Orlando International Airport Prepares for Historic Thanksgiving Travel Surge

Orlando International Airport Anticipates Record Thanksgiving Travel

Orlando, Fla. – The bustling Orlando International Airport (MCO) is gearing up for a historic influx of travelers during this year’s Thanksgiving travel period, which runs from November 22 to December 3, 2024. With an estimated nearly two million people expected to pass through the airport, Sunday, December 1, is projected to be the busiest day.

Traveler Expectations and Preparations

On Sunday alone, MCO is prepared for an influx of approximately 181,688 additional travelers. Many families and individuals are implementing strategies to navigate the busy airport effectively. For instance, the Nalley family, returning to Nashville from a cruise, emphasized the importance of planning ahead.

Tiffany Nalley, a family member, recounted their experience from last year, stating, “Last year we flew in at the same time, and the lines for TSA were long.” In response to this, they took proactive measures by obtaining TSA PreCheck to expedite their security process this year. Arriving four hours before their flight, they aimed to avoid any last-minute rush. “As soon as we finish our coffee, we’ll jump in, get a quick bite to eat then head on down to the terminal and wait our turn,” Nalley added.

Diverse Traveler Experiences

Not everyone is flying out of MCO; many are returning to Central Florida after spending Thanksgiving elsewhere. Joshua Hanson, who flew in from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), noted the unexpected light traffic when he arrived at his departure gate. “Security wasn’t terrible. There wasn’t a lot of people. So I was expecting there to be a little more travel. I was shocked,” he remarked.

Logan Maran, also traveling back to school, shared his preference for red-eye flights to dodge the daytime rush. “I think it’s just easier to travel by night,” Maran explained, having recently taken a long flight from Los Angeles (LAX) at night. He added that late-night travel helps him avoid the stresses associated with heavy daytime traffic.

Helpful Guidelines for Travelers

MCO officials are advising all travelers to adhere to a convenient guideline known as the “3-2-1 rule.” This rule encourages passengers to arrive at the ticket counter a full three hours before their flight, reach the security checkpoint two hours prior, and be at their gate one hour ahead of departure. Following these suggestions can help mitigate the stress often associated with holiday travel.

As the holiday season continues and air travel remains a popular choice for many, these preparations can aid in ensuring a smoother travel experience. With many families and students returning from their Thanksgiving celebrations, MCO is bracing for a significant wave of holiday travelers in the coming days.