We recently flew JetBlue between New York’s JFK to Orlando MCO International airport. Our flight arrived around 2AM awarding us the opportunity to explore the brand new Terminal C at Orlando MCO International Airport. We were fortunate enough to fly out of Terminal C the next afternoon giving us the different perspectives of the terminal.
Terminal C began Construction in 2017 with an initial opening in September of this year. Terminal C serves as the new home for all JetBlue Airways flights as well as some international airlines. Many of the gates within the terminal are able to handle both domestic and international arrivals making the terminal much more efficient when compared to the older terminals A / B.
First Impressions
Immediately upon entering the terminal, its abundantly clear that this is not your run of the mill airport terminal. Natural light is abundant with skylights and floor to ceiling windows sprawled throughout the concourse. Check In areas are spread out with LED signage above desks that can be quickly interchanged depending on the airlines utilizing the space.
Security checkpoints are spread out with adequate screening equipment able to handle the large crowds that pass through. Be on the lookout for many different interactive displays after passing the security checkpoint.
Every gate area in Terminal C has large electronic displays providing airline and destination information. Like the rest of the airport, we found the signage to be easy to read while providing vital flight information. There are various seating options ranging from traditional gate seats to high top chairs. Some gate areas also had a round table with a few chairs attached. Each seat had charging options with some seats having wireless charging pads. A surprising yet welcome feature.
One of our favorite aspects of Terminal C has to be the backwards thinking design (literally)! In many traditional airport terminals arriving passengers are routed to the lower level while departing passengers are generally on the upper level. International and domestic arriving passengers ascend up an escalator to baggage claim. This provides a much more welcoming atmosphere when compared to many basement like arrivals areas.
Future Brightline Concourse
Privately funded railroad Brightline is expected to begin service into Orlando International in 2023. Brightline currently runs trains between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Brightline will extend the current line right into the airport. The future station will be housed across from terminal C on the ground level. The concourse connects the terminal, rental cars and the automated people mover to terminals A and B. This area is currently open however, the escalators to the rail platforms are temporally closed. The future station will provided enhansed connectivity between the airport and south Florida.
Final Boarding Call
Boarding our flight back home we couldn’t help but feel amazed by terminal C. Compared to the crowded and rather bland terminals across the airport, terminal C provided a spacious and stress free experience. Various dining and shopping options make terminal C a good place to await a flight. We found the forward thinking setup a great catalyst into the future of air travel in south Florida. Safe travels!
Video Tour:
