As the summer travel season kicks off, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is preparing for a significant surge in passenger traffic this Memorial Day weekend.
According to the national travel group AAA, Orlando and Central Florida are expected to be top travel destinations, with MCO forecasting a 6 percent increase in passenger traffic compared to last year.
Between Thursday, May 23, 2024, and Tuesday, May 30, 2024, MCO is projected to handle just under a million travelers. The busiest day is expected to be Memorial Day itself, Monday, May 27, with nearly 177,000 passengers passing through the airport.
Memorial Day 2024 MCO Travel Projections:
- On Thursday, May 23, 2024, an estimated 76,581 passengers will depart, and 75,647 will arrive, totaling 152,228 travelers.
- Friday, May 24, 2024, is expected to see 84,538 departures and 85,878 arrivals, with a total of 170,416 travelers.
- Saturday, May 25, 2024, will have approximately 83,476 departures and 83,471 arrivals, summing up to 166,947 travelers.
- Sunday, May 26, 2024, will witness about 81,666 departures and 82,223 arrivals, making a total of 163,889 travelers.
- On the busiest day, Monday, May 27, 2024, around 88,446 passengers will depart, and 88,282 will arrive, totaling 176,728 travelers.
- Finally, Tuesday, May 28, 2024, is projected to see 78,386 departures and 78,181 arrivals, with a total of 156,567 travelers.
Overall, MCO anticipates handling 493,093 departures and 493,682 arrivals over the six-day travel period, resulting in a total of 986,775 travelers.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, passengers are advised to follow the 3-2-1 rule:
- Arrive at the airline ticket counter at least 3 hours before departure.
- Head to security processing at least 2 hours before departure.
- Arrive at your gate at least 1 hour before boarding.
Additional Tips for Travelers:
- Utilize MCO Reserve to book a time slot for security screening for eligible flights. The service operates from 5 am. to 5 pm.
- Parking is available in several locations, including Garages A, B, and C, as well as North, South, and West Park Places. More information on rates and locations can be found on the MCO Parking website.
- Surface lots across from the Train Station are also accessible with E-Pass and SunPass Plus.
- Reserved Parking at MCO allows passengers to pre-book their parking spot. Make sure to follow Easy Pay instructions to enter and exit the lots.
- For those picking up passengers, use the North or South Cell Phone Lot or the Travel Plaza until your guests are ready for pickup.
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