How to Save Money on Flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Tips for finding cheap flights into Orlando International Airport, best days to fly, and more.
Looking to save money on flights to Orlando? In this guide, I’ll show you how to search for and book the best airfare deals to MCO.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the tenth busiest airport in America with 60 over carriers and it’s the 30th busiest airport in the world.
Two airlines in particular, jetBlue and Southwest have made MCO a mini-hub and both have some of the best fares in and out of Orlando International Airport.
Orlando is a mini-hub for jetBlue and Southwest. Fierce competition often means fare sales.
Tips for finding cheap airfare
No matter which airline you choose to fly, spend a little time doing some research and check back frequently. Airfare to and from Orlando has been on the rise for the past 5 years but you can still find some cheap seats on your flight to MCO by taking a few simple steps.
Orlando International Airport
How to search the web for airfare deals
About 95% of bookings are made online, according to FareCompare.com. Start with the airlines’ official website because it will have more flight options at similar fares.
Also, try websites that allow you to compare deals from multiple airlines. My favorite is Google Flights but also try Airfarewatchdog and FareCompare.
Cheapest days to fly to Orlando
In most cases the cheapest days to fly are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Monday and Friday are usually the most expensive.
If you can, be flexible with your travel dates, try to shift your dates around by a day or two.
Just confirm that there is availability at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel before getting locked into to a non-refundable flight.
Split up large groups
Many people flying into Orlando International Airport are traveling as a family.
Try breaking up your family into smaller groups when shopping around.
For example, if there are only 2 cheap seats left on a flight and your search is for 4 seats, the website will give everyone the higher fare.
Try searching for one seat first, then add other members of your family to see what happens to the fares.
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Orlando International Airport
The best day of the week to book a flight
Fare sales can appear anytime but I recommend signing up for fare alerts with the airlines you are shopping.
You can sign up for fare alerts on the airline’s website and customize your alert for the exact route you want to fly.
Some travel websites offer fare alerts as well.
The best time to shop for airfare is Tuesday afternoon, this has been the industry standard for the past several years.
Wednesday morning is also a good time to shop for Orlando flights.
Use Google Flights to shop for cheap flights
Use Google Flights to find the cheapest fares to/from Orlando! Google Flights searches most airlines using the power of Google.
Some airlines allow you to book a flight right through Google, others will require you to book directly on their website but it's a convenient way to search multiple airlines at once.
Check for a lower price even after you book your flight
After you book your air travel, check back to see if fares have dropped for your flight.
Jetblue will issue you a credit towards a future flight on the difference. Other airlines might have similar programs.
If you see that the cost of airfare has dropped since you booked, give the airline a call.
If your airline doesn’t offer any price protection, try calling your credit card company. Some offer travel perks which might include price guarantees.
Even more ways to save money on flights
What about airline credit cards for frequent flyer miles?
jetBlue, Southwest, and British Airways have some of the best credit card programs available.
You can read more my article, Tips for Earning Frequent Flier Miles to Orlando International Airport.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
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Tags: Orlando airfare deals, cheap flights to Orlando, cheap flights, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando
How to Use Mears Connect Service Between Orlando International and Walt Disney World
Mears Connect Standard Service - Standard Service is a shared ride service, similar to Magical Express, on a Mears Connect coach bus or van. The shuttle makes limited stops at a few other hotels along the way.
Mears Express Service Express Service is a direct route between MCO and your Disney World hotel, typically in a van. This is similar to hiring a town car.
Mears Transportation is the leader in airport transfers between Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World Resort. It was Mears who operated Disney’s Magical Express Service for Disney World when it began in 2005. When Disney canceled the complimentary shuttle program in 2022, Mears changed their name to Mears Connect and removed the Disney World livery from all buses.
Mears has many years of experience shuttling guests between the airport and Walt Disney World. They even bought out their competition, Sunshine Flyer, which lasted only 16 months in Orlando.
Let’s take a look at how Mears Connect operates today.
Mears Connect buses waiting for passengers at Orlando International Terminal B
Mears Connect provides 2 airport shuttle options:
Standard (shared) Service
Express (private) Service
Mears Connect Standard Service
Standard Service is a shared ride service, similar to Magical Express, on a Mears Connect coach bus or van.
The shuttle makes limited stops at a few other hotels along the way.
Mears Express Service
Express Service is a direct route between MCO and your Disney World hotel, typically in a van. This is similar to hiring a town car.
Mears Connect Orlando
Frequently Asked Questions about Mears Connect
Are car seats provided?
Florida law does not require car seats in coach buses. Mears will store your car seat in the luggage area of the motor coach if you have one. Car seats are not permitted inside the bus.
Car seats can be used in Mears Express vans. You’re welcome to use your own or request a car seat in advance.
Do I retrieve my own luggage at the airport?
You will need to stop at baggage claim to retrieve your checked luggage.
Once you have your bags, you will proceed to the Mears Welcome Center on the Ground transportation level.
Where do I board Mears Connect at Orlando International?
Terminal A: Go to Level 2 if you have checked bags and pick up your luggage. Then go up to Level 3, and cross over to the B-Side of the airport. Then go down to Level 1 and locate the Mears Welcome Center. (Just follow signs for Ground Transportation on the B-Side).
Terminal B: Go to Level 2 if you have checked bags and pick up your luggage. Then go down to Level 1 and locate the Mears Welcome Center.
Terminal C: Go to Level 6 if you have checked bags and pick up your luggage. Then go down to Level 1 and locate the Mears Welcome Center.
Mears check in area at Terminal C inside Orlando International Airport.
When will Mears Connect pick us up for the return flight?
Your resort departure time is scheduled based on your scheduled flight departure time and will be printed on your confirmation.
Mears will pick you up approximately 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight time for domestic flights and about 4 hours prior for international flights.
You should be at the pickup location 15 minutes prior to allow time to load luggage and get everyone onboard in time.
Pick-up locations are located outside the lobby at Disney World hotels.
Will wheelchairs be accommodated?
Yes, Standard and Express service will be able to accommodate wheelchairs.
Be sure to mention this when making your reservation or let your travel advisor know in advance.
Do you tip Mears Drivers?
Yes, it’s customary to tip your driver for good service.
According to Mears, most people give 10% to coach bus drivers and 20% to van, drivers.
Is Mears cheaper than Uber and Lyft?
A typical ride-share service will cost about $40 - $60 each way. But this doesn’t include surge pricing in Orlando or Uber Car Seat. Both add significant costs to your fare. Read more about using ride-share services in Orlando here ▸
Mears Connect generally works out better because you won’t have to deal with car seats or wait for a car that can fit your party size.
Uber drivers have various skills. While I believe they have good intentions, some don’t know their way around Disney World property too well. I had Uber cars in Orlando that smelled unpleasant or never showed up only to cancel on me.
While a Mears shuttle might take longer than Uber, it’s a far more consistent and professional service.
How do I reserve a ride on Mears Connect?
Your Disney travel advisor can make your reservation for you. Just provide your airline and flight numbers. You can book directly on the Mears Transportation website
Mears Connect Phone Number
(407) 423-5566
What are the operating hours for Mears Connect?
Mears is a 24/7 service. In cases where your flight gets in very late due to a delay, Mears will probably send you to Disney in one of their taxis or vans when you arrive rather than a coach bus.
What hotels does Mears Connect service?
All of the Disney World hotels. There…That was easy! But here’s where it gets more interesting:
Disney Springs (only these hotels)
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando Disney Springs
Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Springs
Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs
Bonnet Creek Resort Area
JW Marriott
Signia by Hilton Bonnet Creek
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek
Other Areas
Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World
Gaylord Palms Resort
Marriott World Center
Shades of Green Resort
Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve
Have a question about using Mears Connect or any other type of ground transfer service in Orlando? Use the comments section below.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Mears Transportation and Sunshine Flyer Have Merged
Today, Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer announced that they are merging. Mears will continue to provide roundtrip transportation between Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Today, Mears Connect and Sunshine Flyer announced that they are merging. Mears will continue to provide roundtrip transportation between Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
The merger brings a new name: Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine, guests will still have access to the following service:
24/7 service
Express service
Pickup from terminals A, B, and C
Sunshine Flyer will no longer offer train-themed motorcoaches.
Guests arriving and departing in July will take their trip with the Sunshine Flyer as planned.
Sunshine Flyer will reach out to all guests who currently have reservations explaining what they need to do.
Related:
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
If you currently have a reservation with Sunshine Flyer, you can visit their FAQ page here. in most cases, the merger will have minimal impact on reservations.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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