Nearly 2 Million People Set to Travel Through Orlando International Airport (MCO) for Thanksgiving
By Space Coast Daily // November 25, 2024
Parking will be at a premium, arrive early
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – As the nation’s holiday travelers continue to eye Central Florida as a preferred destination, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is preparing to welcome millions of Thanksgiving visitors.
Projections for 2024 are calling for more than 1.9 million passengers to pass through MCO during the course of the 12-day holiday travel period, November 22, 2024, through December 3, 2024.
“With our experience from the past two holiday seasons, Orlando International Airport is prepared for the robust influx of guests expected this Thanksgiving,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
“Our airport staff, security partners and vendors are energized by the challenge of this year’s expected holiday surge.”
After an unusually large increase in passengers in 2023, activity in 2024 will see a slight decline. But this year is still expected to see substantially more passengers than in 2022, which drew 1.75 million total, and previous years.
Industry analysts point to several factors for the slight drop-off, including some airlines reducing flights and ongoing aircraft delivery delays. Additionally, 2023 at MCO was an outlier for passenger volume and set a record.
The busiest day this season is forecast to be the Sunday after Thanksgiving, December 1, which is projected to see a total of 181,688 arriving and departing passengers.
The travel period forecasts:
Airport officials offer passengers advice on how to make their journey go as smoothly as possible, starting with the 3-2-1 rule: 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.
Another reminder: Parking will be at a premium. Passengers should take advantage of the Reserved Parking program and remember there are three surface lots available this year.
Passengers can log in to Reserved Parking at MCO or use the newly-enhanced Orlando MCO mobile app in advance of their arrival to the airport.
The three surface lots, recently renamed Atlantis, Endeavour and Discovery, are located in front of the Train Station. These lots, along with the Overflow parking area, offer approximately 2,000 spaces on airport property. Atlantis, Endeavour and Discovery are only accessible with E-Pass and SunPass Plus. SunPass customers must be enrolled with Easy Pay, and a transponder must be used to enter and exit the lots.
Even with these additional spaces, and availability in the garages, Terminal Top, and the North, South, West and Overflow lots, parking may reach capacity. Passengers are asked to consider using a rideshare program, taxi service or have someone drop them off.
Additional Holiday Travel Tips at MCO:
– Be patient. Large crowds may cause lines or delays throughout your journey.
To receive the latest parking updates, download the new Orlando MCO app, or visit our website at FlyMCO. You can also follow us on Twitter @MCO or Facebook @FlyMCO.
– Do not arrive early to pick up a passenger. Have your party call you when they are ready for pickup from the curb, not before. Please use our Travel Plaza and North and South free cell phone waiting areas while waiting. Do not park on the shoulders of airport roadways, which are patrolled by OPD.
– Do NOT bring guns or weapons through security. Check your bags for prohibited items before coming into the terminal.
TAKE SECURITY SERIOUSLY! DO NOT MAKE JOKES OR LIGHT-HEARTED COMMENTS WHILE BEING PROCESSED FOR A FLIGHT.
– Do not leave bags or packages unattended or accept items from strangers for transport.
– Place identification tags on the outside and inside of checked and carry-on luggage.
– If traveling with a pet or comfort animal, bring a leash. The pet will need to be on a leash while the animal carrier is properly screened by the TSA.
