You're standing in the middle of John Wayne Airport (SNA), latte in hand, looking at the departure board. You want Florida. Specifically, you want Orlando. But if you’re looking for a massive list of nonstop options, you’re going to be staring at that screen for a long time.
Most people assume that because SNA is a major hub for Orange County, there’s a constant stream of direct flights from John Wayne airport to Orlando. Kinda isn't the case. For a long time, this route was the "holy grail" of OC travel—highly requested but rarely served without a stopover in Phoenix or Dallas.
Things have shifted slightly in 2026. We finally have a consistent nonstop option, but it’s not from the "Big Three" airlines you might expect.
The Nonstop Reality Check
Let’s get the big one out of the way. If you want to fly from Santa Ana to Orlando without touching the ground in another state, you are almost certainly looking at Breeze Airways. They stepped into this gap with their A220s, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer for people who hate layovers.
They typically run this route a few times a week. The flight time is roughly 5 hours and 15 minutes. It’s a long haul for a narrow-body plane, but it beats spending three hours waiting for a connecting flight in a crowded terminal in Texas.
- Flight Number: Usually MX 523
- Departure Time: Often mid-day, around 1:00 PM
- Arrival: You’ll land in Orlando (MCO) late, usually after 9:00 PM EST
If Breeze doesn't fit your schedule, you're entering the world of "The Great Connection." This is where Southwest, United, and American live.
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Why Southwest is Still the OC Favorite
Even without the nonstop, Southwest remains the heavyweight champion for this route. Why? Because they operate like a bus service through Phoenix (PHX) and Las Vegas (LAS).
You’ve probably seen their "Low Fare Calendar." It's legit. In early 2026, we’ve seen one-way fares as low as $90, though $150–$200 is more "normal" if you aren't booking months out. The beauty of Southwest at SNA is the terminal experience. Terminal C is basically a Southwest stronghold. It's efficient, the gates are close together, and if you’re a Rapid Rewards junkie, the points value for SNA-MCO is usually pretty decent.
Just watch those layover times. A 45-minute layover in Phoenix sounds efficient until your outbound flight from SNA is delayed 15 minutes because of the weird noise abatement takeoff (you know, that steep climb that feels like a rocket ship).
The Stealth Budget Options
Spirit and Frontier also play in this space. I’ll be real with you: these flights are cheap for a reason. You can find tickets for $60 one-way if you're lucky.
But once you add a carry-on bag, a checked bag, and a seat assignment, that $60 ticket suddenly costs $180. If you’re a minimalist traveling with just a backpack to see Mickey, go for it. If you’re a family of four with three suitcases each? You’ll likely save money—and sanity—by booking United or Delta instead.
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Average Costs You'll Actually See
- Budget (Spirit/Frontier): $120–$250 round trip (pre-fees)
- Mid-Tier (Southwest/Breeze): $280–$450 round trip
- Legacy (United/American/Delta): $350–$600 round trip
Prices spike hard in March (Spring Break) and October. If you can swing a Tuesday or Wednesday departure, you’ll usually save about 20% compared to a Friday flight.
Navigating John Wayne (The SNA Pro-Tips)
Parking is the sneaky wallet-killer. The main structures (A1, A2, B2, C) are currently $30 a day. If you’re going to Orlando for a week, that’s $210 just to let your car sit in the shade.
The Main Street Parking Lot is the local secret. It’s $20 a day, and the shuttle is actually fast—it runs every 15 minutes. Just give yourself an extra 20 minutes of buffer.
Also, keep in mind that SNA has a strict curfew. Flights can't take off after 10:00 PM (11:00 PM on Sundays). If your flight to Orlando gets delayed significantly, they won't just "leave late." They might cancel it or diverted to LAX. Always check your flight status before you leave your house in Irvine or Newport.
What Happens When You Land at MCO?
Orlando International Airport is a beast compared to John Wayne. It’s sprawling. If you’re flying Breeze or Southwest, you’ll likely end up in the older terminals or the shiny new Terminal C (not to be confused with SNA's Terminal C).
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Getting to the Disney area or Universal takes about 25–40 minutes depending on the I-4 traffic, which, honestly, makes the 405 look like a breeze. Rideshares are plentiful, but they have specific pickup zones that require a bit of walking and an elevator ride.
Is the "Breeze" Worth It?
People ask this a lot. The A220 is a quiet, modern plane. It feels less like a flying tin can and more like a high-end tech product. For a 5-hour flight across the country, that extra legroom in their "Nicest" or "Nicer" tiers is a godsend. Plus, you avoid the stress of a missed connection. If the dates work, the nonstop is the superior choice 10 times out of 10.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Breeze schedule first. They only fly specific days (usually Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday). If you can align your vacation with those days, you save hours of travel time.
- Set a Google Flights alert for the "SNA to MCO" route at least 6 weeks out. Prices for Florida routes are notoriously volatile.
- Use the Main Street Lot if you're parking for more than 3 days. Your bank account will thank you.
- Pack for the humidity. No matter what the OC weather feels like when you board, Orlando will feel like a warm wet blanket the second you step off the plane.
Compare the total cost including bags before you hit "buy" on those $57 Spirit tickets. Often, a $150 Southwest ticket is actually cheaper once you factor in two free checked bags.
I can help you break down the specific parking rates for your exact travel dates or look up the current gate assignments for the major carriers at SNA.