How long to allow for immigration

Question

We are flying into MCO from UK and looking to book a car service from the airport to our hotel. What time should I request our pick up time to be? How long should I allow for immigration and collecting bags? I know that the queue can get a bit wild so any advice would be appreciated! Thanks

Answer

Flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) from the UK, it’s important to allow enough time for customs, immigration, and baggage collection before your car service pick-up. The time can vary depending on flight arrival, number of international arrivals, and staffing at immigration, but there are some general guidelines you can follow.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to plan:

Immigration/Passport Control: On a busy day, queues can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. If your flight arrives during peak times (late morning, evening), allow extra time. For a typical mid-week or off-peak arrival, 30–45 minutes is reasonable.
Baggage Claim: Collecting checked bags usually takes 10–20 minutes, depending on how quickly the airline unloads luggage. Larger international flights may take longer.
Customs: After collecting bags, you’ll go through customs. This usually moves quickly unless you are randomly selected for additional inspection (5–15 minutes).
Travel from Arrival Hall: Once through customs, allow 5–10 minutes to reach the car service pick-up area. Some services meet you at designated zones; check your company’s instructions.

Overall, from plane arrival to exiting the airport, most travelers from international flights at MCO should allow 60–90 minutes under typical conditions. During peak holiday seasons or if multiple international flights arrive at the same time, 90–120 minutes may be safer.

Recommendations for booking your car service:

Request a pick-up time about 90 minutes after your scheduled flight arrival. For example, if your flight lands at 10:00am, schedule the car service for 11:30am.
Check if your car service offers flight tracking; this allows them to adjust if your flight is early or delayed.
If traveling during very busy periods, consider adding an extra 15–30 minutes buffer to your pick-up time to avoid rushing.

By planning this way, you’ll have enough time to clear immigration, collect bags, and meet your driver without stress, while minimizing the risk of waiting too long for your car service.