The 2018 Christmas / New Year’s holiday travel season will be extremely busy at Florida’s busiest airport, Orlando International.
More than 2.7 million passengers are predicted, which shatters the previous holiday record, set last year, by 6 percent. These numbers are despite the fact that the travel period is two days shorter, down from 21 to 19 days this year, December 21st – January 8th, 2019.
“Unlike last year, travelers will not see a lot of construction taking place inside the main terminal building,” says Phil Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “We have finished our ticket counter renovations, completed phase one of the checkpoint expansion projects and enhanced our wayfinding and signage. All of which are designed to make for a better holiday travel experience.”
2018 Projected Busiest Days / Passenger Totals
| 1) | Sunday, December 30th | 162,264 |
| 2) | Sunday, January 6th | 155,034 |
| 3) | Wednesday, January 2nd | 154,688 |
| 4) | Saturday, December 29th | 152,652 |
| 5) | Sunday, December 23rd | 150,812 |
| 6) | Tuesday, January 1st | 150,686 |
| 7) | Monday, January 7th | 150,428 |
| 8) | Friday, December 28th | 148,908 |
| 9) | Thursday, January 3rd | 148,906 |
| 10) | Saturday, January 5th | 147,732 |
| 11) | Thursday, December 27th | 146,286 |
| 12) | Wednesday, December 26th | 145,232 |
| 13) | Saturday, December 22nd | 144,912 |
| 14) | Tuesday, January 8th | 142,240 |
| 15) | Monday, December 31st | 137,738 |
| 16) | Friday, December 21st | 137,374 |
| 17) | Friday, January 4th | 124,760 |
| 18) | Monday, December 24th | 114,506 |
| 19) | Tuesday, December 25th | 112,046 |
Travel Tips and Reminders:
- Arrive at the airport at least 2-hours prior to your scheduled flight
- Follow the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 3-1-1 rules for carrying liquids and gels in your carry-on luggage. 3.4 ounces or less, 1 quart zip top bag, 1 bag per passenger
- Do NOT bring weapons. Firearms are only allowed in checked luggage and must be unloaded and placed in special travel containers
- Do NOT wrap Christmas gifts. They could be inspected by the TSA
- 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
- If traveling with a comfort pet please check with your airline in advance to learn their specific rules for travel with various types of animals
- Pack as lightly as possible
- Wear easily removable shoes
- Do NOT make light-hearted jokes about security or secure situations
- Please pack your patience! You are traveling with 2.7 million other passengers at MCO
