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.

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

Parking
 

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.

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.

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

Workman shuttle?
 

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

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.

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.

Where do you stat
 

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

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

Tampa
 

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.

Daytona International
 

[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.

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.

Include Gainesville in your flight searches
 

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.

Tampa Preferred
 

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.