Immigration- how long toto catch a connecting flight

Question

We are thinking of flying via Orlando to get to Mexico City from the UK.

We have found clearing immigration at other airports and rechecking bags varied experiences!

I know there are many factors at play, but haven’t connected through MCO before.

Is allowing 3 1/2 hours enough?

We will be arriving Business class around lunchtime local time but will need to retrieve luggage and check into our next flight.

Any help would be great. Thanks so much.

Answer

Connecting through Orlando International Airport (MCO) for an international flight to Mexico City is generally manageable, but there are a few factors to consider when planning your layover time. A 3 1/2-hour layover should be enough in most cases, but here's a breakdown of what you'll need to account for:

Immigration and Customs: As you're arriving on a flight from the UK, you'll have to clear U.S. immigration first. Since you're arriving in business class, you'll likely have access to expedited immigration lanes, but this can still take some time. Typically, immigration can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many international flights are arriving at the same time.
Customs and Baggage Claim: After clearing immigration, you will need to collect your checked baggage and proceed through customs. This can also take some time, especially if there is a backlog at baggage claim. Allow around 30-45 minutes for this process.
Rechecking Baggage: After customs, you’ll need to recheck your bags for your connecting flight to Mexico City. Since you're connecting internationally, it's essential to make sure your bags are tagged all the way through to your final destination. Once you recheck your bags, you'll head to your departure gate.
Security Check: Even though you've already cleared customs, you will still need to go through security before entering the departure area for your next flight. This process typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the time of day and how busy the security lines are.

Considering these factors, 3 1/2 hours should generally be enough time to get through immigration, collect and recheck your bags, and clear security, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

Business Class Advantage: Since you’re flying business class, you should have access to priority lanes for immigration and security, which will save you time. Additionally, your bags may be prioritized for quicker delivery at baggage claim.
Busy Travel Periods: If you’re traveling during peak hours, such as lunchtime, MCO can get busier, which could extend the time it takes to get through customs. If possible, try to book flights that avoid the busiest times.
Flight Delays: Flight delays, both inbound and outbound, can impact your connection time. MCO has a reputation for handling international connections well, but if your inbound flight is delayed, you may need to notify your next airline to ensure they know you’ll be late.

Overall, 3 1/2 hours is generally a safe layover time for international connections at MCO, but it’s always a good idea to check with your airline for the latest recommendations on connection times. If you’re concerned, you could also explore options for expedited immigration or use a service like Global Entry to speed up the process.

Immigration- how long toto catch a connecting flight

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