Beyond Dawlish
Frontier Airlines at MCO Terminal: What Travelers Need to Know
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving millions of travelers each year. Among the many airlines operating at MCO, Frontier Airlines stands out for its ultra-low-cost fare structure, offering travelers a budget-friendly way to reach a variety of domestic and international destinations. If you're planning to fly with Frontier from Orlando, understanding the layout, amenities, and expectations of the terminal can greatly improve your travel experience.
Terminal A – Home of Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines MCO Terminal operates from Terminal A at Orlando International Airport. This terminal is part of the airport’s original North Terminal Complex, and it's well-equipped to handle high passenger volumes. Terminal A is divided into two airsides: Airside 1 and Airside 2. Frontier generally uses Gates 1–29, which are located in Airside 1, accessible via an Automated People Mover (APM) tram system from the main terminal building.
Check-in counters for Frontier are located on the Level 3 (Departures Level) of Terminal A. It’s recommended that passengers arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights, especially during peak travel periods.
Check-In and Baggage Policies
As an ultra-low-cost carrier, Frontier Airlines keeps base ticket prices low by unbundling many services that traditional airlines include in the fare. That means passengers should be prepared for extra charges for things like carry-on bags, checked luggage, seat selection, and even in-flight snacks or beverages.
At MCO, you can check in via Frontier’s self-service kiosks or through the airline’s app. If you’ve already checked in online and don’t have checked luggage, you can skip the counters entirely and head straight to the TSA security checkpoint. If you have bags to drop off, make sure they meet size and weight requirements to avoid additional fees.
TSA and Security
Security checkpoints at Terminal A are generally well-organized, but lines can get long, especially during mornings, weekends, and holidays. TSA Pre Check is available for eligible travelers, which can help speed up the process. It's always a good idea to monitor TSA wait times using the airport’s website or app on the day of your flight.
Terminal Amenities and Dining Options
While Frontier Airlines doesn’t offer exclusive lounges or premium services at MCO, Terminal A itself provides a decent variety of shopping, dining, and passenger services. Once past security and inside Airside 1, travelers will find a number of options to grab a quick bite or shop for essentials.
Dining options include recognizable names like:
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Starbucks
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Burger King
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Zaza Cuban Café
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On the Border
If you have time before your flight, it’s worth exploring the food court area. You can also find retail outlets for electronics, travel gear, souvenirs, and snacks.
Wi-Fi is free throughout the terminal, and there are plenty of charging stations available for powering up phones, tablets, and laptops.
Boarding Process
Frontier boards by zones and often begins boarding 40–50 minutes before departure. Since the airline charges for carry-on bags, many passengers board with only personal items, which speeds up the process somewhat compared to traditional carriers.
Make sure you download your mobile boarding pass or have a printed copy ready, as printing at the airport may incur a small fee. Also, keep an eye on gate information, as it can change—especially at a busy airport like MCO.
Tips for Flying Frontier from MCO
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Plan Ahead: Book add-ons like seat selection, bags, and priority boarding in advance online to save money.
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Travel Light: To keep costs down, pack within the limits of a personal item that fits under the seat.
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Stay Updated: Monitor flight status and gate changes via Frontier’s mobile app or the MCO airport website.
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Arrive Early: Especially during holidays and school breaks, lines at check-in and TSA can get long.
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Bring Entertainment and Snacks: Since there’s no in-flight entertainment or free refreshments, come prepared.
Final Thoughts
Flying Frontier Airlines out of Orlando International Airport offers travelers a cost-effective way to reach their destinations—particularly appealing for families and tourists heading to or from Central Florida. While the no-frills service means fewer onboard perks, the savings can be significant for those willing to travel light and forgo luxury amenities.
Terminal A at MCO provides a clean, organized, and reasonably well-equipped environment for budget-conscious flyers. With a little preparation, your experience flying Frontier from MCO can be smooth, efficient, and affordable.
