{
  "response": {
    "Key": "MCO-RDU",
    "orig": {
      "code": "MCO",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "Orlando",
      "fullCity": "Orlando, Florida",
      "airport": "Orlando Intl Airport"
    },
    "dest": {
      "code": "RDU",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "Raleigh",
      "fullCity": "Raleigh, North Carolina",
      "airport": "Raleigh Durham Intl Airport"
    },
    "faq": {
      "q0": {
        "question": "What is the typical flight duration from Orlando to Raleigh?",
        "answer": "A nonstop flight from Orlando (MCO) to Raleigh-Durham (RDU) typically takes about 1 hour 35 to 45 minutes. With one stop, common layover cities like Atlanta or Charlotte usually extend total travel time to around 3 to 5 hours. The return flight from Raleigh to Orlando is generally similar in duration."
      },
      "q1": {
        "question": "Are there any direct flights from Orlando to Raleigh?",
        "answer": "Southwest, Delta, Frontier, and Delta Connection (operated by Republic) all fly nonstop from Orlando to Raleigh, with a combined 153 weekly flights — every carrier operates daily. Southwest runs the most frequencies, up to 67 a week, while Frontier is the low-fare leader with median fares around $197.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines"
        ]
      },
      "q3": {
        "question": "What are the ground transportation options in Raleigh?",
        "answer": "At Raleigh-Durham International Airport, ground transportation includes taxis, rideshare services, rental cars, public buses, and private shuttles. Taxis and rideshare pickups are available at designated zones outside each terminal, with rideshare being the most commonly used option for direct trips. GoTriangle bus route 100 provides affordable public transit to the Regional Transit Center, connecting to the wider Triangle area. Rental cars are available on-site from multiple companies, and private shuttles or limousines can be prearranged. Rideshare is typically the fastest and most popular choice for reaching downtown Raleigh or Durham.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://rdu.com/ground-transportation",
            "title": "Ground Transportation - Raleigh-Durham International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-02-25T20:46:41Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.rdu.com/ground-transportation/taxis/",
            "title": "Taxis - Raleigh-Durham International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-02-25T20:46:04Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raleigh%E2%80%93Durham%20International%20Airport",
            "title": "Raleigh–Durham International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-26T04:10:45Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raleigh-Durham_International_Airport",
            "title": "Raleigh–Durham International Airport - Wikipedia",
            "time_published": "2003-07-14T02:56:33Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-seeks-public-input-runway-project-proposal-raleigh-durham-airport",
            "title": "FAA Seeks Public Input on Runway Project Proposal at Raleigh-Durham Airport",
            "time_published": "2023-02-02T00:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q4": {
        "question": "When is the cheapest time to fly from Orlando to Raleigh?",
        "answer": "The cheapest months to fly from Orlando to Raleigh are October and August, with average fares around $113 and $131 respectively. The most expensive months are May and March, where average fares reach about $176 and $173.",
        "methodology": "This 'good deal' estimate shows a representative best price for each departure date across roughly a 12-month window (about 3 months back and 9 months forward). It is built from real flight prices found by Priceline users searching this route, accumulated into a price history for each departure date. Rather than weighting all of that history equally, we apply exponential time decay so recent prices dominate — a price seen yesterday counts almost in full, one from about a month ago roughly a third, and prices from a few months back very little — giving a figure that tracks today's market instead of a stale long-run average. Clear price outliers are removed before any calculation, departure dates with no observations are filled in from nearby dates, and the resulting curve is lightly smoothed so it reads as a clean seasonal trend rather than day-to-day noise.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "seasonal_prices"
        ]
      },
      "q5": {
        "question": "How far in advance should I book tickets from Orlando to Raleigh?",
        "answer": "For flights from Orlando to Raleigh, the best fares are typically found when booking 2 to 5 weeks ahead, with an average price around $88. The absolute cheapest single day to book is 90 days out at $82, though prices rise sharply if you book too far in advance or at the last minute. For summer and holiday travel, demand often pushes the ideal window a bit earlier — aiming for 4 to 8 weeks out can help avoid peak pricing.",
        "methodology": "This booking-window guidance is built from the same real flight prices found by Priceline users searching this route, re-grouped by how many days before departure each price was seen (from the departure day out to about 180 days ahead) across the route's price history. At each booking lead time we report the 25th-percentile price — the cheaper end of what travelers were quoted, rather than the rock-bottom minimum (which can be a fluke) or the average (which is pulled up by expensive last-minute fares). The buy-or-wait advice then applies a risk premium that grows as departure approaches, since seat availability shrinks and prices become less predictable; using that adjusted curve we flag windows where waiting is likely to save a meaningful amount (at least $20 or 5%) versus windows where booking now is the better call. Isolated single-day recommendations are filtered out, so the advice only reflects a window that holds for several days in a row.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "booking_timing"
        ]
      },
      "q6": {
        "question": "Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from Orlando to Raleigh?",
        "answer": "Yes, overnight red-eye flights are available nonstop from Orlando (MCO) to Raleigh-Durham (RDU). Frontier operates daily red-eyes with departures around 9:59 PM, 10:20 PM, and 10:46 PM, while Southwest runs a couple on Sundays departing around 9:15 PM and 10:10 PM. These are short flights, so they land the same night — not the next morning.",
        "methodology": "Red-eye flights are identified from scheduled local departure and arrival times in our flight-schedule database — built from published airline timetables and official schedule data, including U.S. Department of Transportation records for domestic routes — flagging services that depart late at night and arrive the following morning; for connecting itineraries the red-eye is based on the timing of the overnight long-haul leg.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "redeye_flights"
        ]
      },
      "q7": {
        "question": "Which airlines usually operate this route from Orlando to Raleigh?",
        "answer": "Southwest Airlines, Delta, and Frontier fly nonstop from Orlando to Raleigh. Southwest operates up to 67 weekly flights, Delta (including Delta Connection operated by Republic Airways) offers 64 weekly flights, and Frontier runs 22 weekly flights. Typical median fares are around $746 on Southwest, $277 on Delta mainline, and $197 on Frontier.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines"
        ]
      },
      "q8": {
        "question": "If I need a connection, what are common layover cities between Orlando and Raleigh?",
        "answer": "Common layover cities between Orlando and Raleigh include Charlotte, Atlanta, and Nashville. These hubs offer frequent flights and efficient connections, keeping total travel time competitive."
      },
      "q9": {
        "question": "How reliable are on‑time departures on this route from Orlando to Raleigh?",
        "answer": "On-time performance is generally good on this short route, but afternoon thunderstorms in Orlando can cause delays. Choosing early morning flights, particularly with Delta or Southwest, improves your chances of departing on schedule."
      },
      "q10": {
        "question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to Raleigh?",
        "answer": "April to May and September to October offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists."
      },
      "q11": {
        "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Orlando to Raleigh?",
        "answer": "For this domestic flight, bring a Real ID-compliant license or passport, and a payment method for bags; no visa or vaccination certificates are typically required."
      },
      "q12": {
        "question": "Which airport should I use in Raleigh?",
        "answer": "Raleigh-Durham International Airport is the primary airport serving Raleigh. It is located about 15 miles northwest of downtown and offers flights from most major U.S. carriers."
      },
      "q14": {
        "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at Raleigh airport?",
        "answer": "Raleigh-Durham International Airport does not have on-site hotels, capsule hotels, or sleeping pods inside the terminals. However, several nearby hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, with pick-up and drop-off at the red zones outside both terminals. These include the Residence Inn Raleigh-Durham Airport/Brier Creek and the Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport at Research Triangle Park, among others listed on the airport's hotel shuttle page.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://sleepinginairports.net/guides/raleigh-durham-airport-guide.htm",
            "title": "Raleigh - Durham Airport Guide (RDU) - Sleeping in Airports",
            "favicon": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/nitropack_static/oBWrHkPujHTPIaVWqdDSDhClXUyrYhhb/assets/images/optimized/rev-b853180/www.sleepinginairports.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-sia-logo-180x180.png",
            "time_published": "2026-05-29T21:57:03Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/rduac-residence-inn-raleigh-durham-airport-brier-creek/overview/",
            "title": "Extended Stay Raleigh Hotel | Residence Inn RDU Airport",
            "time_published": "2023-08-11T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/rduis-sheraton-imperial-hotel-raleigh-durham-airport-at-research-triangle-park/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0",
            "title": "Hotel with Airport Shuttle | Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport",
            "time_published": "2023-08-11T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raleigh%E2%80%93Durham%20International%20Airport",
            "title": "Raleigh–Durham International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-26T04:10:45Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.rdu.com/ground-transportation/hotel-shuttles/",
            "title": "Hotel Shuttles - Raleigh-Durham International Airport",
            "time_published": "2025-05-26T16:48:28Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/rduis-sheraton-imperial-hotel-raleigh-durham-airport-at-research-triangle-park/overview/?EM=DNM_SHERATONRTP.COM",
            "title": "Hotel in Durham NC | Sheraton Imperial Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport",
            "time_published": "2025-02-19T00:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q15": {
        "question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at Raleigh Durham Intl Airport?",
        "answer": "Raleigh-Durham International Airport offers free Wi‑Fi throughout the terminals under the network name “RDU Free WiFi.” A foreign currency exchange is available in Terminal 2. Prayer rooms or chapels are not listed among the airport’s amenities.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://rdu.com/maps-and-directions/inside-rdu",
            "title": "Terminal Directory - Raleigh-Durham International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://www.rdu.com/wp-content/themes/rdu/images/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-05-02T17:05:38Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://rdu.com/shops-and-restaurants/services-and-amenities",
            "title": "Services and Amenities - Raleigh-Durham International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-01-30T13:58:45Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raleigh%E2%80%93Durham%20International%20Airport",
            "title": "Raleigh–Durham International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-26T04:10:45Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1357651607&title=Raleigh%E2%80%93Durham_International_Airport",
            "title": "Raleigh–Durham International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/apple-touch/wikipedia.png",
            "time_published": "2003-07-14T02:56:33Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://nfdc.faa.gov/nfdcApps/services/ajv5/airportDisplay.jsp?airportId=RDU",
            "title": "RALEIGH-DURHAM INTL",
            "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q17": {
        "question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Orlando to Raleigh?",
        "answer": "Nonstop flights from Orlando to Raleigh commonly use Boeing 737-800s and Airbus A220-200s, though some Southwest and Frontier flights list the aircraft as unspecified—likely also 737 variants. On connecting itineraries, the long leg is often an Airbus A321, Boeing 737-800, or 737 MAX 8, with the short leg typically a smaller jet like an Embraer 175 or Airbus A319. The exact aircraft can vary by day and airline, and Wi‑Fi with seatback entertainment is widely available across these carriers.",
        "methodology": "Aircraft types are taken from the equipment each operating carrier schedules on this route, drawn from published airline timetables and airline equipment schedules in our flight-schedule database. They describe typical scheduled aircraft and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute equipment swaps.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_aircraft"
        ]
      },
      "q18": {
        "question": "Which airline alliances serve flights from Orlando to Raleigh?",
        "answer": "Delta, a SkyTeam member, is the only alliance airline flying nonstop from Orlando to Raleigh. Southwest and Frontier also operate the route but neither belongs to an airline alliance.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines"
        ]
      },
      "q20": {
        "question": "What are the best airport lounge options when departing from Orlando?",
        "answer": "Orlando International Airport (MCO) has a Delta Sky Club in Terminal B, Airside 4, accessible to Delta Sky Club members, premium cabin passengers, and elite status holders, offering a full bar and complimentary snacks. The Club MCO operates two locations in Terminal A, Airside 1 and Terminal B, Airside 4, both accepting Priority Pass and day pass purchases, with amenities like showers and a children's play area. Terminal C hosts a Plaza Premium Lounge, available through Priority Pass or paid entry, providing a quiet space with drinks and light bites.",
        "toolsUsed": [],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/MCO",
            "title": "American Express Lounges at Orlando International Airport | Amex US",
            "time_published": "2026-05-05T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://americanexpress.com/fi-fi/travel/lounges/the-platinum-card/MCO",
            "title": "American Express Lounges at Orlando International Airport | Amex FI",
            "time_published": "2026-05-05T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://orlandoairports.net",
            "title": "Orlando International Airport (MCO)",
            "time_published": "2026-07-20T08:27:21Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://my.prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/orlando-international",
            "title": "Orlando International Airport MCO Lounges - MCO Airport Guide and lounges.  | Priority Pass",
            "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://my.prioritypass.com:443/en-GB/lounges/united-states-of-america/orlando-international/mco1-the-club-mco-gates-70-99",
            "title": "The Club MCO (Gates 70-99) MCO AIRPORT Terminal B Concourse 4 Orlando FL International | Priority Pass",
            "time_published": "2024-11-05T00:00:00Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q21": {
        "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Orlando to Raleigh?",
        "answer": "Since this is a domestic route, international baggage policies are irrelevant. For Orlando–Raleigh flights, basic economy may not include a carry‑on on some airlines. Standard economy typically includes a carry‑on and personal item, but checked bags usually incur a fee."
      },
      "q22": {
        "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Orlando to Raleigh?",
        "answer": "Flights from Orlando to Raleigh typically offer Economy and sometimes premium seating with extra legroom; flat-bed Business and Premium Economy are not common on this domestic route."
      },
      "q23": {
        "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?",
        "answer": "Policies vary; flexible and premium tickets often allow same‑day changes or standby, while Basic Economy typically does not."
      }
    }
  }
}