Links marked * may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. We do not provide financial advice. How we make money.

Verdict

Orlando International Airport (MCO) scores higher overall at 7.3/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.

Score comparison

Metric Orlando International Airport East Midlands Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.3 6.7
On-Time Performance 7.0 6.5
Passenger Experience 7.2 6.6
Facilities & Comfort 7.8 6.9
Lounge Score 7.4 6.4
City Orlando Derby
Country United States United Kingdom
Terminals Main terminal + 4 airside concourses (A–E) 1 terminal
Annual passengers 57M+ 4M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy MCO — Orlando EMA — East
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Orlando, United States · MCO · #1 in this comparison

Orlando International Airport

Main terminal + 4 airside concourses (A–E) · 57M+ passengers/year

7.3 / 10

How good is Orlando International Airport?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) scores 7.3/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.0), passenger experience (7.2), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 7.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Orlando MCO scores 7.3/10 — Florida theme-park gateway. Virgin Atlantic from LGW/MAN. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-florida and /guides/orlando-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.3 Very Good
On-time 7.0 Departure reliability
Experience 7.2 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.0
Passenger Experience
7.2
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 7.4/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK gateway to Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida theme parks
  • Virgin Atlantic and BA direct from LGW/MAN; TUI package flights seasonal
  • The Club at MCO and Delta Sky Club — Priority Pass at Plaza Premium
  • Compare Miami (/airports/mia) for Miami Beach and Caribbean cruise connections

Overview

Florida theme-park gateway — Virgin Atlantic, BA, and Norwegian direct from UK plus dense domestic connections for Disney, Universal, and Gulf Coast holidays.

UK family holiday routing

Virgin Atlantic and BA offer direct UK–MCO; TUI and Jet2 package charters seasonal from regional UK.

Allow 90+ min for immigration and baggage at peak UK arrival banks (school holidays).

Derby, United Kingdom · EMA · #2 in this comparison

East Midlands Airport

1 terminal · 4M+ passengers/year

6.7 / 10

How good is East Midlands Airport?

East Midlands Airport (EMA) scores 6.7/10 (Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.5), passenger experience (6.6), and facilities (6.9). Lounge quality rates 6.4/10. See full airport guide →

In short

East Midlands EMA scores 6.7/10 — Nottingham/Derby/Leicester gateway. Ryanair and Jet2 hub. Aspire Lounge for Priority Pass. Bus and rail via East Midlands Parkway. UK261 applies.

FlightLogic Score 6.7 Good
On-time 6.5 Departure reliability
Experience 6.6 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 6.9 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 6.4 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
6.5
Passenger Experience
6.6
Facilities & Comfort
6.9
Lounge score 6.4/10

Highlights

  • Serves Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Lincolnshire without Birmingham or East Coast rail positioning
  • Ryanair and Jet2 base — dense Europe and Mediterranean leisure network
  • Aspire Lounge accepts Priority Pass — limited hours; pre-book recommended
  • UK261 on all UK departures; compare /airports/birmingham for Emirates long-haul

Overview

Midlands cargo and leisure airport between Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester — Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI with strong DHL freight operations.

Midlands positioning

EMA sits between the M1 and A50 with bus links to Nottingham and Derby. East Midlands Parkway rail station is a short bus ride — useful for London St Pancras connections via LNER.

For long-haul, Birmingham (7.2/10) offers daily Emirates to Dubai; EMA is short-haul focused.

More comparisons

Compare Orlando International Airport (MCO) against 59 other airports
Compare East Midlands Airport (EMA) against 59 other airports

FAQ

Which is better, Orlando International Airport or East Midlands Airport?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) scores higher overall at 7.3/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.

Which has better lounges, MCO or EMA?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) scores higher for lounges at 7.4/10, versus East Midlands Airport at 6.4/10.

Which airport is more on-time, MCO or EMA?

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.0/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.5/10.