You’ve seen it on your luggage tags. You’ve seen it on those giant blue road signs while driving down the Beachline Expressway. MCO. If you are looking for the code for Orlando International Airport, that’s the one.
But wait. Why MCO?
Most people assume it stands for "Mickey Company Orlando" or maybe "Metro Central Orlando." Honestly, that makes sense given the mouse-themed madness just a few miles away. But the truth is actually much more "Top Gun" than "Magic Kingdom."
The Military Secret Behind the MCO Code
The code for Orlando International Airport is a direct tribute to McCoy Air Force Base. Before it was a hub for tourists in flip-flops, this land was a Strategic Air Command (SAC) installation.
Back in 1958, a B-47 Stratojet crashed during a bombing competition. The pilot was Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy. He was a big deal in the Air Force world. To honor him, the military renamed Pinecastle AFB to McCoy Air Force Base. When the base closed in 1975 and the city took over, they kept the MCO identifier.
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Why didn’t they just change it to ORL? Well, ORL was already taken. If you put ORL into your GPS or booking engine, you’re headed to Orlando Executive Airport, which is a much smaller field near downtown. You really don't want to end up there if your flight to London is actually departing from the big international hub.
Navigating the Three-Terminal Maze
Orlando International is massive. Like, "wear your walking shoes" massive. In 2026, the airport is busier than ever, handling over 57 million people a year. To keep things moving, the layout is split into three main areas.
Terminals A and B
These are basically two sides of the same coin. They share a massive central building. You’ve got Terminal A on the north and Terminal B on the south.
- Terminal A: Generally where you'll find JetBlue, Frontier, and Southwest.
- Terminal B: Usually handles American, Delta, and United.
Terminal C: The New Kid on the Block
If you haven't been to Orlando since 2022, Terminal C will be a surprise. It’s a separate building, and it’s gorgeous. It’s where most international flights and some JetBlue operations live now.
Getting between these terminals isn't a simple walk. You have to use the Automated People Mover (APM). These are those little driverless trains that everyone loves. If you're at the main terminal building (A/B) and need to get to Terminal C, you’ll take the Terminal Link. It’s a quick ride, but give yourself time.
Pro Tips for Beating the MCO Madness
Listen, MCO is notorious for long security lines. It’s a family-heavy airport. That means lots of strollers, lots of "did I leave a water bottle in the diaper bag?" moments, and lots of first-time flyers.
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Use MCO Reserve. This is a game changer. It’s a free service where you can book a specific time to go through security. You show up, scan a QR code, and skip the massive standby line. You can book it up to seven days in advance. Do it.
Brightline is a thing now. If you're coming from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, don't drive. The Brightline high-speed rail drops you off right at the airport’s train station, which connects directly to Terminal C.
Parking and Ground Transportation
Parking at MCO is... an experience.
- Garages A & B: Most convenient for the main terminal, but they fill up fast.
- Garage C: Best for Terminal C flights, and you can actually reserve spots here now.
- Economy Lots: North and South Park Place. They’re cheaper ($14-ish a day), but you have to wait for a shuttle.
If you use E-PASS or SunPass, you can use those lanes to pay for parking. It’s way faster than fumbling with a credit card at the exit. Just make sure your account actually has money in it before you try to leave.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
Before you head to the airport, do these three things to ensure you don't lose your mind:
- Check your terminal twice. Airlines move. Just because you flew Delta out of Terminal B last year doesn't mean something hasn't shifted. Check the https://www.google.com/search?q=flymco.com website or the MCO app 24 hours before your flight.
- Book your MCO Reserve slot. As soon as you know your flight time, go to the MCO website and grab a security appointment. It’s free and saves you a literal hour of standing on carpeted floors.
- Download the MCO App. It has a "find my car" feature for the parking garages. Trust me, after a week at Disney, you will not remember if you parked on Level 4 or Level 2 of Garage R.
The code for Orlando International Airport might be a relic of military history, but the airport itself is pushing toward the future. Just remember: MCO is for McCoy, and give yourself three hours. Seriously. Three hours.