Coming home from Orlando International Airport
When you come back to Orlando Aiport for your return flight to the UK, you are advised to check in three hours before the scheduled departure time. If you are returning your rental car, leave extra time to do this. As you drive towards the airport, look for the signs to tell you which terminal you need to head for. This will depend on the airline you are flying with. If you are travelling with Travel City Direct and you are on a Virgin Atlantic flight, head for Terminal A and follow the signs to Dollar Rent a Car. Happily, the car rental returns are just across the street from the terminals.
Drop off your car and make sure you have returned your sat nav to the staff and been given any necessary paperwork to show that your car has been safely returned. You can leave your infant seats in the car. Then make your way over to the main terminal building. Look at the information boards to see which desk you need to check in for your flight and head straight there.
Clearing Security
Once you have checked in (remember to ask the check in staff to let you keep your buggy with you), make sure you know which gate you are departing from, then look for the signs to ‘All Gates’. This will take you through Security. You will need to show your boarding passes and passports, then proceed through to the bag screening machines.
Here, you will be asked to remove your shoes and to put your hand luggage (and your buggy) on the conveyor belt. If you have a laptop with you, you’ll also have to put that in a separate tray so it is visible to the staff. You’ll be asked to carry your baby through the screening machine with you. Children will have to walk through individually.
Departure Gates
When you have passed through this check, you need to follow the correct path to your departure gate. So make sure you know which gate it is. You take the train now to the satellite terminal. See this as your last Orlando ride and make the most of it! It’s only about 90 seconds long.
Once off the train, you are in the departure area, where you can make the most of the shops, snack bars, restaurants and those all-important restrooms with changing facilities. Orlando Airport has changing facilities in both the male and female restrooms, so no excuses Dads!
If you buy any Duty Free at Orlando Airport, it will not be given to you at the time you purchase it. Instead, it will be taken to your departure gate for you and you’ll pick it up as you board your aircraft.
Before you board your flight, it’s a good idea to buy some bottled water for the plane and any snacks you might need. It is likely that your flight will take you through the night, so change your baby into his pyjamas and put on his socks for a comfortable flight home.
