Terminal A Guide at Orlando Airport (MCO)

Terminal Overview

Orlando International Airport’s Terminal A sits on the north side of the main building and is part of the North Terminal Complex (shared with Terminal B). It primarily handles a big share of domestic flying—especially low-cost and leisure-heavy routes—plus some international service (for example select transatlantic and Canada/seasonal carriers). Your gates will be in either Airside 1 (Gates 1–29) or Airside 2 (Gates 100–129), reached by a post-security people mover.

Terminal A feels like classic “MCO main terminal”: busy in waves, lots of families, and generally efficient once you know where you’re going. It’s not the newest facility (that’s Terminal C), but it’s very functional, with plenty of transportation options on the lower levels and lots of quick-service food scattered around. If you’re connecting, the biggest “feature” is how easy it is to switch between Terminal A and Terminal B on Level 3, and how the Terminal Link tram can take you pre-security to Terminal C and the Intermodal Terminal.

Airlines & Destinations

  • Typical Terminal A airlines: Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Air Transat, Avelo Airlines.
  • What that means for destinations: expect lots of high-frequency routes to major U.S. cities and leisure markets (think Northeast/Midwest hubs and Florida-family travel patterns), plus select long-haul/seasonal international flying depending on carrier schedules.
  • Alliance notes: Most Terminal A mainstays are not in the big alliances (Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, Avelo). Virgin Atlantic is aligned with SkyTeam (partnerships), but MCO’s alliance lounge footprint is stronger in Terminal B. If you’re chasing Oneworld/Star Alliance/SkyTeam benefits, double-check whether your flight is actually departing from Terminal A vs. B or C.

If you’re unsure where your airline is operating on the day you fly, confirm your airside and gate in the MCO app/monitors—MCO’s layout is consistent, but day-of operational changes can happen.

Layout & Navigation

Terminal A follows MCO’s multi-level pattern: Level 3 is where you’ll generally find check-in and access to security, Level 2 is baggage claim and arrivals services, and Level 1 is ground transportation. Officially, Terminal A baggage claim is carousels 1–16. After security, you’ll take an automated people mover to one of two gate areas: Airside 1 (Gates 1–29) or Airside 2 (Gates 100–129).

Plan your timing like this: from the main terminal security area to your airside gates, it’s typically a short walk to the tram, a quick ride, then another walk to your gate. Within an airside, getting between nearby gates is usually a 5–10 minute walk; crossing an entire airside end-to-end can feel closer to 10–15 minutes depending on crowds. Connecting between terminals is straightforward: you can walk between Terminal A and Terminal B on Level 3 (pre-security), and you can use the Terminal Link (pre-security automated people mover) to reach Terminal C and the Intermodal Terminal. If you need to switch airsides after security, you’ll generally need to return to the main terminal and re-clear security, so try to confirm your airside before heading through.

Amenities & Services

  • Lounge: Terminal A is home to The Club MCO (access varies by membership/program and day passes when available). It’s a solid option if you want quieter seating, snacks, and a place to work between flights.
  • Food & coffee: You’ll find a mix of fast-casual and grab-and-go options across the terminal areas. The official terminal list includes Starbucks, and you’ll see additional dining choices once you reach your airside.
  • Shopping: Expect convenience retail and travel essentials in the main terminal and more options in the airsides (perfect for last-minute headphones, snacks, and Orlando souvenirs).
  • Business basics: Your best “business facilities” here are lounge seating (if you have access), plus plentiful public seating areas—especially once you’re in the airside where there are more gateside seats.
  • Family amenities: Terminal A is very family-travel oriented. Look for open seating clusters near gates (easy for strollers) and take note of the official Service Animal Relief Area listed for Terminal A.
  • Accessibility: Elevators/escalators connect Levels 1–3, and the trams/people movers are designed for rolling luggage and mobility devices. If you need assistance, request wheelchair help via your airline in advance for the smoothest curb-to-gate experience.
  • Helpful services: Official amenities include Currency Exchange, Lost & Found, USO Welcome Center, and a broad set of ground transportation options (taxis, town cars, shuttles, resort transportation, and on-airport rental cars).

Practical Tips

  • Best for long layovers: If you have lounge access, head to The Club MCO. Otherwise, go all the way to your airside rather than camping in the main terminal—gateside seating is usually more comfortable and you’ll be closer to real-time boarding updates.
  • Quietest spots: Quieter areas are often found at the far ends of the gate concourses in Airside 1 or Airside 2 (away from the central food courts and people-mover arrivals).
  • Power outlets: Your best bet is to scout seating clusters near gate podiums and along walls in the airside concourses; those areas most commonly have shared outlets/USB. If you find a good charging seat, keep it—busy periods fill up fast.
  • Wi-Fi: MCO offers airport Wi‑Fi; connect on arrival and confirm the network name on posted signs/your device to avoid look-alike hotspots. For video calls, the lounge or quieter end gates tend to be more reliable.
  • Rideshare note: Terminal A’s official listing includes Ride Share (9:00pm–2:00am only). If you’re arriving outside that window, follow signs for the correct pickup zone or alternate ground transportation.