Orlando International is preparing for a very busy Thanksgiving as the airport is expected to host more than two million passengers. That represents a 17 percent increase over 2022.
Robust travel to Central Florida will make Orlando International Airport (MCO) one of the nation’s busiest holiday gateways this Thanksgiving season, and airport officials are offering passengers several accommodations and tips to help their journey go smoothly starting with this 3-2-1 advice:
Passengers should be at the airport ticket counter 3 hours before their flight; at the checkpoint 2 hours before; and at the gate 1 hour before departure.
“The Aviation Authority and our airport partners are energized by the challenge of this year’s expected Thanksgiving holiday passenger surge, which solidifies our status as the nation’s premier visitor destination,” says Kevin Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Orlando International is preparing for the increase and encourages passengers to follow the 3-2-1 timeline. Our security checkpoints will be fully staffed, additional parking has been added and seasoned professionals stand ready to provide assistance to enhance the customer experience.”
Over the course of the 12-day travel period, Orlando International will host more than two million passengers. That represents a 17 percent increase over 2022. The busiest day is expected to be the Saturday after Thanksgiving, when 186,668 travelers will pass through MCO.
Here are the projected Top 5 busiest days:
Saturday, 11/25 - 186,668
Saturday, 11/18 - 186,548
Sunday, 11/26 - 184,865
Sunday, 11/19 - 182,100
Monday, 11/27 - 179,213
This year, there are approximately 2,000 more parking spaces available than last year.
Parking will be available at garages in Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, the Terminal Top as well as remote lots, North Park Place and South Park Place. During extremely busy periods, West Park Place and an Overflow lot, which includes improvements such as temporary fencing and lights, will also be activated. Travelers seeking parking at MCO are advised to monitor the Orlando MCO App and website for the most up-to-date parking information.
Even with the additional spaces, parking may reach capacity. Passengers are asked to consider using a rideshare program, taxi service or have someone drop them off.
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