So you’ve bought your flights, booked your hotel, packed your case and are ready to go…
Well, here are some important things you’ll need to know before you arrive in Orlando.
ESTA
Before you leave for America you’ll need to complete something called an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). If you are travelling to the USA and are planning to stay for less than 90 days, you will need an ESTA.
Here is the site where you’ll find more information and will need to use to complete your online application:
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
(This is the official website! Don’t be tricked by other websites claiming to provide ESTAs. This could end up costing you hundreds of pounds or dollars!)
Normally, ESTAs are approved fairly quickly but everyone in your party will need one! ESTAs cost $14 each and when completed you should keep a note or print out your authorisation numbers. We have never needed to show our ESTAs to anyone before, however, if there are any issues with computer systems on the day you travel then it is worthwhile having hard copy of each ESTA in case of emergencies.
Something else to bear in mind is that an ESTA is valid for 2 years, or until your passport runs out (whichever comes first!)
I’ve had people say to me that when they arrive at customs nobody has bothered to ask for their ESTA information…so why do they need to fill one in?
Although the customs officer might not ask for evidence of your ESTA, it is linked to your passport so anyone who scans your passport will be able to see if you have an ESTA or not…basically…don’t risk not getting one! You will most likely not be allowed on the plane without one!
API
You will also have to fill out API (Advanced Passenger Information) details before you fly which include things like the address you will be staying at when you arrive in Orlando. If you book through a travel agent then they will probably direct you to fill this in or may even do it for you! If you booked with an airline directly then you can complete your API under the “Manage My Booking” section of their website. Try to complete you API before you arrive at the airport as it saves a lot of time!
PASSPORTS
Finally, make sure your passport is in date. This seems like a silly thing to remember but you cannot fly to the US unless you have a passport that is in date and is not due to expire within the next 6 months!
AIRPORTS
Orlando has 2 airports: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Sanford (SFA). We usually fly to Orlando International but I’ve heard that people often prefer Sanford because it is smaller and quieter, however, it is further away. It is entirely your personal preference which airport you fly into and this might be dictated to you if you fly with particular airlines. Whichever airport you fly into, I’m sure you will be taken good care of and will still have an amazing holiday!
CUSTOMS
If you’re travelling from the UK to Orlando then you’ve probably been sitting on a plane for about 8-9 hours…it’s tiring and can be VERY stressful with children and if you’ve never experienced customs before then the next stage of your journey can seem overwhelming.
Once your plane lands, you’ll be directed to US Customs. Every person on every international flight coming into the US will have to go through customs and on average, Orlando International airport has planes arriving from all over the world every 5 minutes so you can imagine how busy it gets! To ensure you aren’t stuck at the very back of the queue when you get off the plane I would suggest making sure you go to the toilet before you land!
Orlando International Airport have been making improvements to their Customs hall and this year, there were no restrooms available until you had been through customs and were in the baggage hall…this can be a nightmare, especially if you have children with you – so be prepared!
At this point, I know you are tired and just want to get to your hotel/villa but you just have to be patient. The Customs officers are there to do a job and will try to get you through quickly and efficiently.
Simply Orlando 