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First Flight out of SFB – Better than Expected!

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has been my home-base airport for the past twenty years. But did you know that Orlando also has a second airport? Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is about 50 miles from Disney World, about double the distance from MCO. Though great for me, SFB is only 10 miles from my house, compared to 30 miles to MCO. It offers close proximity to the Lake Mary, Longwood and Altamonte Springs areas.

I flew out of SFB for the very first time last night. A business trip to Reykjavik had me searching Delta and Continental, though with 3 to 4 connections and very high fares, a direct flight to Reykjavik out of Sanford’s airport was a quarter of the price in a quarter of the hours! Granted, getting no miles towards my Diamond or 1K status may have me regretting this flight later in the year, but its practicality won me over for this trip.

SFB has two terminals, with about four airlines flying out of each. It’s an airport that if you blink, you may miss it. However, I was surprisingly very impressed with the airport.

a sign from a ceiling

Security was a breeze with only one other passenger going through the line with me. The airport is larger than it looks from the outside, with a huge seating area near the international gates, restaurants, Duty Free and other stores, and free wi-fi. Though what surprised me the most was the lounge for international travelers.

a sign on the wall of a building

The Royal Palm Lounge is available to business class international travelers and those with Priority Pass. Day passes and arrangements with tour providers for access are also available. This lounge offers a bar area (2 free drinks of beer or wine included), a children’s play area and a Sony Playstation area. There is a separate behind-glass doors smoking area, which is very rare to see within a lounge. You can also order food from a nearby restaurant and the lounge attendant will deliver the food directly to you. Nice to be able to eat a full meal instead of just living on lounge snacks.

a close-up of a menu

There is a bar/eating area, a big-screen tv room, as well as a good-sized comfy sofa and chair area.

a room with tables and chairs

a room with chairs and a table

Now that I am impressed with the airport, its lounge and the close proximity to my house, I’d love to see a few flights by Delta or Continental come into SFB. Can’t hurt to hope!

To receive a free copy of our ebook, 70 Secrets to Safe Travel — Because Your Life Can Change in a Heartbeat, and for more travel savvy info to help you travel smarter, safer and with more enjoyment, visit SmartWomenTravelers.com and PearlsofTravelWisdom.com. Watch for my new book, Business Travel Success – How to Reduce Stress, Be More Productive and Travel with Confidence, being published by Morgan James in early 2012.

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4 Comments

  1. Since discounter Allegiant Air has a quasi-hub here, I don’t see the attraction of many of the legacy carriers to Sanford anytime soon. But one can hope. 🙂

  2. We appreciate your comments and details of your positive experience through Orlando Sanford (SFB). Keep in mind that while we are a little further to the Disney area than MCO, our passengers can actually get to Disney quicker due to our speed of processing with a simple intuitive layout and short walking distances.

    Remember, we are SFB: Simpler. Faster. Better.

  3. Carol, thanks for highlighting SFB. As many times as I have been to Orlando, I didn’t know there was another airport close by. I prefer the smaller airports, since they so much easier to get in and out of. Thanks again.

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