[Sandy and Ed]

Originally Posted by Worldseries27

It really is a no-brainer. If you want to avoid the tourist trap of Orlando traffic and people, use Tampa

Totally agree. We always try to use Tampa. This may sound strange but once we had to fly out of Orlando and opted to leave our car at Tampa airport, fly to Orlando to catch our plane to our destination and then caught a return flight to Tampa. Worked for us.

[Sandy and Ed]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

Might be homeless, might be flying standby. I've seen ticketed passengers using plastic bags for carry on luggage. Maybe doubting you was wrong---I think hoping you were wrong would be a better way of putting it

If your checked bags are overweight I can see where transferring some articles to a carryon plastic bag might be an option. Just saying….

[paulajr]

Park Bark and Fly is our go to parking at MCO. Reserve in advance, $8.99 a day. As soon as you park, the van is ALWAYS behind your car to load luggage. Drop at Southwest, check in curbside or inside..done.
Pick up on return quick and easy. Drop off right at your car.

[Michael 61]

Originally Posted by Sandy and Ed

If your checked bags are overweight I can see where transferring some articles to a carryon plastic bag might be an option. Just saying….

Not going to argue this point - these folks are homeless - I’ve been there multiple times after midnight - could give more examples of what I have seen to substantiate my point, but not going to elaborate further - I’ve travelled and been around inner cities quite a bit - I know what homelessness looks like - Funny that people are questioning what I have observed who haven’t been there - I think some people don’t want to admit an inconvenient truth, and want to look the other way to the homelessness issues facing us - If you want to question what I have seen and observed with my own eyes on several occasions, then there is nothing I can do about that.

[Jazzman]

Originally Posted by Buckeyephan

Returned last night from a trip to Chicago. Drove to MCO arriving around 10 am Friday to find North Lot blocked off without normal exit sign saying it was full. Drove to South lot where we had to drag suitcases across gravel and grass to find at least thirty people waiting for a shuttle. Thirty minutes later, a bus finally arrived. South lot buses only go to Terminal B and we were flying Southwest which uses Terminal A. Southwest has been bragging about courtesy checking at that terminal. Unfortunately, they require check in at least 2 hours before boarding. We arrived 5 minutes too late so had to lug bags to A check in. On return, we again had to trek across airport to Terminal B so we could get to our car. Bus dropped us off at the area G gate rather than going in. From there, we again trekked across 8 lanes of gravel and grass. I know we can take local transport but parking cost $50 instead of nearly three times that much for the two of us in a shuttle. No plans to fly again any time soon.

Use off airport parking and their shuttle drops you right at the terminal. Same with pickup. There are quite a number of them.

[Cviens]

Originally Posted by Arctic Fox

You might want to check shuttle pricing.

I know Workman ramped up its rates to (more than) cover the increased cost of fuel but they have come back down, and the others are cheaper.

Can you tell me more about the Workman shuttle and how I access this?
Thanks!

[Michigan Farmer]

I flew in and out of Orlando last week. I used an off site parking site called Fast Park and Relax. I was able to make a reservation, their service was great and prompt. I parked Thursday morning and left Sunday afternoon, $56. I would highly recommend them.

[GpaVader]

I just had a very pleasant trip out of MCO and used Groome shuttle. I flew SW and it could not have been easier. $33, each way. I was picked up and dropped off at my home. Strongly recommend them.

[bruce213]

Originally Posted by Altavia

Off terminal parking is decent and you can reserve a spot.

We've started using Tampa, much nicer/easier than MCO, door to gate travel time is about the same.

For an early morning flight, we like going down the night before, have a nice dinner in Tampa and then using a stay and fly at a hotel to park the car. 15 min from hotel to the gate.

We are planning to do the same in Dec. Where do you stay?

[Michael 61]

Originally Posted by GpaVader

I just had a very pleasant trip out of MCO and used Groome shuttle. I flew SW and it could not have been easier. $33, each way. I was picked up and dropped off at my home. Strongly recommend them.

Same here - I’m very happy with Groome - best way to get to and from MCO

[pbedell]

I just wish Groome went to Tampa. We asked a driver about it once. She said the original plan was to shuttle to Tampa, then expand to Orlando. Wish that was an option.

[cphubbell@aol.com]

[QUOTE=Michael 61;2226494]I’m in a quandary about which airport to use:

Daytona also has an airport that has easy parking and should be included in your flight search.

[Freeda]

Workmantransportation.com. I used it this morning and several times in the past. Picks up LSL or the Brownwood Hotel. After years of living here and driving ourselves to the airport versus various shuttle companies we prefer Workman. They have a set schedule so you don't have to wonder when you're being picked up. You can park free at LSL or Brownwood Hotel. (Or have someone drop you off or pay extra for a taxi pickup at your home). You save the gas expense, parking fees, tolls expense, and the wear and tear on your car of driving yourself to the airport; not to mention the considerable wear and tear on yourself! Those things pretty much make the shuttle cost a wash.

Plus, I like the idea that shuttle services are more likely to have backup in the event of a vehicle problem; if you have a flat tire etc in your own car .... you're gonna miss your flight.

I'll always take MCO over Tampa for the shorter distance (even though it's not a big difference); unless there a big cost or schedule advantage at Tampa.

[yporter]

Originally Posted by Buckeyephan

Returned last night from a trip to Chicago. Drove to MCO arriving around 10 am Friday to find North Lot blocked off without normal exit sign saying it was full. ...... No plans to fly again any time soon.

We have used Gainesville a few times; tiny airport (2 gates) with American and Delta flights, the long term parking was less than $70 for 10 days. No crowds and no stress. Last time we flew was Jan 2020 so this info is not current but at the time It costs a little more but was well worth it for the lower stress and had no parking issues at all. It depends on where you are going and what carriers you need to use.

[JerseyGurl]

Originally Posted by Buckeyephan

Returned last night from a trip to Chicago. Drove to MCO arriving around 10 am Friday to find North Lot blocked off without normal exit sign saying it was full. Drove to South lot where we had to drag suitcases across gravel and grass to find at least thirty people waiting for a shuttle. Thirty minutes later, a bus finally arrived. South lot buses only go to Terminal B and we were flying Southwest which uses Terminal A. Southwest has been bragging about courtesy checking at that terminal. Unfortunately, they require check in at least 2 hours before boarding. We arrived 5 minutes too late so had to lug bags to A check in. On return, we again had to trek across airport to Terminal B so we could get to our car. Bus dropped us off at the area G gate rather than going in. From there, we again trekked across 8 lanes of gravel and grass. I know we can take local transport but parking cost $50 instead of nearly three times that much for the two of us in a shuttle. No plans to fly again any time soon.

I prefer using Tampa. It means an extra 20 minute drive but less airport traffic and easier to get around. Also fewer families since most with little ones tend to fly into/out of Orlando.