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 over the years, and if you’re flying out of here, my short answer is this:

Arrive at Orlando Sanford Airport 2 hours before a domestic flight, and 3 hours before an international flight.

SFB has two terminals:

• Terminal A: international departures and arrivals
• Terminal B: domestic flights (most of SFB’s traffic, including most Allegiant)

The two terminals are connected, but landside they operate as separate check-in areas, so check your boarding pass for your terminal before you arrive.

When to Arrive at Orlando Sanford Airport

Flight type	Recommended arrival time
Domestic, carry-on only, off-peak	90 minutes before departure
Domestic, checked bags	2 hours before departure
International	3 hours before departure (3.5 per official SFB guidance)
Peak holidays (Jul, Aug, Dec)	Add 30 minutes

With TSA PreCheck, subtract around 30 minutes from the domestic figures. With Global Entry, subtract around 30 minutes from the international figure. During active weather (thunderstorms, hurricane season), add 30 minutes to allow for potential delays on the road.

What’s Included in Those 2 Hours

When I say 2 hours, here’s what that actually covers for a typical domestic flight with checked bags:

• Parking and shuttle to the terminal: 15 to 20 minutes if you’re using 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 PreCheck
• Walk to your gate: 5 to 10 minutes (SFB is small)
• Buffer for the unexpected: 30 to 45 minutes

For international flights, add roughly 20 minutes for longer check-in queues and an earlier boarding window.

Why Sanford Is Different from MCO

Sanford is Orlando’s smaller second airport. Allegiant Air runs the majority of flights, with a handful of other low-cost and international charter operators. No major legacy carriers (Delta, American, United) operate here; they’re all at MCO, on the other side of the city.

Two practical consequences:

1. There are only two terminals and 12 gates total. Once you’re through security, you’re minutes from your gate.
2. Check-in cut-offs are stricter. Allegiant in particular is firm; miss the cut-off and you miss the flight.

If you’ve flown out of MCO before, Sanford will feel tiny. You can get away with arriving with less time than you would at MCO.

Your Check-In Cut-Off Time

Whether you check in online or at the airport, you have to be checked in before your airline’s cut-off. If you miss it, you miss the flight regardless of when you arrive at the airport.

Flying Allegiant Air

Allegiant operates most SFB flights, so this applies to most readers:

• Online check-in: opens 24 hours before departure, closes 45 minutes before departure.
• Bag drop: opens 2 hours before departure, closes 1 hour before departure.
• All passengers must be checked in at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure.

If you’re flying with checked bags, that realistically means being at bag drop no later than 75 minutes before departure. Personally, I arrive 2 hours before to give myself plenty of time.

Flying other US carriers

Sun Country, Avelo, and similar smaller carriers follow the same pattern: check-in closes 45 minutes before, bag drop closes 1 hour before but double-check your airline’s site directly before travelling.

Flying an international charter

Check-in for international departures at SFB typically closes 60 minutes before departure, bag drop 90 minutes before. Again, check your airline for specifics.

Security at Sanford Airport

Security at SFB is short by US airport standards: 10 to 15 minutes in the standard lane, under 5 in PreCheck. Waits spike during two daily windows:

• 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM: Allegiant’s morning departure push
• 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM: evening departures

During these, expect 30 to 40 minutes. Outside peak hours (especially 10 AM to 2 PM and after 8 PM), you’ll usually clear security in under 10 minutes.

• Busiest days: Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the quietest.
• Busiest months: July, August, and December. Add 30 minutes to your arrival time during these.
• Other busy periods: Thanksgiving weekend and US Spring Break (late March to early April).

TSA PreCheck Hours

TSA PreCheck is available at Sanford, but PreCheck hours vary by day of the week. Most airports offer it during all security hours, so this is unusual and worth knowing.

At the time of writing, PreCheck at SFB operates approximately:

Day	PreCheck hours
Monday	4:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Tuesday	7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Wednesday	6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday	4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Friday	4:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday	5:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Sunday	4:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Hours are subject to change based on TSA staffing. If your flight departs outside these hours, plan for the standard security lane. You can check current hours on the TSA website.

When PreCheck is open, the wait is usually under 5 minutes.

REAL ID Requirements

Since May 7, 2025, all US domestic travellers aged 18 or older must present a REAL ID-compliant driving licence or another TSA-accepted form of ID (such as a passport) to clear security at Sanford and every other US airport.

A REAL ID-compliant licence has a small star in the upper right corner (the exact design varies by state). If yours doesn’t, contact your state DMV to upgrade before flying. International travellers can continue to use their passport.

Flying International from SFB

If you’re flying international from SFB:

• Arrive 3 hours before departure (the official Sanford Airport guidance is 3.5 hours; I’ve found 3 is enough outside of peak periods)
• Check your passport has at least 6 months validity beyond your return date (many countries require this)
• Check visa or entry requirements for your destination before travelling

If you’re collecting someone off an international flight, expect them to take about an hour to clear immigration and baggage before they appear in arrivals.

Flying with Children or a Baby

Travelling with little ones at SFB works like any other US airport:

• Baby food, formula, and breast milk are allowed through security in reasonable quantities, even over the usual 3.4 oz liquid limit. Declare them at the start of screening and they’ll be tested separately.
• Children under 18 don’t need ID for domestic flights. They travel on the same reservation as a parent.
• Strollers and car seats check free of charge on most carriers, including Allegiant. Confirm with your airline before travelling.
• Add 15 to 20 minutes to your arrival time if you’re travelling with young children. Security takes longer because of stroller folding, shoe removal, snack screening, and the general reality of moving at toddler pace.

Flying with Pets

If you’re flying with a cat or small dog from Sanford:

• Most SFB carriers allow small pets in the cabin in an approved carrier under the seat. Pet fees apply and vary by airline. Check your airline’s current policy before booking.
• Pet check-in is usually in-person, not online. You’ll need to visit the ticket counter so staff can verify your carrier meets size requirements.
• Add 20 to 30 minutes to your arrival time on top of the standard recommendation to allow for this.
• International pet travel involves significantly more paperwork, including health certificates, USDA endorsement for most destinations, and destination-specific quarantine or vaccination rules. Start the process well in advance, often 30 days or more before travel.

Most of the low-cost carriers at SFB only accept pets in-cabin, not as checked baggage or cargo, so larger dogs generally can’t fly from Sanford with these airlines.

Service animals follow different rules, don’t count as pet travel, and aren’t subject to pet fees. Contact your airline directly to arrange in advance.

If You Need Special Assistance

If you or someone you’re travelling with has a disability, reduced mobility, or any other need for assistance, contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight to arrange support.

At SFB specifically:

• Wheelchairs and mobility aids are available on request from your airline at check-in
• Both Terminal A and Terminal B are accessible with lifts and ramps
• Special assistance is arranged through your airline, not the airport directly

I’d add at least 30 minutes to the recommended arrival time if you need special assistance, so airline staff have time to help you through check-in, security, and to your gate without rush.

Frequently Asked Questions