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Orlando Sanford Airport Passenger Reviews and Traveller Reports
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ORLANDO SANFORD AIRPORT customer review : 18 January 2013 by Murat Nal (UK) |
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Rating : 10/10 |  |
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Recommended |  |
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We chose to fly into Sanford for its close proximity to Daytona Beach and flew with Icelandair . Arrival in the
evening was stress free, luggage arrived quickly, cleared customs and rented a car and cleared the airport all
within half hour. Departing the airport, we parked the rental in the car park 10 metres away from the
departure terminal, handed the keys over to the renter checked in cleared customs all in 15 minutes. I have
to agree with the previous poster in how friendly everybody was. Icelandair was the only international flight
out so the lounge was not crowded. Royal palms lounge was a huge disappointment as it does not meet
international standards for the business traveller. One coffee pot, kettle for hot water , chips (crisps), pre-
wrapped biscuits and cookies. No hot or cold food. If you want food they can order it for you from the outside
caterers for which you have to pay.
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ORLANDO SANFORD AIRPORT customer review : 2 May 2012 by Mark Luddington (UK) |
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Rating : 10/10 | |
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Recommended | |
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Arrived from Manchester on Friday 20th April and was one of 5 arriving flights so there was a lengthy queue
for immigration but once through baggage was waiting, on arriving at the airport for return flight, checked in
within minutes and the only wait was for the security check point prior to going to departures. Once through
there is a food court, duty free, bar/restaurant and also the Royal Palms Lounge which is a haven from the
main departure lounge. The thing that strikes me about this airport is that everybody is so friendly and the
whole airport is clean and tidy - what a difference compared to Orlando International.
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ORLANDO SANFORD AIRPORT customer review : 11 September 2011 by I Galloway (USA)
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Customer Rating : 5/5 |
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Sanford is a joy to fly in and out of. Generally flights are spaced out, parking is easy, rental cars are easy.
As others have said, it's clean and friendly. I use this airport 4-6 times per year, and have never had any negative
experiences. I've travelled alone and with the family - kids were treated nicely by security.
ORLANDO SANFORD AIRPORT customer review : 15 May 2011 by Nigel Gear (UK)
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Customer Rating : 5/5 |
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So much quicker and easier than MCO - this should be the airport of choice for anyone visiting
Florida from the UK. Great service and really quick. Generally driving down within an hour of
landing. Plenty of car hire desks. Signage on leaving the airport could be a little clearer
though - fine when you get used to it but not clear first time.
ORLANDO SANFORD AIRPORT review : 26 March 2009 by Ben Hopkins
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Customer Rating : 5/5 | |
Try the Sanford Airport early check in service on your day of departure. You can get the best
seats since they open before the airport does. You will get your boarding passes and have you
luggage tagged and collected and it will be waiting for you when you arrive home at the
airport. The "Virtual Airport" is located at the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores on Hwy. 535
near Disney. You won't have to arrive at the airport but one hour before your flight and you
can go straight to your departure gate.
ORLANDO SANFORD AIRPORT review : 29 August 2008 : by Jon McGee
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Customer Rating : 5/5 | |
Arrived at Sanford, en-route to Kissimmee for a two week vacation. As this was our first visit to
the US since 9/11, I was a little apprehensive about possible protracted security procedures. In
fact the arrival procedure at Sanford was swift, with more immigration staff available than I've
seen in the main UK airports. In addition, the staff were extremely courteous and helpful. They
seemed genuinely interested in the visitors to their country and without exception, all wished us a
pleasant stay. The departure experience was just as good and it was pleasing to see that Sanford
actually had more seats available in the departures/duty free area than passengers to sit on them.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by G Viles
28 May 2008 Customer Rating : 
We were first off the plane and through Immigration in 10 minutes. Within an hour of landing we were
driving out of the airport in our hired car. On return we used a check in in Orlando which cost $12
each but was great as we arrived at the airport and went straight through.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Anna Conner
4 March 2008 Customer Rating : 
We started coming through here because of the direct flight from Glasgow and we thought the
immigration officials were very friendly until this time! Because we own a home and stay for
anything up to 4 months at a time and this time we were interrogated for 20 mins by a very
confrontational official who didn't or couldn't answer our questions. The whole problem is that no
government official can tell us when the year begins and ends to allow us to stay 180 days. It's
time the American government clarified this. We contribute towards the economy and pay taxes big
time.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Thomas Hannon
12 February 2008 Customer Rating : 
Sanford airport is near the city of Orlando - small and easy to get around with plenty of choice,
numerous car hire firms. One bad point is the queues at immigration please - we were waiting over an
hour at immigration. Once you get through it was wonderful - collected bags and car hire and started
our holiday.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by G Mondair
30 March 2007 Customer Rating : n/a
Just returned from Sanford. Tiny airport but fit for purpose. On
arrival, immigration queue long, as expected, held up mainly by
incorrectly filled forms. We got the moody immigration officer, but
actually was quite nice and family of four done and sorted in about 3
mins. Landed, collected bag, immigration, sorted car and driving out
within an hour which I thought was good. Returning - small check in
queue since we were early, but each check in procedure took ages.
Facilities were ok with plenty to do. Overall, small airport with many
benefits and not many drawbacks. Flew Thomson and both arrival and
departures on time and no probs.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by S Hampton
3 December 2006
Came back last week from Sanford. I'd not travelled through there for
about 3-4 years so noticed a few upgrades to the place. On arrival got
though customs in about 30 minutes as our plane & another arrived almost
at the same time. On returning as I was with a family member who lives
out there I was very disapointed that no improvements to facilities
before going through security & the departure lounge. We got though
check in pretty quickly so that I still had over 2 hours before my plane
took off. Unfortunately there are no shops to look round & just one
place to get a cup of coffee & sandwich. The service here is
unbelievably slow as this is situated in Terminal b & the girl serving
says that she has to go up to Terminal A to fetch our coffee (notice to
the coffee shop owner -buy a coffee maker or kettle!) which takes about
10-15 minutes. Once through security & into departure lounge then there
are a few shops which from my experience were poorly stocked &
overpriced. I'd use Sanford again though as its not a bad little
airport. The staff I've always found friendly & polite & its useful for
getting cheap flights to as most of the charter airlines fly there.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Karin Fraser
9 November 2006
Travelled through Sanford Airport on arrival and departure last week and
was quite impressed. Having to go through Orlando International is
enough to make me not want to visit my parents in Florida, so was
pleasantly surprised by Sanford. As I'm an American citizen living in
the U.K. and travelling on a U.S. passport, I didn't experience the long
delays that some of the other passengers apparently do. I found the
staff, without exception, to be friendly and efficient - not rude like
in some of the other airports (Orlando International and Detroit spring
to mind). I will definitely use Sanford again. The most stress-free trip
I've had in ages.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by S Cuthill
7 October 2006
Used Sanford 4 times, never a problem staff are courteous and are happy
to help. Immigration never been a queue to talk of longest wait about 25
mins (would be a lot shorter if people would watch info video on flight
and fill out required forms correctly). Never picked up a car would
recommend you use a Towncar service who will offer a meet and greet
service at arrivals. As for MCO used this year for first time in 11
years - has that place gone downhill! Queues everywhere, security slow,
rude. Will use SFB every time.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Simon Berry
30 September 2006
Speed of Immigration procedures is the main benefit of Sanford. We got
through in half the time it has taken us at other US airports. We saw
rather too much of the departure lounge due to a broken 747 and whilst
we were killing about 15 hours there on two successive days made the
following observations. Very little to do in departures, terrible
choice of overpriced, ghastly food & beverages, precious few shops.
Virtually every airline using Sanford seemed to be seriously delayed for
a variety of reasons none of which was the weather in Florida, our Excel
flight to Gatwick was 25 hours late due to a broken rudder. Some of the
people working in the airport are very professional, efficient and
polite. The majority are ignorant morons who delight in exercising
whatever pathetic authority they have as brusquely as possible. If
using Sanford you might do well to book one of the executive lounges in
advance (which costs less than the $25 on-site) because you might be
seeing more of the airport than you think.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Bob Turner
22 September 2006
Arrived SFB September 4,2006. Speedy immigration procedures unlike busy
US hubs, luggage swiftly delivered,no lines at Car Hire, and on our way
in no time. However, returning to SFB on our return, food court is
expensive, and hot food is cold by the time one has stood in line to pay
for it. Bar is woefully understaffed, and very, very smokey.
Fortunately, our flight got away on time, but I would not like to spend
any time here due to long delays.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Joanne Urmston
8 September 2006
Manchester to Sanford and back. The arrival was fine and security staff
were efficient and polite. However the return was not so pleasant. The
food court is basic and overpriced - even by airport standards - and the
staff in both the duty free shop and the newspaper shop were rude and
unhelpful. The assistant in the newspaper shop was the rudest shop
assistant I have ever had the misfortune to come across. I bought just
over $20 worth of goods and gave her a $100 bill as payment (the only
note I had left), she looked at it, swore loudly in front of my 2
children and then turned to her colleague to show her the note and
comment loudly "who does she think we are - the Bank of Sanford" she
then slammed my change onto the counter without looking at me or saying
another word! I have to say that we had a wonderful holiday and almost
all of the American people we met were lovely but our treatment by the
staff at this airport did sour the last day of our holiday. Just a final
comment - the PA system is still so quiet as to be almost inaudible
despite comments on this site over one year ago about this problem.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Arthur Baxter
26 August 2006
Travelled through this airport 4 times in the past 2 weeks. Arrival from
Glasgow saw us outside within 30 minutes, the only flight arrival at
that time. Then travelled on an internal flight to Worcester MA, all
with no problems. The departure to the UK delayed, following the
security alert. Departure lounge was busy with at least 4 flights
waiting for delayed aircraft but not uncomfortable. Security checks
through but comparatively quick for both departures. Looking at the
international arrival area I can guess it gets cramped at times
especially when 4 incoming UK flights arrive within 10 minutes as
happened on 19th August.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Peter Snow
18 July 2006
Arrival at Sanford was great, immigration and baggage collection went
quicker than I am use to. Now for the down fall, the return journey,
checked in at Sanford just fine, but then asked where we could get
something to eat before going through to departures only to be told
there was nothing until your in the departure hall. Once in the
departure hall all we found there was this tiny food court selling
sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and chicken curry. We settled for burger,
fries and a soft drink each, and were expecting to pay between $10 and
$15 for the food, but when the cashier asked for almost $33 we were a
little dumb struck. As for the rest of the departure hall, if your not
in to buying duty-free or over priced newspapers there is not a lot else
to do. So as a word of warning to any future traveler, If you have to
travel through Sanford-Orlando Airport then take your own food and drink
in with you but if you can, use Orlando International Airport and avoid
Sanford-Orlando all together, you will have a better experience.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Joe Adams
26 June 2006
Arrived Sanford from Glasgow, progress through immigration was as
expected; thorough but efficient. Baggage reclaim was a bit slow but no
worse than that encountered at Glasgow International on return journey.
Car hire pickup was a dream; was in Dollar hired car and on the road
within 15" of receiving luggage. On return Check In was quick &
efficient, screening was thorough but quick, departure lounge was
perfectly adequate. A great wee airport. 9 out of 10.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Colin Arnold
25 May 2006
Pleasantly surprised by this airport. Inbound, we were through
immigration and the car hire process within 45 mins of disembarking - it
helped that we were one of the first pax off our flight, which was the
only one in at the time. Immigration and Customs staff were fine - not
pleasant, but not unpleasant! Road links to the tourist areas are good,
but check your map first to avoid taking a wrong turn! On the return
leg, the $3 dollar charge for a luggage trolley to transport your cases
from the car hire drop off to the terminal (about 200ft) is a bit
tacky. Priority check-in was good, with polite staff. The departure
lounge is OK, with a reasonably stocked duty free shop. Didnt use the
food outlets, but they didnt look horrendously expensive. The one
really stupid aspect of this airport is that all the gates appear to be
in one corner of the departure lounge, so there is a scrum the moment
that a flight is announced - if your row is called first, you basically
have to walk to the front of the amassed crowd, which makes it look as
though you are queue-jumping. They do have TV monitors asking people to
remain seated until called, but nobody seems to take heed. The PA
system doesn't help, as most people hear "blah blah blah flight number
blah blah blah" and immediately jump up. Other than this, a good
experience and would use again.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Linda Goslee
2 April 2006
Every one has there luggage screened on the way out of Orlando Int'l
airport and we are US citizens. Lighters are banned on carry on as well
as other items - no big deal. I lost a pair of expensive needlework
scissors once by not remembering they were in my needlework bag -
goodbye scissors or fill out a form. We have not used Sanford airport -
I did get concerned with one of the former comments and wished to let
them know that life is like that now in and out of the US. No one likes
it, but we have to deal with it. Hopefully, they will encounter some
pleasant US citizens - there are many of us out there. And we do love
living in Florida! But love to travel!
Orlando Sanford Airport review by John Charlton
23 November 2005
Passed through Sanford 11/19 November with ten people in our party. I
was very impressed with the service we got, and by the layout of the
airport and car rental etc. Much easier and better located than Orlando
International.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Lasse Skou
21 October 2005
I am a check in agent at Sanford and I am glad to hear some positive
feedback from passengers. Orlando Sanford International started to
receive a lot of international charters in 1996, with close to 614,000
passengers during this year. Today we handle around 1 million
international passengers and close to 800,000 domestic passengers a
year. That is a lot for such a little airport, especially are the
international numbers, since we mainly have passengers from March
through October only. On most airports in the US, the airlines have to
pay a penalty if the aircraft arrive early or late based on the
scheduled slot time they hve been given. Our airport does not charge for
that. As the slots have been prepared so that everything will run pretty
smooth, problems occur as the aircraft diviate from their slots. When
suddenly 6-8 aircrafts arrive at their gates within 30 min, things takes
time to process. It may take you up to 45 min to 1 hours sometimes to
be checked in. Again, congestion happens due to late/early busses. It
can within 15 minutes arrive 6 busses or 360 passengers, and check in
time increases. One airline offer check in at a facility in
Orlando/Kissimmee, opening 7am 'til 1230pm for a small fee. Then you can
arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure. This airport is a
good option for an airline to use, since it offers low rates for landing
and ground handling. These days airline-industry is very competitive and
with high gasoline prices, still offer UK passengers fares to Florida
starting at 200-300 US dollars, which often also includes a rental car.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Chris Moss
9 October 2005
Perhaps it just depends on when you go. We were there at the beginning
of September this year, and there were no problems at all. One hour
after we landed we were in the hire car (Alamo). No problems coming
back either. We'll use Sanford again.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Neil Bilsborough
9 October 2005
We have just used Sanford airport for the first time and have read the
previous comments. Maybe we were lucky but we only had to queue for
about 20 minutes at immigration and were through and on the road having
picked up our car within an hour of landing. Having travelled through
virtually every US airport on business Sanford is a dream compared to
others- eg JFK, Miami, Los Angeles and Orlando International on a busy
day! On our return we checked in very quickly and used the Clubhouse-
book this in the UK it is only £9 per adult. The only let down is the PA
system is poor. Overall a good option- remember it is the US you are
flying into- you must expect delays at immigration now- thumbs up to
Sanford- would use them again!
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Paul Newton
17 August 2005
Our experiences of this airport are mostly favourable. Reasonable wait times through
immigration, quick and easy car hire collection and return, and basic but just about
adequate shopping and dining facilities. We took advantage of the Guest House facility
because of a prolonged wait for our flight and this was an excellent move. Good
facilities, comfortable, and reasonably priced at $20 adult $15 child considering the
free drinks included. One major failing however is that there is no tannoy facility
within and we almost missed a major announcement about our flight. Air conditioning
inside the airport was cranked up a little too much for our personal comfort too, so
take a pullover. All in all Orlando International is a better bet.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Simon Harvey
17 August 2005
After reading these comments we were prepared for the worst at Sanford Airport
Immigration. In the event, the immigration staff were courteous without being over-
friendly and we got from the arrivals gate into our hire car (Dollar) in less than an
hour.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by David Astbury
25 July 2005
Flying into SFB is a dream come true compared with MCO. I travel with my elderly
father as we have a home in Florida and I couldn't find the airport staff more
helpful, even asking if my father would like to be taken to immigration by
wheelchair! The immigration hall is air-conditioned, everywhere in Florida is air-
conditioned, it has to be! The reason why it feels like its not air-conditioned is
because when 5 uk jets land at once, the body heat of nearly 2000 people overrides
the cool air. Immigration is easy ,even with the new restrictions, the baggage was on
the belt as we approached and car hire was across the road at Dollar, who were
absolutely great . We were in our car within 30 minutes of deplaning. No complaints
whatsoever. The return experience was the same, check-in a breeze, through security,
up to the departure lounge, duty free, board plane. Congratulations SFB!
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Elizabeth Knox
19 July 2005
A week before leaving flight times were changed to ease congestion, what a joke!
Queues were totally unacceptable, after a 9 hr flight, the last thing my family needed
was a further 2.5 hrs in the airport to get through immigration and collect our
luggage - a disgrace. It was total chaos, flights from Glasgow, Ireland and Manchester
all arrived together - baggage was 4 bags on the belt every 30 mins! The hire car
queues were outrageous, luckily we were about 10th and had pre booked - others had a
2hr wait! On return home it took 1.5 hrs to check in - the flight wouldn't have taken
off on time, if they hadn't eventually drafted in more staff to get everyone done -
basically we had 15 mins before boarding! Duty free and shops very disappointing -
just as well it wasn't delayed! Three years ago we flew from Manchester to
International no problems, but as we live in Glasgow we decided to fly direct this
time and we didn't have a choice of airport. We will return to Orlando in a few years
but will definitely not use Sanford, unless there is vast improvements!
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Jacqueline Smith
13 July 2005
Considering this is a major airport for UK tourists it is absolutely appaling.
Queued 2 hours to get through immigration and then had to wait for the luggage!
Check in staff on return were slow and rude and this was in the Premiair Gold check
in, took over I hour to check in 3 parties. When we eventually checked in the duty
free was closed! Cost $9 for 2 bottles of water! Would rather pay extra and travel
schedule to Orlando International.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Andrew Needs
29 June 2005
We arrived at Sanford around 5.00pm having suffered a four hour delay from CWL. When we landed we
were forced to sit on the aircraft as there was no room in the terminal for us. Eventually we were
allowed off the aircraft and herded into the terminal. We were queuing down the corridors and only
being allowed through about ten at a time. When we got to the immigration hall there was the biggest
queue I have ever seen. It took over two hours to clear immigration in a non air conditioned
building.. people were having to leave the queue to lie on the floor, it was sweltering. Even after
we got through immigration after two hours.. the luggage had not been unloaded and that was almost
another hour. Unbelievable. I appreciate that there were five big jets from the UK arrived almost
together but this airport just cannot cope. On the return journey they confiscated my pipe lighter
and I was told that there would be safety matches available in the terminal but there were none to
be found. The bartender would offer his lighter if you bought a drink!! I was gobsmacked. two
glasses of beer : $15.00. One small hotdog and a burger with fries: $9.00 This airport is the epitomy of
avoidance.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by David Stacey
29 May 2005
There is effectively only 1 gate and everyone waits to go through the one gate exit as each plane
row is called. The tannoy is almost inaudable so you get a rush of people heading to the gate as
soon as there is any mention of their flight - so forget priority boarding, it just
doesn't happen
at this airport. $3 charge for 20yard trolley use, poor facilities, not even air-conditioned!!!!
Basically a local airport trying to be an international airport - avoid!
Orlando Sanford Airport review by T Readman
11 April 2005
Took us over 90 minutes to get through immigration and all the security checks at the beginning of
March. Staff were extremely unhelpful and verging on rude. We were travelling with 22 month old
twins, I'm pregnant and we had a lot of luggage. Ok, this wasn't the airport's fault but the staff
didn't even help my husband when half the luggage fell off the trolley. They just stood and watched.
This was our first experience of USA in 7 years and my husband was ready to return to UK before we
even left the airport! Considering the number of tourists who must use this airport we were amazed
they weren't friendlier. At the car hire desk they were great and from then on we had fantastic
service throughout our holiday and everyone else we met was friendly. However, the first impression
was awful.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by John Cole
28 January 2005
The Shuttle Service is a joke at Sanford, I waited over 1 1/2 hours for a van and it took us 2 hours
to get to our hotel as well. First they offered me a Taxi rate, then proceeded to place other
people in our vehicle as well. No way I told them! I'll book a reservation with a limousine
service next time! I guess you do get what you pay for.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Bill Nankivell
8 September 2004
Been through Sanford a couple of years ago from/to UK from holiday.
Outward - very good (but why are customs so long faced).
Homeward - What was really annoying was that you parked your car at one end near the car rentals
(got out and handed the keys over), had to pay for a luggage trolley to go all the way to other end
of the terminal to check in, then had to track back for your gate (basically where you started
from). Not great with children. Do they still make passengers do this ?
Orlando Sanford Airport review by D Maws
7 September 2004
When you consider that Florida relies heavily on British tourists, Why is Sanford so lacking in
facilities. No Restaurants, Duty Free the size of a corner shop and 30 to 50% dearer than a 7-11.
Come on Sanford get your act together.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Jeff Davison
5 August 2004
Sanford is a very nice little airport. It's got one of the shortest time from getting off the plane to getting out the door of any airport
I've used, car hire etc. is literally across the road from the main terminal building.
There's a new expansion with restaurants etc. and there's also a private (for a small charge
$15)lounge with free juice & coffee, 2 free alcoholic drinks, a TV area, internet area and a quiet
reading room. Shuttles take 1.5 to 2 hours to get to Kissimmee but the airports nearly 40miles from there!.
Visiting Florida and not hiring a car is very limiting, just make sure you book and pay for it in
the UK before you go as US insurance charges are excessive.
Orlando Sanford Airport review by Mark Rodes
14 June 2004
Shuttles are very poor 1 hour to get on and 2 hours to get to our hotel is a
joke ! next time we fly
in there we will rent a car or take a Taxi !
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