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Flying Home From Disney World? New Terminal Change for Thousands of Flights at MCO

What Travelers Need to Know

Allegiant and Sun Country passengers heading home from Walt Disney World Resort should check their airport directions before leaving the hotel. Orlando International Airport’s current airline directory lists both carriers in Terminal A, with security screening through the checkpoint serving Gates 1–59.

For returning visitors accustomed to Terminal B, the practical concern is following an old routine. The Orlando airport terminal change makes it worth checking the airline, terminal, security checkpoint, and departure gate separately before setting out.

A woman covers her ears, looking concerned, while a costumed character waves nearby. In the background, an airport flight information board shows multiple delayed flights for Disney World vacations and hotels and guests for Disney flights. Disney vacations flight cancellations
Credit: Disney Dining

Orlando Airport Terminal Change: Where to Go

According to MCO’s official airline directory, Allegiant uses Terminal A and Gates 30–59. Sun Country also uses Terminal A, with its current listing specifying Gates 20–29.

Both entries identify the Gates 1–59 security checkpoint. Those gate ranges describe the airport’s airline assignments; travelers should still confirm their individual flight’s gate through their airline and airport displays.

The distinction matters because a terminal letter alone doesn’t tell passengers everything about their route. Check the carrier’s current instructions before choosing a drop-off location, especially if a saved itinerary or previous trip points you toward Terminal B.

Inside the Magic’s coverage of Orlando airport transit changes offers additional background on navigating the airport while other improvements continue. However, this airline assignment should be checked independently from construction updates elsewhere at MCO.

A busy airport terminal with many passengers standing in line for check-in. People are moving through a maze of black stanchions with their luggage. Various signs and monitors are visible overhead, and the area is well-lit with natural and artificial light. with Disney World guests.
Credit: Disney Dining

Check the Gate Range Before Joining TSA

The most useful detail for departing Allegiant and Sun Country passengers is the checkpoint designation: Gates 1–59. Don’t join a security line simply because it looks familiar or appears shorter.

MCO’s directory separately identifies terminal locations, screening checkpoints, and gate areas. That structure is a reminder to match all three rather than assume every airline checking in on the same terminal side follows the same route.

For example, the directory lists Southwest in Terminal A but assigns its security checkpoint to Gates 70–129. Following another Terminal A passenger therefore isn’t a reliable substitute for checking your own flight.

If the signs and your travel documents appear inconsistent, ask an airline representative or airport employee before entering the queue. A brief clarification before screening is preferable to discovering a routing problem afterward.

Travelers with luggage move through a security checkpoint at Orlando International Airport in Florida.
Credit: Inside The Magic

Build the Return Trip Around Security

MCO’s published security guidance recommends arriving at the security checkpoint two hours before departure. That is the checkpoint, so travelers should plan additional time beforehand for their journey from Disney, airline check-in, and any checked baggage.

Work backward from that recommendation when arranging your hotel pickup. Families managing strollers, several suitcases, or separate transportation reservations should avoid treating the curbside arrival time as the moment they will reach TSA.

Inside the Magic has previously examined airport transportation assumptions that can complicate Disney trips and how Mears Connect compared with Magical Express after the Disney service retired. Those stories provide background; confirm current pickup arrangements directly with your transportation provider.

Before leaving your resort, open the airline’s latest flight information and share the terminal assignment with your driver. Keep identification and boarding documents accessible so checking directions doesn’t become another luggage search.

For groups traveling together, designate one person to check the flight details and share them with everyone before checkout. Make sure any separately booked car service has the same information. This simple coordination can prevent family members from working from different versions of the return itinerary.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse, dressed as witches in Halloween costumes, stand in front of the Orlando International Airport control tower with an American Airlines plane in the background heading to Disney World.
Credit: Disney Dining

Keep Airport Changes Separate From Disney Perks

Travelers may also have seen Inside the Magic’s reporting on Disney’s Airport Luggage Transfer expansion. A luggage service and an airline terminal assignment answer different planning questions.

Do not assume a Disney hotel reservation changes where your airline checks in or which security checkpoint serves your flight. If you have arranged any baggage service, confirm its eligibility and instructions separately before deciding whether you need an airline counter.

The airport is also modernizing its Gate Link transportation system. MCO’s official project information identifies that replacement work with Gates 70–129, while the current Allegiant and Sun Country directory entries point passengers toward Gates 1–59.

Inside the Magic’s coverage of the upgraded Gate Link launch explains that separate development. Its existence does not establish that these two airlines’ passengers must use a construction shuttle or encounter a particular delay.

Composite of an airport departures board and Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Credit: Disney Dining

What to Check Before Your Next Flight

The airport’s October 1 announcement confirmed upgraded tram service to Gates 100–129, with work continuing on the second track. That broader investment shows why travelers should revisit airport instructions rather than rely entirely on memories from an earlier vacation.

Still, a terminal listing alone cannot establish how long check-in will take, whether a flight will depart on time, or whether any passenger has missed a departure because of the change. Those outcomes require separate evidence.

For an upcoming Allegiant or Sun Country flight, confirm the airport code, carrier, terminal, and actual gate before leaving Disney property. Then check again at the airport, where operating information may change.

If you’re meeting an arriving traveler instead, ask them to confirm their assigned baggage claim and pickup instructions before you choose a meeting point. Departure guidance should not be treated as an arrivals pickup map.

The immediate takeaway is practical: both airlines currently appear under Terminal A, and both direct passengers to the Gates 1–59 checkpoint. Keep checking official airline information and airport signs as your departure approaches.

Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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