The ONE Day You'll Want to Avoid the Orlando Airport This Week

It’s one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, and we’re here to WARN you!

Airport crowds in 2023

Millions of Americans will be traveling on vacation or to see their families during the next few days for Thanksgiving break. Because of this, the airports are going to be particularly crowded! And if you’re flying through the Orlando International Airport, we’ve got an important update.

According to the Orlando International Airport, “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 22nd, 2024, through December 3rd, 2024.” WILD.

Orlando International Airport

“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.”

Orlando International Airport

Travel activity at MCO will actually see a decline in 2024 after an usually big jump in 2023. However, the busiest day of the Thanksgiving season is forecast to be Sunday, December 1st. On that day, it’s projected that there will be a total of 181,688 arriving and departing passengers.

Southwest at Orlando International Airport

Airport officials are encouraging passengers to use the 3-2-1 rule, which means arriving at the airport ticket counter 3 hours before their flight, at the checkpoint 2 hours before, and at the gate 1 hour before departure. It’s also important to remember that parking will be at a premium during this time, so planning ahead for reserved parking is probably a good idea.

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But what about those who aren’t flying? Well, the Orlando Business Journal also reports that roadways will be crowded surrounding Thanksgiving. According to the AAA Auto Club, 4.5 million Floridians will travel over 50 miles for Thanksgiving. The vast majority of travelers will be driving over flying.

Traffic in Disney World

AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins says that the busiest days to travel will be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as well as the Sunday afterward. “We have seen some strong economic indicators that are really driving this forecast, including strong income gains which are expected to boost consumer spending by about 4.5% compared to this time last year. People have more money in their pockets. They are more eager to take a trip,” Jenkins said.

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So no matter where you’re going this Thanksgiving season, be prepared to deal with traveling crowds! We’ll make sure to keep you in the loop with any more travel news.