The number of passengers this 12-day Thanksgiving holiday travel period is expected to reach 1.75 million at Orlando International Airport (MCO). This is the same milestone reached previously in 2019, a record year. The airport anticipates approximately 157 thousand additional passengers over last year or about a 10 percent overall increase.
“Being able to reach our record pre-pandemic traffic numbers, this holiday season, is a reality we didn’t think would happen for several years,” says Kevin Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Orlando International is ready for the increase. We have the new world-class Terminal C that will help ease overcrowding. There are new systems in place to assist with parking and we have innovative technology and processes in place to enhance the customer experience.”
Airport parking will be a major focus this holiday season. MCO could reach capacity in all of its parking garages and in the North Park Place and South Park Place parking lots. West Park Place, which is only activated during extremely busy periods, will also be operational when all other parking is full. Travelers seeking parking at MCO are advised to monitor the MCO App for the most up-to-date parking information.
- Pack your patience. Record crowds could cause lines at various points throughout your travel journey.
- Allow yourself plenty of time. Arrive inside the terminal at MCO at least 3 hours prior to your flight. This will allow time for any congestion that you may encounter.
- Continuously check the MCO App or social media pages for the latest parking information.
If picking someone up at the airport, please wait in the cell phone lots. Have your party call you when they are ready for pickup from the curb, not before.
