How long does it take?

[lynnroy]

For those of you who go regualary and at normal times of the year when its not quite so busy how long will it take on average to get through MCO (customs etc)?
Last year it took hours cos it was Easter but I am hoping at end of May this year it will be a little quieter!!
We got a text from Virgin yesterday to say our flights had been moved forward two hours- which is great as means we are scheduled to land at 16.25 so I am hopefull we will be at the villa by half six ish- Are my expectations too high?

[Katys Grandad]

It's all a bit of a lottery really.

While you can reasonably expect that it will be quicker because there are fewer travellers, my experience has been that it's the staffing of the booths that's critical. I've passed through US Immigration quickly when there have been lots of flights arriving because the booths were fully manned. Equally, I've waited for long periods when the opposite has been the case.

What annoys me is the fact that they know exactly how many passengers they'll have to deal with and even when they will arrive but still don't seem to care that much about long lines.

[Tonish]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
It's all a bit of a lottery really.

While you can reasonably expect that it will be quicker because there are fewer travellers, my experience has been that it's the staffing of the booths that's critical. I've passed through US Immigration quickly when there have been lots of flights arriving because the booths were fully manned. Equally, I've waited for long periods when the opposite has been the case.

What annoys me is the fact that they know exactly how many passengers they'll have to deal with and even when they will arrive but still don't seem to care that much about long lines.
[/quote]


Agreed. I tend to be there at busy school holiday times and there's just no knowing how long it will take. I've had everything between 3 hrs and 45 minutes. If you asked me for an average, I'd say about 1hr 20 or so, to include customs, bags and car onto the exit ramp.

It can be an awful lot quicker if you've been on an indirect flight. Last two times flying from Philadelphia we were through in practically no time at all.

[Spuddybaby]

indirect flights are a lot quicker as their is no immigration to go through. You are already inside the borders so to speak.

We fly in november and the longest i have waited for was about 30 mins, and that was due to the fact we were at the back of the plane.
Last Novemeber we were premium economy and we were one of the first off the plane. When we got to customs the only people there were those ahead of us from our plane, so we only had 5 minutes or so.
In fact we were longer at the desk than in the queue.

[lynnroy]

Many thanks- guess we just have to wait and see- its direct flight so will have to do immigration. We are just cattle class so will not be off first- could try running when we get off though to get infront of everyone- LOL!!
Ah well its won't really matter- will be in holiday mode anyway- would just be nicer to reach the villa in daylight this time.

[SDJ]

Never waited more than 30-35 minutes.

Sandra

[bargainqueen]

They have the Disney queing system now which makes it a little quicker, you stay in line until you're instructed to go to x desk. Before we always landed up in the wrong line and people either side of us would go through quicker.

Also if you can take your luggage with you on the shuttle train it will also save you time.

This year we only put a suitcase and golf clubs through and carried the rest, my sister waited for these to come off the conveyor belt whilst we sorted out the car.

[Father]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by SDJ
Never waited more than 30-35 minutes.

Sandra
[/quote]

Sandra, is this a serious response? Immigration&gt;Baggage Collection&gt;Customs. 35 minutes is the longest it has ever taken you?

If so, that is superb and I can only say I am envious.


http://www.orlando-guide.info/forums/topic_55902.asp

This thread shows other people's experiences albeit it includes the time taken at Car Rental too.

[Val]

I have known it take up to 2 hours to clear customs at Orlando International, but the last twice (December and two weeks ago) have found since the Esta has come into place and they do not have to check the green form it is taking on average 30-45 mins depending where you are in the queue.
Val

[Bazamor]

We got back Monday after a 2 week stay. It took around 30 minutes from landing to driving out of the airport and its not been much more for our last two visits. I have always found MCO to be far quicker than Manchester for clearing customs and getting luggage.