MCO Terminal C is Orlando International Airport's dedicated international terminal, handling all UK airline arrivals and departures since 2022. Virgin Atlantic joins British Airways, Aer Lingus and Norse Atlantic from 30th June 2026.
Article At A Glance
- All UK airlines now at Terminal C: British Airways, Aer Lingus, Norse Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic (from 30th June 2026) all operate from MCO Terminal C
- Arrivals work differently here: You collect your bags before going through customs and immigration - the opposite of most international airports
- The lounge situation is not great: There's one shared Plaza Premium Lounge for the entire terminal - frequently overcrowded, and Priority Pass holders have been turned away
- Getting there: Terminal C is a separate building - use the Terminal Link automated train (around four minutes) or the free 24-hour shuttle bus from the main terminal
- Overall verdict: It's a clear improvement on the old terminals (as long as bags don't take ages), but the limited dining and single shared lounge are frustrations
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Read on for the full breakdown including what the arrivals process actually looks like, an honest take on the lounge, and what's changed now Virgin Atlantic has moved across.
If you've flown to Orlando before, you'll know the drill. You step off the plane after nine-ish hours, legs like jelly, absolutely knackered, kids either asleep or feral, and you join what can only be described as a very long, very slow queue into the United States. The old terminals at MCO - A and B - served UK passengers for decades, but since 2022 the new Terminal C has been the home for British flights - and from 30th June 2026, that includes Virgin Atlantic.
Terminal C is different. Opened in September 2022 as part of the airport's South Terminal Complex, it won't have you weeping at its beauty, but it is a noticeable improvement on what came before - albeit with a couple of quirks worth knowing about. Here's everything you need to know.
Which UK Airlines Fly To & From MCO Terminal C?
Terminal C was built with international travel in mind, and as of mid-2026 every major UK airline flying to Orlando now operates from it. Here's where each one stands:
- British Airways - operating from Terminal C since September 2022.
- Aer Lingus - operating from Terminal C since September 2022. If you fly Aer Lingus (which requires a change at Dublin), you'll clear US immigration at Dublin Airport before you board, meaning you land at MCO as a domestic passenger.
- Norse Atlantic Airways - operating from Terminal C since launching its London to Orlando routes in 2023.
- Virgin Atlantic - confirmed to move to Terminal C on 30th June 2026, joining the other UK carriers. Virgin Atlantic was originally scheduled to move in April 2026 before the date was pushed back. If you're flying Virgin Atlantic to Orlando on or after 30th June 2026, Terminal C is your terminal.
TUI do fly to Florida, but they serve Melbourne Airport on the state's east coast rather than Orlando International, so they're not part of this picture.
What Is MCO Terminal C and Where Is It?
Terminal C is a separate, standalone building located on the south side of the airport. Unlike Terminals A and B, which share the same main building, Terminal C is not connected by foot. To get there, you'll use the Terminal Link, an automated people mover (think driverless train) that runs between the main terminal and Terminal C in about four minutes. There's also a free shuttle bus running 24 hours a day if that's more your speed. Once inside, gates are numbered 230 to 245.
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Arriving Into Terminal C - What To Expect
Things work a little differently at Terminal C. After what is likely a long walk from the plane, you collect your luggage first and then proceed through customs and immigration - the reverse of what you'd experience at most other international airports. It's an odd setup if you're used to clearing passport control before baggage claim, and it can actually work in your favour if the bags arrive quickly (which from our experience is a coin flip).
Terminal C's immigration hall is larger and - usually - faster than what you'd have experienced in the old terminal. It also has Global Entry kiosks for eligible travellers - worth checking your eligibility before you travel if you visit the US regularly, as it can speed up the arrivals process considerably. Terminal C also participates in the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) programme, which lets you submit your details and a selfie to skip much of the queue on arrival and is available to a wider range of passengers including UK visitors.
Departing From Terminal C - What To Expect
Even though it lacks a bit of character and there are lots of blank, plain white walls, the new hall is modern, spacious, and significantly less chaotic than the equivalent at Terminals A and B. All the airline check-in desks are located on a single floor, the floor you'll likely get dropped off at. If you've pre-checked in online and have no bags to drop, you can move through this level quickly. If you have a family's worth of Disney-purchased merchandise to send home, you'll want to allow more time. The security checkpoint is improved and usually much faster to get through, but as far as the security is concerned, it's no different than anywhere else.
Once through security, you enter Palm Court, which is Terminal C's main airside space. This is where you'll find most of the food, drink, shopping, and the lounge. It's airy, relatively well-designed, albeit lacking in variety in our opinion. Chick-fil-A is now our go-to, but the options for a half-decent meal are quite limited. The dining options include sit-down restaurants, grab-and-go options, a bar, and a Starbucks. There's also retail including travel essentials, gifts, and duty-free shopping. You can view everything that's currently open on the official MCO website.
Don't worry, there's also a Disney Shop, Universal, and SeaWorld shop just in case you wanted to buy a little more merch.
The Lounge Situation at MCO Terminal C
We flew to Orlando with British Airways in business class (Club World) for the first time in 2025, which meant we finally got access to the Plaza Premium Lounge. To put it bluntly - it's not good. There are no dedicated airline lounges at Terminal C, just the one Plaza Premium Lounge shared by every airline operating from the terminal. It's accessible to business class passengers on eligible airlines (including British Airways Club World and Virgin Atlantic Upper Class), Priority Pass members, and Amex Platinum card holders among others. The lounge isn't that big and now with more international flights going into terminal C - including Virgin - the situation is only going to decline further.
We even witnessed Priority Pass holders being turned away at the door because it was simply too full. If you're flying business class you should be fine getting in, though whether you'll actually want to stay is another matter. If you are ever denied entry as a business class passenger, complain to your airline and push for compensation.
As for the lounge itself - it offers buffet food that varies wildly in quality, a coffee machine with its own agenda, seating that fills up fast, and chairs that aren't exactly built for comfort. We lasted about ten minutes before deciding a Chick-fil-A downstairs was the better option. It was.
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MCO Terminal C Pros & Cons
MCO Terminal C: Pros
- Modern and clean with a better layout, more comfortable seating, and wireless charging on departure.
- Dedicated immigration hall that is generally faster and less chaotic than the old terminal.
- Less crowded overall, with shorter security queues as a result.
- Better-designed check-in area with significantly more space.
- Mears Connect operates from Terminal C, as do all the major ride share services.
MCO Terminal C: Cons
- The iconic carpet and the monorail ride to the gates are gone - make of that what you will.
- Only one lounge, and it's not a good one.
- It's a separate building, and not all car hire services operate from Terminal C - you'll need the Terminal Link or a shuttle bus to reach the main terminal.
- Fewer dining and retail options than the combined Terminal A/B offering, though what's there is arguably better quality.
- The Terminal Link adds a few extra minutes when connecting between terminals.
How To Move Between Terminals
The Terminal Link automated train is the quickest at around four minutes, running between Terminal B and Terminal C. You do not need a boarding pass to use it - it's accessible to all passengers. Follow the signs from inside the terminal. The free shuttle bus runs 24 hours a day between terminals if you prefer, though it takes longer and is more dependent on traffic.
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MCO Terminal C - Our Verdict
You don't get a choice in which terminal your flight uses, and now that all major UK airlines have moved to Terminal C, it's your new home at MCO whether you like it or not. The good news is that it's without question the better terminal. It's newer, cleaner, and the arrivals experience is an improvement on what came before.
The lounge and the limited dining options are real frustrations. One shared lounge for an entire international terminal is a strange decision, and we'd hope that changes sooner rather than later. The walk from the gate is longer than you might be used to (assistance is available), and the bags-before-immigration setup will catch a few people off guard the first time and can sometimes take a while to come through. But the pros outweigh the cons.
And honestly? The moment you're through the airport and on your way to Walt Disney World, it becomes a very distant memory. (Until you have to go home, of course).
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MCO Terminal C: Your Questions Answered
Which UK airlines fly from MCO Terminal C?
British Airways, Aer Lingus, Norse Atlantic Airways and Virgin Atlantic all operate from Terminal C at Orlando International Airport. Virgin Atlantic completed its move to Terminal C on 30th June 2026, meaning every major UK airline flying to Orlando now uses the same terminal.
Is MCO Terminal C better than Terminals A and B?
Yes. Terminal C is an improvement on the older Terminals A and B. It is newer, cleaner, less crowded, and has a dedicated immigration hall that is generally faster to pass through. The main drawbacks are a single shared lounge that is often overcrowded, and fewer dining and retail options overall.
How do you get from MCO Terminal C to Terminals A and B?
You can use the Terminal Link, an automated people mover that runs between Terminal C and the main terminal in around four minutes. A free shuttle bus also runs 24 hours a day as an alternative, though it takes longer.
Does MCO Terminal C have a lounge?
Yes, but only one - the Plaza Premium Lounge. It is shared by every airline operating from Terminal C and is accessible to business class passengers on eligible airlines including British Airways Club World and Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, Priority Pass members, and Amex Platinum card holders. It is frequently overcrowded and Priority Pass holders have been turned away during busy periods.
What is the baggage claim process like at MCO Terminal C?
Terminal C works differently to most international airports. You collect your luggage before going through customs and immigration, rather than after. This can work in your favour if the bags arrive quickly, though baggage wait times can vary considerably.
Does MCO Terminal C have Global Entry kiosks?
Yes. Terminal C has Global Entry kiosks for eligible travellers - check your eligibility before you travel as not all nationalities qualify. It also participates in the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) programme, which is available to a wider range of passengers including UK visitors and allows you to submit your details and a selfie before landing to speed up the arrivals process.
Which terminal does Virgin Atlantic use at MCO?
Virgin Atlantic moved to MCO Terminal C on 30th June 2026. If you are flying Virgin Atlantic to or from Orlando, Terminal C is your terminal.
Does TUI fly into MCO Terminal C?
No. TUI does fly to Florida but serves Melbourne Airport on the east coast of the state, not Orlando International Airport.
What gates are in MCO Terminal C?
Terminal C at Orlando International Airport uses gates 230 to 245.
Is there a Disney Store at MCO Terminal C?
Yes. There is a Disney Store at MCO Terminal C for any last-minute purchases. They sometimes stock items not available in the parks.
Does Mears Connect operate from MCO Terminal C?
Yes. Mears Connect operates from Terminal C, as do all major ride share services like Uber and Lyft.
