How Early to Arrive at Orlando Sanford Airport (Domestic & International Flights)
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I’ve flown through Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) several times since 2019, mostly on Allegiant domestic routes. SFB is Orlando’s smaller second airport but I’d still suggest arriving 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3.5 hours before an international one.
Methodology: I’ve flown through SFB several times since 2019 on Allegiant domestic routes. The recommendations below draw on those trips for terminal layout, security flow, and check-in detail, with current airport-published guidance from flysfb.com for arrival times and policy specifics.
How Early Should You Arrive at SFB?
Sanford is a small airport. Once you’re through security you’re minutes from your gate, so the arrival recommendation here is meaningfully less than MCO’s. The official flysfb.com guidance is 2 hours for domestic and 3.5 hours for international.
Here’s what those 2 hours actually cover for a typical domestic flight with checked bags:
- Parking and shuttle to the terminal: 15 to 20 minutes for long-term parking, or 30 minutes if you’re returning a rental car
- Check-in and bag drop: 15 to 20 minutes
- Security screening: 10 to 15 minutes in the standard lane, under 5 with TSA PreCheck
- Walk to your gate: 5 to 10 minutes
- Buffer for the unexpected: 30 to 45 minutes
With TSA PreCheck, you can subtract about 20 minutes but in thunderstorm or hurricane season you may want to add 30 minutes for road delays.
How Long Is the Drive to SFB?
Sanford Airport is about 25 miles from downtown Orlando and around 40 miles from the popular tourist areas. Typical drive times to SFB with no traffic:
| From | Drive time | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Walt Disney World / Lake Buena Vista | 50 min | 40 miles |
| Universal Orlando / I-Drive | 45 min | 33 miles |
| Kissimmee | 60 min | 45 miles |
| Downtown Orlando | 30 min | 22 miles |
| Orlando International Airport | 40 min | 30 miles |
Which SFB Terminal Do You Need?
SFB has two terminals with 12 gates total:
- Terminal A: Allegiant Air, Sun Country, and other US domestic carriers, with 10 gates
- Terminal B: international flights, primarily Arajet’s scheduled service to Punta Cana plus any seasonal winter charters, with 8 gates
The two terminals are connected airside, and a free shuttle bus runs between them every 15 minutes. Landside (before security) they’re separate check-in areas, so check your boarding pass before you arrive.
If you’ve flown into MCO on previous trips, SFB’s layout is much smaller and simpler. You can arrive with less time than you would at MCO.
Security at SFB
Security at SFB is short by US airport standards. Expect 10 to 15 minutes in the standard lane, or under 5 with PreCheck. Two daily windows are the exception:
- 5am to 8am: Allegiant’s morning departure push
- 4pm to 6pm: evening departures
During those windows, expect 30 to 40 minutes. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the quietest weekdays. Meanwhile, July, August, and December are the busiest months, so add 30 minutes during those.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is available at SFB in Terminal A, but hours vary by day of the week. You can check current PreCheck hours at SFB on the TSA website before flying. When open, the wait is usually under 5 minutes but outside of these times you will have to wait in the standard line.
Flying International From SFB
SFB’s international operation today centres on Arajet’s scheduled service to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), launched October 2025 with three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Older Canadian charter operations still occasionally run seasonally during the winter but otherwise the international volume is much lower than it was pre-2020 when TUI made SFB the UK gateway to Orlando.
If you’re flying international from SFB:
- Arrive 3.5 hours before departure. International flights at SFB can have longer check-in queues because most passengers check bags.
- Check-in typically closes 60 minutes before departure, with bag drop closing 90 minutes before. Confirm with your specific airline.
If you’re collecting someone off an international flight at SFB, expect them to take about an hour to clear immigration and baggage before they appear in arrivals. SFB’s customs process is generally faster than MCO’s because the volume is lower.
Flying With Children or a Family
Travelling with little ones at SFB works like any US airport, and the small terminal size actually helps:
- Baby food, formula, and breast milk are allowed through security in reasonable quantities, even over the 3.4 oz liquid limit.
- Children under 18 don’t need ID for domestic flights; they travel on the same reservation as a parent or guardian.
- All travellers need a valid passport regardless of age when travelling internationally.
- Strollers and car seats check free on most carriers. Confirm with your airline before booking.
- Add 15 to 20 minutes to your arrival time if you’re travelling with young children.
Both Terminal A and Terminal B have designated children’s play areas equipped with toys and games and located near the gate seating in each terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions I’m asked about flying from Orlando Sanford Airport.
How early should you arrive at Orlando Sanford Airport?
Arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3.5 hours before an international flight, per official flysfb.com guidance. SFB is small, so security and walk-to-gate are fast, but Allegiant’s 45-minute check-in cut-off is firm, so plan to be at bag drop at least 75 minutes before departure if you have checked luggage.
What time does Allegiant check-in close at Sanford?
Allegiant closes online and airport check-in 45 minutes before scheduled departure, and bag drop closes 1 hour before. There are no exceptions. Miss the cut-off and you miss the flight. Plan to be at bag drop at least 75 minutes before departure if you have checked luggage.
Which terminal does my flight leave from at SFB?
Allegiant Air and other US carriers including Sun Country operate from Terminal A, the larger terminal with 10 gates. International services including Arajet (Dominican Republic) and seasonal Canadian charters use Terminal B, with 8 gates. Check your boarding pass before you arrive; the terminals are separate check-in areas landside.
Is there TSA PreCheck at Orlando Sanford Airport?
Yes, TSA PreCheck operates in Terminal A. Hours vary by day of the week, which is unusual for a US airport, so confirm operating hours before flying if you’re relying on it. When PreCheck is open the wait is usually under 5 minutes.
Do international visitors need a REAL ID to fly from SFB?
International visitors don’t need a REAL ID; your passport works fine at security. The REAL ID requirement (enforced from May 7, 2025) only applies to US domestic travellers using their state driving licence. If you’re flying internationally from SFB, bring your passport as you would for any international trip.
How long does security take at Sanford Airport?
Security at SFB typically takes 10 to 15 minutes in the standard lane and under 5 minutes in TSA PreCheck. During the morning rush (5 to 8am) and afternoon push (4 to 6pm), expect 30 to 40 minutes. SFB is faster than MCO outside those windows because the passenger volume is lower.
How early should I arrive for a 6am flight from Sanford?
For a 6am Allegiant departure, leave home by 3:30am to arrive at SFB by 4am. SFB security opens around 4am to handle the Allegiant morning push, so you won’t be standing outside locked doors. If you’re returning a rental car, factor in 20 to 30 minutes during the morning rush.
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