ORLANDO, Fla. – The 2024 Thanksgiving travel season is shaping up to be one of the busiest on record, with the Federal Aviation Administration preparing to manage the surge.
The Transportation Security Administration anticipates screening millions of passengers over the holiday period: 2.9 million on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and another 3 million on Sunday, Dec. 1, the busiest travel day of the season.
Orlando International Airport prepares for holiday crowds
Orlando International Airport, a top holiday destination, is expecting to welcome more than 1.9 million passengers from Nov. 22 to Dec. 3. While slightly lower than 2023′s record-breaking numbers, this year’s figures will still exceed 2022′s total of 1.75 million travelers.
“With our experience from the past two holiday seasons, Orlando International Airport is prepared for the robust influx of guests expected this Thanksgiving,” Kevin J. Thibault, chief executive officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, said in a release. “Our airport staff, security partners, and vendors are energized by the challenge of this year’s expected holiday surge.”
The busiest day at MCO is projected to be Sunday, Dec. 1, with more than 181,000 passengers expected to arrive and depart.
Kevin Lane spoke with News 6 at the airport on Wednesday. He said security was not too bad and TSA is moving people through quickly.
“Really easy. I mean I have the TSA Clear so that really makes a little bit easy but from what I’ve been seeing over the holiday, this holiday season has been not really that bad especially 15 minutes over there. That’s probably the quickest I’ve ever seen for normal checking in for the flights but I’ve waited hours before,” Lane said.
Travel tips for a smooth journey
To help passengers navigate the holiday rush, airport officials have issued several tips:
- Follow the 3-2-1 rule: Arrive at the ticket counter three hours before your flight, at security two hours before and at the gate one hour before departure.
- Plan for parking: Parking will be at a premium. Take advantage of MCO’s Reserved Parking program or use rideshare services. The airport’s three surface lots — Atlantis, Endeavour, and Discovery — are accessible with E-Pass and SunPass Plus, offering approximately 2,000 additional spaces.
- Stay informed: Download the Orlando MCO app or visit FlyMCO.com for real-time updates on parking availability, security wait times and other travel alerts.
- Use cell phone waiting areas: To avoid congestion, wait in designated cell phone lots until your party is ready for pickup.t
Security reminders
Passengers are urged to:
- Check bags for prohibited items before arriving at security.
- Take security screenings seriously and avoid making jokes or comments that could be misinterpreted.
- Label luggage with identification tags inside and out.
- Keep pets on a leash during TSA screenings.
Holiday travel outlook
While the 2024 holiday season is expected to see a slight decline in travelers compared to 2023, the numbers remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Airlines have adjusted schedules due to delivery delays and reduced flights, but MCO’s staff and partners are prepared to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience for millions of passengers.
For more travel tips and updates, visit FlyMCO.com.
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