How Early to Arrive at Orlando Sanford Airport (Domestic & International Flights)
Orlando Sanford International Airport is one of several airports in Orange County. This airport comprises two terminals, which are connected via a free shuttle bus:
- Terminal A
- Terminal B
I have visited Orland Sanford Airport several times over the past decade. Based on experience, I suggest arriving at Sanford Airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
When to Arrive at Orland Sanford Airport
You should arrive at Sanford Airport 2 hours before a domestic flight (flight within the US) and 3 hours before an international flight. This should give you enough time to:
- Check-in for your flight
- Drop your luggage
- Navigate through security
- Walk to your gate.
Why Do You Need Longer for International Flights?
You should aim to arrive at Sanford Airport 3 hours before an international flight. This gives you enough time to:
- Check-in for your flight
- Drop your luggage
- Navigate through security
- Walk to your gate.
Long-haul international flights also often have a longer boarding period that starts earlier. This gives the airline time to get all passengers to board before the scheduled departure.
Other Factors to Consider When Flying From Orlando Sanford Airport
Other factors you’ll want to consider when flying from Sanford Airport include:
- Travel: There can be heavy traffic around Orlando during peak travel times. As such, you’ll want to allocate some extra time for any potential delays.
- Time: Major events in the area can mean even more tourists and delays.
- Car Rental: If you’re dropping off a rental car, allow extra time for any delays at the drop-off point.
- Check-in: If you need to check in for your flight in person, the line at the desk may require extra time.
- Bag Drop: If you have checked luggage, allow extra time at the airport. Most bag drop locations close one hour before the flight’s departure (exact times vary).
Orlando Travel Planning Guide
🏥 Should I Buy Travel Insurance for a Trip to Orlando?
If you’re travelling to Orlando for vacation, then travel insurance is recommended. Basic travel insurance coverage with Safety Wing averages between $5 – $10 per day and offers peace of mind.
However, if a trip to Orlando isn’t part of a vacation. For example, you live locally. Then travel insurance isn’t likely to be necessary.
🚘 Do I Need to Rent a Car for a Trip to Orlando?
You don’t need to rent a car for a trip to Orlando (you can use rideshare services instead). However, a hire car will make your trip to Orlando significantly more convenient.
I personally use Discover Cars to find the best car rental deals when visiting Orlando. Discover Cars allows you to compare different companies and cars to find the best prices.
🏨 Where to Stay in Orlando?
Deciding where to stay in Orlando can be incredibly overwhelming. Having visited Orlando several times over the past decade, I’m going to try and make it as simple as possible.
- If you’re going to both Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World and don’t want to hire a car, then stay in an Orlando hotel with a shuttle to the theme parks.
- If you are travelling with kids and plan to do pool days, then book one of the many Orlando hotels with waterslides.
- If you are going to Walt Disney World on a budget, then stay in a hotel with both a free breakfast and theme park shuttle.
- If you are only visiting Universal Orlando, then spend a little extra for the perks of staying in a hotel onsite.
When booking accommodation in Orlando, I use either Booking.com or Hotels.com. However, for large families and groups, VRBO is my number one choice.
🎟️ Where To Buy Orlando Theme Park Tickets?
If you are visiting a theme park in Orlando, then you’ll need to purchase theme park tickets. If you’re based in the US or Canada, I recommend Klook for your Orlando theme park tickets.
Klook consistently has the most competitive prices. There’s also a range of different ticket options to suit all budgets and requirements.
Meanwhile, if you’re based in the United Kingdom. Then I recommend buying your Orlando theme park tickets from AttractionTix.
I personally use AttractionTix when purchasing theme park tickets. That’s because AttractionTix has the most competitive prices and incredible customer service.
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