05 PM
Heard the nightmare story a number of times.
One of the local news channel did a story on it.
MCO "promised" to fix it.
:censored:
Did they promise to rebuild the airport again? IMO only way going fix that mess.
Topspinmo
10-07-2023, 10:07 PM
Should be called Allegiant Airport.
Or cut corners airport, but not hidden costs.
bonrich
10-08-2023, 06:22 AM
When returning, international flights, Terminal C. We had to drag luggage up 6 ramps to get to customs and baggage claim. We flew Jet Blue but are looking at using Southwest because of Terminal C. Happened to have my iphone in my pocket and it was 1/1/2 mile from landing gate to get to ground transportation. I believe they are adding golf type carts in that area. If you are lucky to snag a ride.
Hancie2
10-08-2023, 06:33 AM
Tampa airport is the best!
CTFORSBERG
10-08-2023, 06:46 AM
That’s exactly what’s needed. Thanks for sharing. I fly in and out of there all the time and never TD a lot f walking and confusion. 🙏
MandoMan
10-08-2023, 07:32 AM
Thanks for the info. Hope Virgin does not end up there as we are going to the UK soon. Jet Blue uses this terminal. Off site parking companies hate going there and it does involve a lot more walking than if a person uses terminal A or B. Like Jet Blue but will not use them unless they are $100 less because of this new terminal.
“A lot more walking.” In my experience, it’s not uncommon for people getting off international flights to have to walk a long way down blank hallways with lots of guards and no bathrooms, then have to wait an hour or more to get to passport control. But often departing passengers find the walk much shorter. This is because countries don’t want people just getting off planes when they arrive from other countries and mingling with everyone else before passport control and customs. They need to be segregated until then. When people are leaving, once they get through passport control and security, they get to shop duty free, and the countries want them to feel at ease doing that.
nn0wheremann
10-08-2023, 08:05 AM
Returned Thursday on an international flight which landed at Terminal C. This was our first experience with this location. After an 11 hour flight, passengers had to climb a spiral ramp up four floors to passport control. Very steep and a long time to find a restroom. Getting through the checkpoint was easy. Then the fun began. Our car was parked in the North Lot. Big terminal with very limited signage but we found one that said where shuttle service was. We knew we needed to get to the main terminal. Only shuttles went to South Lot and Employee Parking. Shuttle driver said we needed to take the train which was on level 3. Went to the elevators but there is no button for 3. Choices went from 2 to 4. Went to level 4 and found the sign that showed where to get the train. Hauled our cargo there only to find the only way to get down to level 3 was by dragging our suitcases on an escalator. I feel sorry for any visitors who encounter this mess. We knew where we needed to go but found it difficult to figure out how to get there. It was easier to make our connecting flight in the huge Frankfort Airport with a language barrier than it was to get through the mess in Orlando.
Not no way to run a railroad! (Or anything else.)
mtdjed
10-08-2023, 08:24 AM
There’s always Sanford…………….:shrug:
Well, probably not too many arrivals from Europe!
mikemalloy
10-08-2023, 08:35 AM
We'll be doing an international trip shortly and will be leaving from Term. C. We both use wheelchairs and I hope it's not too difficult to get around in. I was very concerned about our return to MCO but then remembered that we will be overnighting in Seattle on the return trip and will be going through customs there. We'll undoubtedly fly into A or B term.
When we travel abroad we hire a driver to take us to and from the airport. Considering the cost of parking, tolls and gas, going through that hassle to get to your car after a long flight home doesn't seem worth it.
FredJacobs
10-08-2023, 08:43 AM
The problems with Terminal C are not in the departure area- they are with international arrivals. MCO’s plan is to have all international flights arrive at Terminal C. The HIKE up the spiral ramp to Customs is not for those who are out of shape - translation -older folks. I got halfway up when I began breathing as though I had just finished a 100-yard dash. There isn't anywhere to sit and rest for a moment. I commandeered a nearby wheelchair and a good Samaritan pushed me up the rest of the way to baggage claim.
oldtimes
10-08-2023, 09:44 AM
The problems with Terminal C are not in the departure area- they are with international arrivals. MCO’s plan is to have all international flights arrive at Terminal C. The HIKE up the spiral ramp to Customs is not for those who are out of shape - translation -older folks. I got halfway up when I began breathing as though I had just finished a 100-yard dash. There isn't anywhere to sit and rest for a moment. I commandeered a nearby wheelchair and a good Samaritan pushed me up the rest of the way to baggage claim.
Thank you. I was just about to ask this.
Zenmama18
10-08-2023, 10:44 AM
There’s always Sanford…………….:shrug:
I used to fly out of Sanford when we lived near Orlando. I liked it a lot better than MCO. My family lived near CAK and it was less than 10 minutes to their house!
shrink
10-08-2023, 01:33 PM
We are going on a lengthy cruise in April. Cruise leaves from Miami, so we are planning on taking the Brightline out of MCO, We have emailed Brightline asking about passenger assistance for people who are elderly and will have great difficulty hauling heavy luggage through the terminal to the train. We have received no response, other than, they will get back to us! Does anyone have a clue to help us? Thanks.
Stu from NYC
10-08-2023, 02:54 PM
We are going on a lengthy cruise in April. Cruise leaves from Miami, so we are planning on taking the Brightline out of MCO, We have emailed Brightline asking about passenger assistance for people who are elderly and will have great difficulty hauling heavy luggage through the terminal to the train. We have received no response, other than, they will get back to us! Does anyone have a clue to help us? Thanks.
I do not understand why people are excited about the Brightline train who live in the villages.
So much easier to take Yankee trails to the port. If and when Brightline comes here would reconsider
Mrmean58
10-09-2023, 05:59 AM
Let's hope they don't cut costs. Moving walkways are only useful when they are moving. I have been through many airports where they are "out of service".
So your expectations are the moving walk ways should always be working and never taken off line for maintenance?
Beyond The Wall
10-09-2023, 06:24 AM
The terminal is disaster ! Haven’t had to use it internationally yet but have domestically. Terrible planning. All you wrote is true. My biggest complaint was the lack of moving walkways . It’s at laeast 1/2 mile from gates to baggage! As you stated, poor planning
Revdan
10-09-2023, 06:45 AM
The upramp was ridiculous. We had arranged for special assistance, no one showed up as we deplaned. Told to walk up the long ramp and someone with a cart would come for us. They did not. A nice man with the airport saw us, got a wheelchair for my wife, who had recent hip surgery, and wheeled her to the baggage area, while I walked. He stayed with us over 40 minutes as we waited for the baggage, then wheeled her to the passport area, then out to the curb.
PugMom
10-09-2023, 07:49 AM
They are going to retrofit Teminal C with moving walkways. The pandemic has nothing to do with the lack of installing them at the time of construction. It was cost cutting and stupidity. Unless you have used Terminal C you have no idea how user unfriendly it is.
so so true!! not too long ago i posted my horror-story of MCO & Term C. never, but never use mco if you want to depart or arrive on time. a fiasco similar to the story posed by op, is the reason i missed my flight, even after showing up early to kill time. :cus: i dont care how far away tampa is, i know i can depend on them.
PugMom
10-09-2023, 07:55 AM
We'll be doing an international trip shortly and will be leaving from Term. C. We both use wheelchairs and I hope it's not too difficult to get around in. I was very concerned about our return to MCO but then remembered that we will be overnighting in Seattle on the return trip and will be going through customs there. We'll undoubtedly fly into A or B term.
When we travel abroad we hire a driver to take us to and from the airport. Considering the cost of parking, tolls and gas, going through that hassle to get to your car after a long flight home doesn't seem worth it.
the last thing i'd want to do is rain on someone parade, but if you are dependent on a wheelchair, use Delta. it may cost a bit more, but they go above & beyond for handicapped passengers. a rep will find you & wheel you both to where you need to go. just go to a Delta desk & let them know. in your case, beware terminal C, OR speak to Delta before you depart
jmpate
10-09-2023, 08:03 AM
Use Tampa airport. Easier to get to/from.
Orlando's a mess with no end in sight. What short sightedness!
Ladidi
10-09-2023, 08:15 AM
That sounds HORRIBLE! Ughhhh.
NoMoSno
10-09-2023, 09:20 AM
Do the shuttle buses have a spot for pickup at term C, or do you have to walk to the usual term A&B for pickup (Groom)?
PugMom
10-09-2023, 10:43 AM
Do the shuttle buses have a spot for pickup at term C, or do you have to walk to the usual term A&B for pickup (Groom)?
shuttle buses are available, but there a lot of walking before you get there. you will need to naviagte from the actual terminal, about a 15 minute walk to the shuttle. once you get off there is a lot more walking to do before you get to the actual gate/departure location. this is why i said use delta-- they will make sure you have help if needed.
chicksinger
10-09-2023, 11:55 AM
I think all modern airports must be designed by people who don't use airports.
To get anywhere involves a walk of miles, poorly signed, with large open areas that are a waste of space while the functional areas are crowded and cramped.
So true, mf!
keepsake
10-09-2023, 08:26 PM
Nevermind airports. I had to get something in Ocala last week. If you don't have a gps on your phone, you will never get there.
8000 SW 93rd Circle, you take SW 90th Street, SW 95th Street Road, from SW 95th Street. I will paste it straight from google.
Continue on SW Hwy 484. Take SW 49th Ave, SW 95th St, SW 95th Street Rd and SW 90th St to SW 93rd Cir
Garywt
10-09-2023, 11:06 PM
Returned Thursday on an international flight which landed at Terminal C. This was our first experience with this location. After an 11 hour flight, passengers had to climb a spiral ramp up four floors to passport control. Very steep and a long time to find a restroom. Getting through the checkpoint was easy. Then the fun began. Our car was parked in the North Lot. Big terminal with very limited signage but we found one that said where shuttle service was. We knew we needed to get to the main terminal. Only shuttles went to South Lot and Employee Parking. Shuttle driver said we needed to take the train which was on level 3. Went to the elevators but there is no button for 3. Choices went from 2 to 4. Went to level 4 and found the sign that showed where to get the train. Hauled our cargo there only to find the only way to get down to level 3 was by dragging our suitcases on an escalator. I feel sorry for any visitors who encounter this mess. We knew where we needed to go but found it difficult to figure out how to get there. It was easier to make our connecting flight in the huge Frankfort Airport with a language barrier than it was to get through the mess in Orlando.
Did you remember to pack a lunch. Most customer unfriendly terminal I have ever walked through.
Bay Kid
10-11-2023, 07:22 AM
Other than getting my walk in I like the new terminal. Clean and large walkways. You can always use their little shuttles. I push Dad with the wheelchair. The attendants push him up and down the ramps to the plane.
dtennent
10-11-2023, 03:06 PM
“A lot more walking.” In my experience, it’s not uncommon for people getting off international flights to have to walk a long way down blank hallways with lots of guards and no bathrooms, then have to wait an hour or more to get to passport control. But often departing passengers find the walk much shorter. This is because countries don’t want people just getting off planes when they arrive from other countries and mingling with everyone else before passport control and customs. They need to be segregated until then. When people are leaving, once they get through passport control and security, they get to shop duty free, and the countries want them to feel at ease doing that.
Having traveled through over 60+ international airports, Terminal C is, by far, the worst in terms of distance and ramps. I realize that passengers coming into a country cannot mingle with outgoing passengers until they go through immigration. However, Terminal C makes it into an Olympic event. (Wait...isn't the record for running through the airport held by a former NFL running back?)
vBulletin® v3.8.11, Copyright ©2000-2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.