Innovation is connecting you to a prime parking space at Florida’s busiest airport. Beginning today, passengers at Orlando International Airport (MCO) can guarantee a parking spot through MCO’s new Reserve Parking program.
“This is a perfect example of our strategic plan in action, which focuses on innovation to meet demand and our customers’ needs,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Having the option to secure parking in advance can help more passengers to experience a seamless journey.”
As MCO continues to welcome record numbers of travelers, parking has been at a premium. A portion of the passenger increase is attributed to local residents. With the local population growing, more Central Florida residents are using the airport. Based on survey data, local residents make up 30% of airport passengers, a jump from 20% a decade ago. This increase has emphasized the need for more parking.
In December, MCO opened three new surface lots to respond to parking needs. The lots are accessible with E-Pass and SunPass Plus. SunPass customers must be enrolled with Easy Pay, and a transponder must be used to enter and exit the lots. In total, the airport has more than 2,000 new parking spaces compared to last year.
The reserve parking program works by allowing passengers to log in to Reserved Parking at MCO or use the MCO mobile app in advance of their arrival to the airport, punch in their vehicle information, make a payment and receive a QR code for easy access to Level 4 of Parking Garage C.
Currently the program is only operational in Garage C on Level 4. Space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis for approximately 715 spots during the rollout of this program. The cost is $32 per day.
If the program is successful, there are plans to replicate it in other parking facilities at the airport, including Terminal Top parking, North Park Place, South Park Place and West Park Place economy parking lots.
Those wishing to reserve a space will be able to do so up to 365 days in advance of their arrival at MCO. All reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance and anyone cancelling their reservation less than 24 hours in advance will be subject to a 50% forfeiture fee. The program is open to all travelers, including Brightline train passengers. There are no designated electric vehicle spaces in the program at this time.
