The Orlando International Airport is a gateway to one of the world’s most frequented places in terms of tourism, which, year by year, gives entry to millions of visitors into a world of enchantment. This is from the magical world of theme parks to sun-drenched beaches, alongside vibrant attractions that Florida has in store. For flyers flying Delta Airlines—one of the largest carriers operating out of MCO—it could be what makes all the difference between a seamless, pain-free start to their journey and a mad rush in this bustling airport to catch their flight.
This resourceful guide will help you explore all the nooks and corners of the MCO with special regard to the terminal location of Delta Airlines, along with every piece of information that you must know before embarking on your journey. Whether it is your first time flying to Orlando or your hundredth visit as a frequent flyer, knowing in details about the Delta Airlines MCO Terminal ensures you start off on the right foot for your vacation or business trip.
1. Orlando International Airport Overview (MCO)
The Orlando International Airport is one of the most impressive constructions for modern aviation infrastructure. Its design is instituted to meet the massive visitors of tourists and business travelers to Central Florida throughout the year. To understand where Delta Airlines fits in this complex ecosystem, it’s important to understand the overall layout and structure of MCO.
MCO is kinda unique, and a bit unlike most every other major airport in the United States. There are essentially two areas that make up the entire airport: the Main Terminal Building and the Airside Terminals. Further, the Main Terminal Building has been bifurcated into two sides: Terminal A (on the north side) and Terminal B (on the south side). These terminals are not separate buildings but rather two halves of the same structure connected by a central atrium called the “Great Hall.”
From the Main Terminal, four Airside Terminals—1, 2, 3, and 4—are reached from the Main Terminal via automated people movers. These Airside Terminals are the locations of the actual boarding gates. Every airside terminal is designed like a central hub with circularly aligned gates around a middle area filled with shops, restaurants, and other facilities.
MCO is one of the busiest airports in the United States, in terms of passenger traffic. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it handled over 50 million passengers in 2019 to emerge as the 10th busiest airport in the country. The airport serves as a hub for several airlines and flies to a huge number of domestic and international destinations. With over 850 daily flights operated by dozens of airlines, MCO connects Orlando to more than 150 destinations worldwide.
The statistics for this airport are quite impressive. MCO has over 120 gates with four Airside Terminals that help manage its high volume of daily flights and make things less overwhelming. In and of itself, the Main Terminal Building is a large building of about 6 million square feet with a variety of services and amenities available to travelers.
2. Delta Airlines at MCO
Now that we understand the general MCO layout, let us take a closer look at the Delta Airlines MCO Terminal.
Terminal Assignment
Basically, most of the operations of Delta Airlines take place in Terminal B at Orlando International Airport. This essentially means that, when you approach the Main Terminal Building, you need to be on the south side. Note, however, that all check-ins take place within the Main Terminal, and the boarding gates are on the Airside Terminals.
In particular, Delta has its operation headquartered at Airside 4, which is served by Terminal B, using gates 70-99. From this explanation, passengers will be able to navigate around the airport more efficiently since most passengers do not have much time to waste around the airport.
It is also good to note that, at times, gate assignments may be subject to change due to operational needs. It is, therefore, good practice to double-check on the flight information display or seek an update from the Delta staff at the specific airport for the gate number upon arrival.
Check-in and Baggage Claim
The Delta check-in counter is located at Level 3 of the Terminal B Main Terminal Building. The counters would be staffed for flight check-in, baggage drop-off, and issuing boarding passes. Delta has also designed numerous check-in alternatives to suit every kind of traveler’s needs. These include:
1. Traditional counter check-in: for those who like personal touch or have special requests.
2. Self-service kiosks: These are quicker methods of checking in, most suitable for passengers with simple itineraries or those who have enough comfort with technology to adapt easily.
3. Curbside check-in: This involves check-in and dropping off the bags even before one enters the terminal building and is available for domestic flights only.
The process may be a little longer for international flights due to additional documentation. For international flights, passengers are requested to reach the airport at least three hours ahead of the scheduled flight time in order to cope with any delay during check-in or security checking.
Once arrived, Delta’s Baggage Claim is located on Level 2 of Terminal B. There are several carousels in the area, and these are assigned to flights. There are also large, elevated screens in the area that note which carousel each flight has been assigned to so that people can find their luggage easily.
3. Amenities and Services in Terminal B
The Delta Airlines MCO Terminal has a host of facilities and services to provide passengers an enjoyable experience at the airport. We’ll examine a few of these facilities a little more closely.
Dining Options
Dining options within Terminal B abound, catering to all tastes and dietary needs from grab-and-go snacks to sit-down restaurants. Such notable eateries include:
1. Cask & Larder: A farm-to-terminal restaurant concept, offering Southern-inspired cuisine with craft beers.
2. Zaza Cuban Coffee: An excellent solution for getting an expeditious caffeine boost before your flight
3. Chick-fil-A: One of the most popular fast food spots for chicken sandwiches and more.
4. Jersey Mike’s Subs: Perfect for a rapid, filling meal.
5. Starbucks: For those craving familiar coffee
6. On The Border: If Mexican food and spicy food is what you are looking for .
While a few of these options are in the main terminal area, others are found in Airside 4, home to Delta’s gates.
Shopping Facilities
Travelers who need to do some last-minute shopping or purchase souvenirs can select from various retail outlets available at Delta Airlines MCO Terminal. Some of these stores include:
- Disney’s EarPort: Ideal for doing your Disney buying either before or after visiting the theme parks.
- Universal Studios Store: With souvenirs of all the popular franchises from Universal.
- InMotion Entertainment: For all electronics and travel accessories.
- Coastal Marketplace: Convenience store for travel essentials and snacks
- Ron Jon Surf Shop: Bringing a hint of the Florida beach scene to the airport.
Again, these stores are located in both the Main Terminal and Airside, so passengers have to plan their shopping accordingly.
Delta Sky Club
Of the premium amenities available to eligible passengers flying Delta is the Delta Sky Club, located in Airside 4 near gate 71. The lounge truly provides an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal areas.
Delta Sky Club at the Delta Airlines Orlando International Airport Terminal offers a long list of services and amenities aimed at making travel more enjoyable, such as the following:
- Generous seating areas to relax or work in
- Complimentary Wi-Fi to stay connected.
- Long menus of food, including hot and cold buffets
- Full bar service with complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Flight information displays showing departures
- Shower facilities to freshen up before connecting flights
Delta Sky Club is available to Delta One passengers, Delta Sky Club members, and certain high-tier Delta SkyMiles members. A few credit cards also offer access to the Delta Sky Club as a benefit of card membership.
4. Transportation and Getting Around
Getting around MCO efficiently can make all the difference in having a stress-free journey. Let’s look at the different transport options available within the airport and how to get to Terminal B where Delta resides.
Inter-terminal Transport
While Delta is pretty much based out of Terminal B and Airside 4, there are ways passengers may want to move around the airport. MCO features an efficient transportation system:
1. Automated People Mover (APM): These train-like vehicles link the Main Terminal to the four Airside Terminals. They run at frequent intervals and represent the primary mode of transportation between check-in areas and boarding gates.
2. Walking: A traveler easily can get around the Main Terminal Building walking if he or she needs to go from Terminal A to Terminal B.
Read Also: Spirit Airlines at EWR
3. Shuttle Services: These are provided to and from the Main Terminal to other facilities in the airport, like rental car centers or parking areas.
Parking Information
There are a variety of parking options at MCO for passengers who drive to the airport in their own vehicles:
1. Terminal Top Parking: This is located right above the Main Terminal Building, thus making it the most convenient-although most expensive.
2. Garage Parking: There are two parking garages, A and B, adjacent to the Main Terminal.
3. Economy Lots: These economy lots are located farther from the terminal and offer reduced rates. Free shuttles provide transportation to and from the main terminal.
4. Cell Phone Lot: For passenger pickup, MCO has provided a free cell phone lot where drivers can sit in their cars until their party is ready for pickup.
Parking rates vary by lot and length of stay. In 2021, rates ranged from approximately $10 per day for economy lots. For garage parking, the prices rose to around $19 per day. Check the official MCO website for current information on parking and rates.
5. Security and Customs
Air travel security procedures are an integral part of air travel, and MCO looks to make this process as seamless as possible while ensuring the quality of safety.
Availability of TSA PreCheck
Here’s the good news for eligible Delta passengers: Now TSA PreCheck is available in Terminal B at MCO. TSA PreCheck is a program that allows pre-approved travelers to receive expedited security screening. With TSA PreCheck, passengers can leave their shoes, light jackets, and belts on and their laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags.
The TSA PreCheck lane is located in Terminal B. It is normally open during the heaviest passenger traffic times, but hours of operation vary. Please check with the TSA or the airport if you have a question about hours of operation.
Security Procedures
For those passengers not participating in the TSA PreCheck program, security procedures are the same. Here are some tips to help you move through security with ease:
1. Early Arrival: MCO suggests that a passenger must reach around two hours prior to boarding a domestic flight and about three hours if they have an international flight.
2. Have Documents Ready: Have your boarding pass and government issued ID ready and accessible.
3. Dress Appropriately: Wear shoes that are easily removed and as little jewelry/ accessories as possible .
4. Electronics: Be prepared to remove large electronics from your bag for separate screening.
5. Be Aware of Prohibited Items: Be aware of the list of banned items by the TSA to avoid losing time or, even worse, having your personal things confiscated.
International travelers can make use of the dedicated FIS facility located at Airside 4, which is also very convenient for Delta’s international arrivals. U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing for arriving international passengers can be found within the facility.
6. Final Tips for Travelers
Apply the following tips to enjoy hassle-free travel at Delta Airlines Orlando International Airport Terminal.
1. Get There Early: MCO can get very busy, especially during the apex of travelers. Coming early will provide a buffer in case of unexpected delays and gives time to enjoy the amenities that the airport has in store.
2. Take Advantage of Delta’s Mobile App: Delta’s app keeps you up to date with real-time information regarding your flight status and gate information. You can even use it as a mobile boarding pass.
3. Lounge Access: In case of a long layover or if you just want to rest before the flight, think about how to get access to the Delta Sky Club.
4. Pack Smart: Know restrictions by the TSA to avoid security hassles.
5. Stay Alert: Watch the Flight Information Displays; at the same time, always keep your ears open for announcements, as sometimes gate assignments are changed.
6. Airport Exploration: MCO features a unique dining and shopping experience. If your flight allows time, be sure to check these options out.
7. Online Check-in: You will save precious time if you are able to check in online and print your boarding pass at home or download it to your smartphone.
For additional support or information, you can contact the customer service at Delta Airlines Orlando International Airport Terminal. Their contact phone number at the airport is +1 (800) 221-1212. For general questions, MCO’s main information line is +1 (407) 825-2001.
Conclusion
Even navigating a busy airport like Orlando International could become easy with the right kind of information, and your journey with Delta Airlines may turn out to be pretty smooth and hassle-free. Keep in mind that Delta mainly operates out of Terminal B, and the gates can be found at Airside 4. From check-in to security, and from dining to shopping, everything is available under one roof in Terminal B to ensure that all your travel needs are well taken care of.
By planning ahead, arriving at the airport early, and availing yourself of the many amenities and services on offer, you can make sure that your time spent at MCO doesn’t seem like just another step on the way, but an Orlando adventure in its own right. Business or leisure, the design at MCO, together with Delta’s cleverly placed facilities, is sure to get off your trip on a good foot.
Safe travels, and have a blast experience during your wait at the Delta Airlines Oelando International Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Delta Airlines uses Terminal B in the Orlando International Airport.
Delta does not have operations either in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 within MCO. It is located in Terminal B with Airside 4 providing the gates.
The check-in counter is on Level 3, and the gates are on Airside 4; Delta flights leave from Terminal B.
You’ll notice the gate number can be found on your boarding pass or in the Delta app. All flights operated by Delta depart from Terminal B at MCO.
As for MCO, it does not have Terminals 1 and 2. It does possess Terminals A and B within the Main Terminal as well as four Airside Terminals.
The boarding pass, airline’s app, or the web site of the airport you are flying out from will help you know of the same.
Delta allows free checked bags on some fare classes and for elite status members of their frequent flyers program. The majority of economy tickets will incur a fee for checked bags.