You’re sitting at a gate in Memphis International Airport. Maybe you just grabbed a pulled pork sandwich from Interstate Bar-B-Q because, honestly, it’s the only way to say goodbye to the 901. You’re headed to Orlando. But getting there—specifically finding those mem to mco flights that don't eat your entire vacation budget before you even see a mouse—is kinda its own art form.
Memphis isn't the massive hub it used to be back in the Northwest Airlines glory days. We know this. It's a "point-to-point" focus now. This means your experience flying from Memphis (MEM) to Orlando (MCO) is going to vary wildly depending on whether you value your time or your wallet more.
The Reality of Direct MEM to MCO Flights
Direct flights are the dream. You want to get on the plane, blink, and be in the humidity of Central Florida. Currently, the landscape for non-stop service between these two cities is dominated by ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs).
Allegiant and Spirit are the big players here. They love this route. Why? Because people in the Mid-South love Disney, Universal, and escaping the winter dampness of the Mississippi River.
Allegiant usually operates out of MEM with a schedule that isn't daily. You’ve gotta check their calendar because they might only fly this route on Thursdays and Sundays, or maybe Mondays and Fridays depending on the season. It's great for a long weekend. It’s less great if you have a specific Tuesday wedding to get to.
Spirit is the other heavy hitter. They brought more "Big Front Seat" options and a bit more frequency. But here’s the thing people get wrong: the "sticker price" is a lie. If you see a flight for $48, you aren't paying $48. Once you add a carry-on (which often costs more than a checked bag), a seat assignment, and maybe a bottled water, you’re looking at $120. Still cheap? Yeah. But frustrating if you aren't prepared.
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When to Go Indirect
Sometimes the direct flights don't align. Or maybe you're a loyalist.
Delta is going to try to suck you through Atlanta (ATL). It’s the law of the South. Every flight goes through Atlanta eventually. This adds about three to four hours to your total travel time, but you get more reliable schedules and, frankly, better cookies.
American will usually route you through Charlotte (CLT) or Dallas (DFW). Southwest is the wildcard. They don't fly "direct" from MEM to MCO in the traditional sense most of the time, often requiring a stop in Nashville (BNA) or Houston (HOU). But since they give you two free checked bags, the math often works out better for families hauling strollers and enough sunscreen to coat a blue whale.
Timing the Memphis Market
Google Flights is your best friend, but you have to know how to manipulate the toggles.
Statistically, for mem to mco flights, booking about 21 to 30 days out is the "sweet spot" for the Memphis market. Unlike the transcontinental routes where you need months of lead time, the MEM-MCO corridor is heavily influenced by seasonal demand.
If you try to book for Spring Break in March during the first week of February, you’re going to get hammered on the price. Everyone in Shelby County has the same idea at the same time.
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Seasonality Matters More Than You Think
- January/February: The cheapest time. Orlando is "chilly" (by Florida standards), and the Memphis blues are at their peak. You can find steals.
- June/July: Prepare for pain. Both in humidity and ticket prices.
- October: The "secret" month. Highs in the 80s in Orlando, and flight prices usually dip after the back-to-school rush.
What Most People Get Wrong About MCO
Orlando International Airport is a beast. It’s currently undergoing massive expansions, including the newer Terminal C.
If you fly JetBlue or certain international connections back to MEM (though rare for this route), you might end up in Terminal C, which is gorgeous but a long trek from the main car rental hubs. Most mem to mco flights on Spirit or Southwest will land you in the main terminal complex (A and B).
Give yourself more time than you think you need when leaving Orlando. The security lines at MCO are legendary. Not in a good way. They are consistently ranked among the longest in the country because of the sheer volume of families who don't know the "liquids in a bag" rule.
The Budget Breakdown
Let’s talk real numbers.
A "good" price for a round-trip from Memphis to Orlando is anything under $150. If you see $90, buy it immediately. Don't text your spouse. Don't "think about it." Just buy it.
If you're paying over $300 for a coach seat on this route, you’re likely booking last minute or during a peak holiday like Christmas or Thanksgiving. In those cases, you might actually find it cheaper to drive the 11 or 12 hours down I-55 and I-75. It’s a boring drive through Mississippi and Alabama, but at $400 a ticket for a family of four, the SUV starts looking real good.
The Hidden Costs of MEM
Memphis International has done a lot of work on the B Concourse. It’s nice now. High ceilings, lots of light. But parking can still add up. The economy lot is your best bet for a week-long Disney trip, but it fills up fast.
If you’re taking a 6:00 AM flight—which many of the mem to mco flights are—get to the airport by 4:30 AM. Even with the fancy new TSA equipment, the morning rush in Memphis can be surprisingly dense.
Real-World Advice for the Mid-South Traveler
I once talked to a travel agent who specialized in Disney trips out of the Memphis area. Her biggest tip? Don't ignore Northwest Arkansas or Little Rock if the prices in Memphis are insane, but 99% of the time, the gas and time spent driving to another airport cancels out the savings.
Stick to MEM.
Also, keep an eye on Frontier. They jump in and out of the Memphis market like a nervous cat. When they are in, prices drop across the board because Spirit has to compete. When they pull out, prices creep up.
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Pro Tips for the Flight
- Download the Airline App: Especially for Allegiant. They don't do paper boarding passes for free in many cases.
- MCO Ground Transportation: If you aren't renting a car, look into Mears Connect. Since the "Magical Express" died, getting from the airport to the resorts has become a bit of a scramble.
- The "Personal Item" Hack: If you’re flying Spirit to MCO, get a bag specifically designed to fit the 18x14x8 inch dimensions. You can fit four days of summer clothes in there if you roll them tight.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To lock in the best deal and ensure you aren't stressed when you hit the tarmac in Florida, follow this sequence:
- Set a Google Flights Tracker: Put in your dates for mem to mco flights and toggle the "Track Prices" switch. You'll get an email the second the price drops.
- Verify the "All-In" Cost: Before hitting 'Purchase' on a low-cost carrier, go all the way to the checkout page to see the final price with bags. Compare that to the Delta or Southwest price. You’d be surprised how often they are within $20 of each other.
- Check Terminal Information: If you're flying back on a Sunday, MCO security is a war zone. Check the MyTSA app to see live wait times and consider booking a "Clear" or "TSA PreCheck" appointment if you don't have it.
- Pack for the Memphis-to-Orlando Shift: You might leave Memphis in a parka and land in Orlando where it’s 85 degrees. Layers are your friend. Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane to save weight in your bag.
The flight is short—usually about an hour and forty-five minutes of actual air time. It's the logistics on either end that determine if your trip starts with a smile or a headache. Keep your eyes on the fare calendars and remember that in the world of regional flying, flexibility is the only true currency.