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.
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
