Honestly, if you're looking at flights into Orlando today, you probably just want to know if you're going to be stuck on a tarmac or if you'll actually make your dinner reservation at Disney Springs. It has been a weird day at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
A United Airlines flight—specifically Flight 2323 coming in from Chicago O’Hare—had a pretty rough landing earlier this afternoon. We’re talking about a nose wheel actually separating from the aircraft. Thankfully, nobody was hurt, but it triggered a ground stop that threw the whole afternoon schedule into a blender. When a runway gets shut down for a "disabled aircraft," the ripple effect hits everything from JetBlue arrivals to Southwest puddle-jumpers.
Why flights into Orlando today are seeing weird gaps
The FAA has been reporting gate holds and taxi delays because of that disabled aircraft. If you're tracking a flight right now, you might notice "airborne delays" of about 15 minutes, but the real headache is on the ground. When one of the big runways goes out of commission, the remaining ones have to handle all the traffic. It’s like a four-lane highway narrowing down to one during rush hour.
Most people think "weather" is the only reason for a delay. Today proved that wrong. Sometimes it's just a mechanical fluke that messes up the flow for everyone else.
By the way, if you're coming in from the Northeast, you might have seen some "winter weather" fee waivers pop up on your airline app. JetBlue and Delta were already bracing for a messy Sunday up north. So, even if the sun is shining in Central Florida, your plane might be stuck under a de-icing rig in Boston or New York.
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The MCO parking nightmare nobody tells you about
Let’s talk about something most travel blogs skip. Parking. If you are flying into Orlando today to pick someone up, or if you're a local returning home, the garages are basically a competitive sport right now.
MCO is in the middle of this massive Gate Link Replacement project. It’s supposed to make things "state-of-the-art" eventually, but right now, it just means construction walls near Gates 100-129. If you usually fly Southwest or Avelo, you’ve probably noticed the extra walking.
- Reserved Parking: It’s $32 a day now. If you didn't book it on the MCO app, don't count on finding a spot in Garage C easily.
- The Surface Lots: They added about 2,000 spaces near the train station, but they fill up fast during these mid-January spikes.
- Cell Phone Lots: Honestly, just wait there. Do not circle the arrivals loop. The airport police are being extra strict today because of the congestion from the flight delays.
New routes you might have missed
It's not all bad news and broken wheels. January 2026 has actually been a huge month for new service. Just a couple of days ago, Allegiant started a brand-new route from Appleton, Wisconsin. If you're on that flight, welcome to the humidity.
Frontier also just resumed a bunch of service from Nashville. We're seeing this massive shift where MCO isn't just a "Disney airport" anymore; it’s becoming a legitimate international hub. There are even whispers about more direct flights to Tokyo coming later this winter. That's a game-changer for Central Florida.
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How to actually handle the MCO chaos
If your flight is one of the many showing a "delayed" status on the board right now, don't just sit by the gate. Terminal C is actually pretty nice if you can get over there. It’s got better food and way more "chill" energy than the older A and B sides.
The biggest mistake people make with flights into Orlando today is trusting the big overhead boards more than their airline's app. The app usually updates 5 to 10 minutes faster. In an airport that moves 60 million people a year, 10 minutes is the difference between getting the last seat on a rebooked flight and sleeping on a terminal carpet.
The "Three-One" Rule for Orlando
Airport officials are currently pushing a "3-2-1" strategy. Arrive 3 hours early. Be at the security line 2 hours before. Be at the gate 1 hour before.
It sounds overkill. It feels like a lot. But with the current staffing levels and the "Operation Tidal Wave" stuff you might be seeing in the local news, security lines are unpredictable. If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, you’re usually fine, but the standard lines have been stretching back toward the Hyatt lobby today.
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Real-world advice for your arrival
Once you land, the baggage claim at MCO is notorious. If you're in Terminal A or B, expect a 20-minute wait even on a "good" day. Today is not a good day.
If you are using a ride-share like Uber or Lyft, remember that they have specific pickup spots. Don't just walk out the first door you see. You’ll end up walking half a mile in the wrong direction. Follow the "App-Based Rides" signs religiously.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers Today:
- Check the Tail Number: Use a site like FlightAware to see where your actual physical plane is coming from. If it’s stuck in a ground stop elsewhere, your "on-time" status is a lie.
- Download the MCO App: Seriously. It has a real-time map of the parking garages that is more accurate than the roadside signs.
- Monitor the United Incident: Since Flight 2323 caused the ground stop, keep an eye on Runway 18L/36R status. If it stays closed for investigation, evening departures will be pushed back significantly.
- Avoid Terminal A/B Rental Cars if possible: If your rental is in Terminal C, it’s usually much faster. The lines in the main terminal have been "theme park length" lately.
- Check the Weather Northbound: If you are connecting through Orlando to go back to the Northeast, watch the 6:00 PM weather reports. Several carriers are already issuing proactive cancellations for tonight.