Why You Should Expect Delays If You're Flying To Orlando Airport Soon

So summer is here, school is out, and for many vacation time has started or will start soon. For many that means a trip to Disney World, which means flying into Orlando International Airport.

Orlando International Airport

While you might be looking forward to that Disney World trip that you’ve probably been planning for a while, you might also need to plan for something else at the airport: delays. Now, delays are inevitable sometimes, but according to USA Today, the Department of Transportation has listed Orlando International Airport in the top five list of U.S. airports prone to delays this summer.

Over the course of 2024, these are the top 10 airports with the most delays in the U.S.

San Francisco (SFO): 68.9% of arrivals on time
Fort Lauderdale (FLL): 73.9% of arrivals on time
Tampa (TPA): 73.9% of arrivals on time
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW): 74% of arrivals on time
Orlando (MCO): 74.6% of arrivals on time
San Diego (SAN): 74.6% of arrivals on time
Miami (MIA): 75% of arrivals on time
Austin (AUS): 76% of arrivals on time
Boston (BOS): 76.1% of arrivals on time
Newark (EWR): 76.2% of arrivals on time
Philadelphia (PHL): 76.7% of arrivals on time

Orlando International Airport

So what’s up with all the delays you might expect this summer? Well, the main cause of these delays is weather, and the weather is notoriously unpredictable in Florida and along the Gulf Coast throughout the summer. Hotter summer temperatures generally mean more severe thunderstorms, but summer also brings hurricane season, which often impacts the Orlando area.

Flooding in Disney World

Hurricanes, in particular, can greatly impact flights and can even close airports and airspace in a storm’s path. However, extremely hot weather can also cause delays because planes have problems taking off during extreme temperatures.

So, what should you do to prepare for delays? For starters, try to book a non-stop flight to Orlando. If you have a connecting flight, you’re upping your chances for delays. Also, try to book flights for early morning, so if your flight is delayed, you’re still likely to get a flight later that day.

Welcome to the Orlando International Airport

If your flight is delayed, know your rights. Although airlines don’t have to compensate you or rebook your flight if there’s a weather-related delay, you can get a refund on canceled flights if you choose not to take an alternate flight, even if your ticket is nonrefundable. The Department of Transportation has a full list of what airlines will do for you if a flight is delayed or canceled on its website.

Orlando International Airport’s Terminal C

Stay tuned to DFB for more.

7 Hurricane Season Tips from a Disney World Expert Who Lives in Florida

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Do you fly to Disney World in the summer? Have your flights ever been delayed? Let us know in the comments!