Orlando Airport » Misc Cool Stuff

New Parking Lot is Open!

deanwaye — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:01:29 +0000

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Florida Today has an article about the new parking lot at Orlando airport (hey, if I didn’t post this stuff, would you ever find it?).

A new parking lot opened at Orlando International Airport today, giving motorists waiting for arriving passengers a free, short-term parking area that is wireless enabled.

Drivers seeking their passengers for pickup can check e-mails, make phone calls and access the Internet while waiting in a secure parking area, which the airport is calling a “cell phone” parking lot.

Curbside waiting has been prohibited by federal regulations since Sept. 11, 2001.

The new convenience cuts back on airport congestion caused by drivers circling around while waiting to get their arriving passengers. It also saves gas.

The new cell phone lot is next to the Red Satellite Parking lot on South Access Road, and has more than 100 parking spaces available. The driver must remain in the vehicle.

Where are the nearest gas stations?

deanwaye — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:39:29 +0000

Posted Question: Last time I returned a car at Orlando I forgot fill the tank and it costs too much .

Answer: Yeah, I get caught with this fairly often, too, especially on business travel.

Here’s a link to the nearest gas stations for Orlando International. I usually use the one on Hofner (item “F”) on the map.
-Dean

CLEAR Card (aka Verified Identity Pass)

deanwaye — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 11:37:01 +0000

It’s been about 6 months since I got my CLEAR card (www.flyclear.com) and it’s truly the best thing to happen to air trvel since online check-in.

The application process took over a month (I’m an immigrant, so that might have contributed to the delay. An American co-worker got hers a couple of weeks faster).

To apply for the card ($90/year) you have to show two forms of government ID, fill out a form on their computer, provide your fingerprints and have your irises scanned.

Your card, when it arrives, has a smart chip. The chip stores your biometric information, so even if someone else tries to use it, they can’t – they’d need your fingers or eyes.

To check in at the airport (Orlando only right now) you BYPASS THE REGULAR SECURITY LINE and go to the CLEAR line. Actually, I have never seen a line there. I’ve only ever seen one other traveler being verified at the same time as me, and there are two kiosks in the CLEAR area, so I still didn’t have to wait. Afer you’re verified,you cut in the line to the X-ray machine, ahead of the regular passengers who have waited who knows how long.

Longest time to get to an X-ray machine, in my experience: 90 seconds, from walking to the kiosk to loading my bags on the security conveyor.

This thing is the greatest idea ever.

Happy Flying,

-Dean

Useful Tips about Orlando International Airport

deanwaye — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 05:15:43 +0000

For Visitors Only

Here are some tips for when you visit Orlando.

To dial a local number, use all 10 digits, just like in a big city.
The local area codes are 407 (most common) and 321 (newer).
Winter Park, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, and Maitland are nearby.
Disneyworld and Universal Studios = Southwest corner of Orlando.
528, 417, and 408 are toll roads. I-4 is not, but it’s usually slower.
The 528 is called the Beeline Expressway, and goes I-4 – airport.
The 417 is called the Greeneway, and connects to 528 in the south.
The Greenway also connects to Disneyworld, and I-4 in 2 places.
The 408 is usually called the East-West Expressway.
The 408 connects I-4, Downtown, and U. of Central Florida (UCF).
Toll roads usually have higher speed limits.
Try to stay off I-4 between 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM. Trust me on this.
You may need a jacket, but never snow boots.
Orlando is a familiy-friendly destination. There is no casino.