View Full Version : Touchdown on Runway to Driving out of Airport.
What is a reasonable expectation for this?
We landed at Orlando International at exactly 5pm, but did not get out of the airport until 7.10pm. Frankly I don't think this is acceptable. Fairly quick through Immigration and Customs too. It was the damned security (what is that about?) and having to wait twice for our suitcases that did it. Shambolic doesn't quite cover it.
I should also say we cheated a little. Some went to collect the luggage while the drivers went straight to the car rental desk. Had we not done so, we could have been waiting for an hour more.
I have read on here how, on certain occasions, people have been processed through the airport incredibly quickly but, in general, what are people's experiences?
florida4sun
20-11-2010, 15:24
Usually around an hour although we were 3 hours at heathrow last week. Does not bother me, I like tight security. Lots of folks moaning and whining which frankly got on my nerves and cut a few short. I pointed out that some folks have very short memories.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Father
What is a reasonable expectation for this?
We landed at Orlando International at exactly 5pm, but did not get out of the airport until 7.10pm. Frankly I don't think this is acceptable. Fairly quick through Immigration and Customs too. It was the damned security (what is that about?) and having to wait twice for our suitcases that did it. Shambolic doesn't quite cover it.
I should also say we cheated a little. Some went to collect the luggage while the drivers went straight to the car rental desk. Had we not done so, we could have been waiting for an hour more.
I have read on here how, on certain occasions, people have been processed through the airport incredibly quickly but, in general, what are people's experiences?
[/quote]
35 minutes at Tampa, that of course was due to going indirect via Newark and Immigration and Customs dealt with there. If both of us travelling, one waits for luggage and other collects the car.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
Usually around an hour although we were 3 hours at heathrow last week. Does not bother me, I like tight security. Lots of folks moaning and whining which frankly got on my nerves and cut a few short. I pointed put that some folks have very short memories.
[/quote]
I don't really know what you mean. Did it take you three hours to clear Heathrow after arriving in the UK? Seems excessive. For me, an hour would be acceptable.
And like you, I appreciate security. However it is not reassuring when it seems shambolic and amateurish. Has the opposite effect.
Katys Grandad
20-11-2010, 20:06
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
Usually around an hour although we were 3 hours at heathrow last week. Does not bother me, I like tight security. Lots of folks moaning and whining which frankly got on my nerves and cut a few short. I pointed put that some folks have very short memories.
[/quote]
Your view is only valid if the 3 hour wait could be put down to security needs, which seems highly unlikely. There is simply no way it should take that long particularly at a place when which sees itself as the world's premier international airport.
The problem at Heathrow is too many Jobsworths who wouldn't recognise a security threat if it smacked them between the eyes. Sadly, that doesn't stop them thinking the paying public can't travel until they say so.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Father
What is a reasonable expectation for this?
We landed at Orlando International at exactly 5pm, but did not get out of the airport until 7.10pm. Frankly I don't think this is acceptable. Fairly quick through Immigration and Customs too. It was the damned security (what is that about?) and having to wait twice for our suitcases that did it. Shambolic doesn't quite cover it.
[/quote]
Has Orlando gone back to that annoying habit of making you put your cases back on the belt and not being able to take them straight through? Last time I went through before they stopped the double collection I was nearly an hour at the second collection belt - if this is the case then will avoid it if I have to bring through hold luggage.
Last time we went we got through immigration and customs within an hour but then spent nearly 2 hours sitting on our suitcases in the car park waiting for a car !!!
steph_goodrum
20-11-2010, 22:24
We have not had to give up our suitcases a second time for a while and that saves a lot of time. We make sure we can manage them on the transit so you just take them with you.
jimiansville
20-11-2010, 22:44
We came through MCO at the end of October and as usual, had the option to take our suitcases with us on the transit and avoid having to collect them from the belt in the main terminal. We had very large suitcases as we brought extra clothes for our cruise in a couple of weeks time and no problem at all.
luckylady
20-11-2010, 23:28
We arrived at Orlando International airport 7th November at 2.45pm.Immigration was a dream the shortest time ever, going through security no problem picked up our luggage at the carrousel on the same level as the car hire all done and dusted in 45 minutes . A record for us, makes a difference when you are not hanging around waiting for luggage and to pick up your car.[msnsmile2]
We had a delayed flight out on the 5th arriving around 7pm and there were few immigration officers on duty. Took about 1+1/4 hours. 5 mins outside with Alamo. Left yesterday, wasted $20 at Downtown Disney as Orlando Airport check-in was empty when we went past. Security only took 10 minutes also. Wasted a couple of hours when we could have been in the sun !!
I must admit I never have any problems at MCO, but then I do travel in a way that virtually eliminates all delays. I never travel direct to Orlando, so no immigration delays. I never take checked baggage, so no waiting at the carousels. And I always use Hertz Gold, so car always waiting and just get in and drive off. :D
We arrived last Wednesday. Flight was almost 10 hours (very strong headwinds), so we were a bit grouchy! Were straight off the plane into Immigration. No lines, but they have changed the 'system' slightly. Instead of lining up behind the desks you now have to snake around for what seems like ages and all come out at one point where you are directed to go stand in front of a particular desk (I cannot say it is an improvement on the old system, but there you go!). We only had to wait a few moments before it was our turn. Were handled at the desk in a friendly and efficient manner and then went to collect our bags. They were on the belt within 5 minutes. We went through Customs - were asked a couple of questions, but that's all - no need for x-ray. We had the option to put our bags back on the belt or take them up the escalator ourselves (which is what we did). The escalator came out right at the monorail, which was standing waiting for us. We got over to the other side, went straight to Alamo and were called straight to the desk. Completed the paperwork without any hard-sell and went over to the garage to choose our car. Had to wait a few minutes to clear the Alamo check on exit, but then we were on our way. All of that took less than 1 hour from the time we landed, which has been the norm for my last few visits.
CLAIRE
Our worst was 2 hours at ORL INT. We have done it quicker, but they tend to be under pressure more as there are more flights coming in here than SANFORD. I think security in the US is tighter than anywhere else in the World and as such you have to expect delays, but I do agree that sometimes they do go over the top.
Personally I prefer SANFORD even though it is an extra 30 mins drive to the villa. We always save this in immigration and bag collection.
sammibabe
30-12-2010, 02:33
We're flying into Miami for the first time next year. How does that compare with MCO please?
Peppermint
30-12-2010, 07:17
Last week after a 26 hours, 15 minute delay we took exactly 3 hours and 5 minutes from landing at MCO to leaving the airport! An all time record for us by a mile. By the time we arrived at the villa it was 48 hours and 30 mins since we locked our front door in the UK - another record. :(
Katys Grandad
30-12-2010, 11:42
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by sammibabe
We're flying into Miami for the first time next year. How does that compare with MCO please?
[/quote]
I don't think any airport is consistently good or consistently bad but for me Miami is about as bad as it gets. It regularly tops the 'worst' tables for immigration and customs delays and I've had long delays all too frequently.
It's a major hub for arriving flights from South America and Europe along with many more flights from the UK (around the same time) than MCO receives. Unfortunately, it seems that nobody at MIA has yet realised that fact.
You might be lucky (I was straight through a couple of months ago due to a weather storm preventing aircraft landing) and I hope you are but be prepared for a wait. The baggage collection area is quite an experience.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by sammibabe
We're flying into Miami for the first time next year. How does that compare with MCO please?
[/quote]
We have used Miami several times and luckily have never been held up and always got out quite quickly, which is more than we can say for Orlando. Earlier this year we were held in a side room for over an hour before even getting to the immigration hall and we have taken well over 2 hours to get throught Orlando and that is before we have got the car. This is part of the reason we prefer Tampa and Miami always been through and out in under an hour.
Airports are run by people and at the end of the day all airports can be bad.
Just needs 4 or 5 late flights to land together and everything will take twice as long.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:The problem at Heathrow is too many Jobsworths who wouldn't recognise a security threat if it smacked them between the eyes.[/quote]
This is such unfair comment, LHR has always been a front runner in security or do you not remember the 70's when security started to become an issue. Security is at it's best when not always seen as is often the case with LHR, always has been.
Bit like customs !!!!
Lynne
christhear
30-12-2010, 15:54
We know that we will never achieve a quick exit as there is a warrant out for someone with the same name and d.o.b as my husband. So we get taken to secondary immigration everytime we arrive. Asked if there is anything we can do about this i.e. get a Visa but have been told it will not help. Until the real criminal is arrested we will be stopped everytime. Luckily my husband is about 8 inches shorter than the man they actually want.
DisneyPrincess
30-12-2010, 16:28
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by christhear
We know that we will never achieve a quick exit as there is a warrant out for someone with the same name and d.o.b as my husband. So we get taken to secondary immigration everytime we arrive. Asked if there is anything we can do about this i.e. get a Visa but have been told it will not help. Until the real criminal is arrested we will be stopped everytime. Luckily my husband is about 8 inches shorter than the man they actually want.
[/quote]
This must be quite frustrating! [msneek]
Thank goodness for the height difference! [msnwink]
pieman790
30-12-2010, 19:45
Never had to wait more than an hour in immigration at Orlando and no more than an hour at the car hire desk. We have landed and left the car park within the hour on quite a few occasions. I know it can be frustrating but i thinks it more likely to be a one off.
We have been lucky at MIA, even though it was August and very busy. 3 times it has taken us 30 minutes from landing to driving out of the airport. Not bad with 5 people and ten cases!
Tampa was the worst, two and a half hours from landing.
Katys Grandad
31-12-2010, 00:09
Lengthy delays at MIA & MCO add weight to the case for making a connection en-route to Florida and clearing Immigration & Customs at the connecting city. I reckon that the time difference between direct and connecting flights from home to accommodation isn't all that much when you consider you are straight through the Florida airport. You also have much more choice and can usually save some money as well.
The best Florida airport has to be Fort Myers which never takes me more than 20 minutes from my seat on the plane to leaving the car rental garage. It's sometimes takes me longer than that just to get from the aircraft to the Immigration queue at Miami. [msnsmile2]
Katys Grandad
31-12-2010, 00:12
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by KJH
3 times it has taken us 30 minutes from landing to driving out of the airport. Not bad with 5 people and ten cases!
[/quote]
Is that arriving in Miami from the UK or on a connecting flight? I fly into Miami pretty often and have never got anywhere near that.
Given that you have to disembark from the plane, walk through to baggage claim, collect bags, catch the rental shuttle and do the paperwork at the Rental Centre, 30 minutes is amazing.
Miami has certainly got easier with the new shuttle to the car hire facility. My husband and daughter walked straight off the 'plane from Charlotte (internal flight, so no immigration, of course) picked up their suitcases, and the shuttle was ready and waiting. Very quick and easy.
We stood by the entrance to the gates and could see them coming quite soon after they landed. We were then able to walk downstairs with them to pick their luggage up from the carousel, which came very quickly. So it was about 20 mins from stepping off the 'plane to getting in the queue at the Alamo desk, but of course this was not an international flight.
However, even though the queue at the Alamo desk was quite short we were not lucky enough to do the whole thing in 30 mins - that is a real record if you went through Immigration, too!
sammibabe
31-12-2010, 02:40
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:
Given that you have to disembark from the plane, walk through to baggage claim, collect bags, catch the rental shuttle and do the paperwork at the Rental Centre, 30 minutes is amazing.
[/quote]
Do you have to get a rental shuttle whoever you rent with? Thank goodness for you guys, for this to happen and not know would be dreadful. Even if MIA not brill for getting out at least if you're prepared you have not got the shock as well [msneek]
There is a new car hire facility which has been built close to Miami Airport. There are continuous shuttles to and from the airport and we found it very efficient and quick. They help you on and off with suitcases, and the journey is less than 5 minutes, although this will depend which end of the airport you arrive at. My husband and daughter flew with US Airways so were nearer the car hire facility.
The car hire facility is very well organised with all the car hire companies within it. It is open and spacious and well signposted, and a pleasure to use.
There will soon be a little train to take you to and from the airport and this will make it even better.
I certainly would not worry about this sammibabe. We found it really easy to cope with. [msnwink]
sammibabe
31-12-2010, 21:28
Thanks Ellie. Flying into MIA was not our first choice but cheapest choice. Saved about £600 doing this way even compared to indirect flights [msnsmile2]
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by sammibabe
Thanks Ellie. Flying into MIA was not our first choice but cheapest choice. Saved about £600 doing this way even compared to indirect flights [msnsmile2]
[/quote]
Sounds like you made the right decision, sammibabe. Even if you experience a small delay going through immigration it is well worth it for the saving of £600! [msnwink]
Are you driving straight up to Orlando?
We noticed that the HOV lane is now payable once it gets near to Miami, which is a bit of a shame (High Occupancy Vehicles of 2 or more passengers). We used to love whizzing past all the traffic jams, but now you can only use the HOV lane if you pre-pay - you can't pay the toll at the time. Mind you, I can't blame Miami for doing this as it will save regular commuters much time for a small outlay,and add revenue. Incidentally, the tolls vary according to the time of day - peak time it can be $1.25, whilst off peak is just 25c. Guess you could use it if you had a transponder.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by KJH
3 times it has taken us 30 minutes from landing to driving out of the airport. Not bad with 5 people and ten cases![/quote]Is that arriving in Miami from the UK or on a connecting flight? I fly into Miami pretty often and have never got anywhere near that.
Given that you have to disembark from the plane, walk through to baggage claim, collect bags, catch the rental shuttle and do the paperwork at the Rental Centre, 30 minutes is amazing.[/quote]Hi
Thats LHR-MIA, John always has to see if he can beat himself (timewise) it drives us all mad, we are almost first off the plane and I can walk pretty fast. We have been pretty lucky in that we have never had to wait at immigration, lots of people behind us though. Our cases are normally within the first few off. Peoples faces are a picture as we grab up to ten cases off the carousel. (No fun trying to get them in the car). Not full outbound but they are coming back.
MCO is normally about 45 minutes if we are very lucky (been a while). Depends on the airline and at which airport as well. MIA - BA, CW was faster than Virgin UC. Tampa has been our worst, CW with BA.
We fly Virgin UC in Feb LGW-MCO, not done that for a while and then UC LHR-MIA in August. I prefer BA but Virgin prices were better for our dates.
Katys Grandad
01-01-2011, 07:34
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by KJH
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by KJH
3 times it has taken us 30 minutes from landing to driving out of the airport. Not bad with 5 people and ten cases![/quote]Is that arriving in Miami from the UK or on a connecting flight? I fly into Miami pretty often and have never got anywhere near that.
Given that you have to disembark from the plane, walk through to baggage claim, collect bags, catch the rental shuttle and do the paperwork at the Rental Centre, 30 minutes is amazing.[/quote]Hi
Thats LHR-MIA, John always has to see if he can beat himself (timewise) it drives us all mad, we are almost first off the plane and I can walk pretty fast. We have been pretty lucky in that we have never had to wait at immigration, lots of people behind us though. Our cases are normally within the first few off. Peoples faces are a picture as we grab up to ten cases off the carousel. (No fun trying to get them in the car). Not full outbound but they are coming back.
MCO is normally about 45 minutes if we are very lucky (been a while). Depends on the airline and at which airport as well. MIA - BA, CW was faster than Virgin UC. Tampa has been our worst, CW with BA.
We fly Virgin UC in Feb LGW-MCO, not done that for a while and then UC LHR-MIA in August. I prefer BA but Virgin prices were better for our dates.
[/quote]
I don't fly Virgin but I take my hat off to you if you can clear MIA and be on your way in 30 minutes arriving on BA. I did get lucky in September but even then I didn't manage that.
Any tips for my flight into there next month?[msnwink]
wrightbuxton
01-01-2011, 16:51
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by christhear
We know that we will never achieve a quick exit as there is a warrant out for someone with the same name and d.o.b as my husband. So we get taken to secondary immigration everytime we arrive. Asked if there is anything we can do about this i.e. get a Visa but have been told it will not help. Until the real criminal is arrested we will be stopped everytime. Luckily my husband is about 8 inches shorter than the man they actually want.
[/quote]
Same goes for me there is a warrant out for the arrest of someone with the same name as me and I always have to go through a second security screening. We flew to Vegas in October and the friends we were with thought we had left them because we were taken away without being given the chance to tell them what was happening[msnscared]
Even though you are innocent it is unnerving until they allow you through immigration[msnsad]
Julie
sammibabe
01-01-2011, 18:06
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ellie
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by sammibabe
Thanks Ellie. Flying into MIA was not our first choice but cheapest choice. Saved about £600 doing this way even compared to indirect flights [msnsmile2]
[/quote]
Sounds like you made the right decision, sammibabe. Even if you experience a small delay going through immigration it is well worth it for the saving of £600! [msnwink]
Are you driving straight up to Orlando?
We noticed that the HOV lane is now payable once it gets near to Miami, which is a bit of a shame (High Occupancy Vehicles of 2 or more passengers). We used to love whizzing past all the traffic jams, but now you can only use the HOV lane if you pre-pay - you can't pay the toll at the time. Mind you, I can't blame Miami for doing this as it will save regular commuters much time for a small outlay,and add revenue. Incidentally, the tolls vary according to the time of day - peak time it can be $1.25, whilst off peak is just 25c. Guess you could use it if you had a transponder.
[/quote]
Definately the right choice price wise (August never a good time to go price wise [msneek]) Thanks for the info about the tolls. Yes we will be driving straight up. Bonus is the last day flight not til evening so we are going to be able to spend the day in Miami. Do you know if you can pay for the HOV lane when you collect the car? Or how do you pay, do you know?
ujpest doza
01-01-2011, 20:12
At Sanford it's been anything from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
the lengthy waits have been due to waiting for pushchairs and car seats at baggage reclaim and also problem with getting luggage into a car with a tiny boot.
I am not sure about paying for the HOV lane, sammibabe, you need an SunPass. I believe that the hire cars now have transponders already fitted, and if you go through the Sunpass Lane it activates it, and you can also opt in to the system when you collect the car so I assume you can then drive on the HOV lane, as it will automatically charge you. You can also buy the transponders from Publix, but if your car already has one fitted that would defeat the object as you would be paying twice, I guess.[msnwink]
By the way, the toll varies according to the amount of traffic in the Express (HOV) lane, and can be anything from 25c to $3.50, although it can reach a maximum of $7.00 under certain conditions. When the express lane starts to get busy and slows, the toll is automatically increased. One thing to note is that you cannot move in and out of the new Express lane, but can only, for example, exit at the end of this lane (Golden Glades).
sammibabe
01-01-2011, 23:21
Thanks Ellie, absolutely fantastic to get info before we go (that's why I love this site [msnsmile])Now need to look into pros and cons of sunpass [msnwink]
I had a quick look at the FAQ on the car hire site, but couldn't find anything, and we have never used the Sunpass option apart from once when driving up the Turnpike from Fort Lauderdale when we saved a huge amount by paying 'up front' plus we were able to drive straight through without stopping.
I am sure Roger would know the answers you need.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by christhear
We know that we will never achieve a quick exit as there is a warrant out for someone with the same name and d.o.b as my husband. So we get taken to secondary immigration everytime we arrive. Asked if there is anything we can do about this i.e. get a Visa but have been told it will not help. Until the real criminal is arrested we will be stopped everytime. Luckily my husband is about 8 inches shorter than the man they actually want.
[/quote]
Christine, this used to happen to my husband everytime until we told one of the immigration people that it happened everytime, and was there something that could be done about it and he entered a not on the system, and since then he has not had a problem, so worth asking next time [msnsmile2]