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Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), FlickrSpring break season has officially kicked off, and Orlando International Airport (MCO) is gearing up for an unprecedented surge in travelers! With its world-renowned theme parks, sunny weather, and nearby beaches, Orlando remains one of the top travel destinations in the U.S.
This year, the influx of visitors is set to smash records, with MCO expecting an estimated 7.4 million passengers over the next few weeks.
The Spring Break travel period runs for 44 days, beginning on February 22 and lasting through April 6. During this time, MCO will experience some of its busiest travel days ever. The top five peak days include:
- Saturday, March 15: 197,761 passengers
- Sunday, March 16: 195,959 passengers
- Saturday, March 29: 193,908 passengers
- Saturday, March 22: 193,135 passengers
- Saturday, March 8: 192,853 passengers
With these staggering numbers, travelers heading to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and other Central Florida attractions should prepare for packed airports and busy roadways.
Fly MCO took to social media to share the news, “BUSYYYYYYYY and more than 7.4 million travelers will be passing through MCO during this 44-day travel period. Top busiest days:
1) Saturday, March 15 197,761
2) Sunday, March 16 195,959
3) Saturday, March 29 193,908
4) Saturday, March 22 193,135
5) Saturday, March 8 192,853
To learn more about how to properly Pack, Park, Plane to have smooth travels, visit today’s story!
Check out this bag etiquette tips video to keep your packing game strong. Whether it’s a personal item, carry-on, checked bag, or oversized luggage, these fly tips will help you keep Spring Break travels smooth!”
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MCO’s Travel Tips: The 3 P’s
To help ease the stress of navigating these record-breaking crowds, MCO is encouraging passengers to follow the “3 P’s”: Pack, Park, and Plane.
- Pack: Travel light and smart. Make sure to check MCO’s packing guidelines and keep prohibited items out of your luggage.
- Park: Use the airport’s parking reservation system to guarantee your spot and avoid last-minute scrambles.
- Plane: Arrive early. MCO recommends getting to the airport at least three hours before your flight to ensure enough time for security checks and boarding.
MCO is also offering additional resources to streamline your experience:
- MCO Reserve: Book a dedicated TSA security time slot on the FlyMCO website.
- Cell Phone Lots: Use the North or South Cell Phone Lots for a convenient waiting area while picking up arriving passengers.
- MCO App: Download the MCO app for real-time updates, flight information, and in-terminal navigation.
Orlando Braces for a Busy Season
The combination of spring break travelers and the city’s world-class attractions will lead to heavy traffic both at MCO and at popular destinations like Disney World and Universal Studios. Guests should expect long wait times, increased demand for park reservations, and higher hotel occupancy rates.
Despite the anticipated congestion, Orlando International Airport is prepared to handle the surge and ensure smooth travel for everyone arriving in the City Beautiful.
A Recent Disruption Adds to the Chaos
On the evening of February 22, a SpaceX Starship rocket disintegrated following its launch from the Starbase complex in Boca Chica, Texas. The incident led to falling debris, forcing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to temporarily halt air traffic at MCO and several other Florida airports.
MCO announced a ground stop around 7:30 p.m., resuming normal operations about 15 minutes later. However, the ripple effect of delays lasted for hours, with Miami International Airport still reporting 30-minute delays well into the night.
This wasn’t the first time a SpaceX launch caused disruptions. A similar event on January 16 saw debris light up the sky over the Turks and Caicos Islands, leading to more flight delays.
The FAA has since mandated a thorough investigation into the Starship’s failure, ensuring safety measures are upheld in future launches. Thankfully, no hazardous materials were found in the debris, and no environmental impact has been reported.
Prepare for an Eventful Spring Break
As MCO braces for one of its busiest seasons ever, travelers should plan ahead to avoid stress and delays. Whether you’re visiting Disney World, exploring Universal’s newest attractions, or soaking up Florida’s beaches, the record-breaking crowds signal a spring break to remember.
Make sure to use MCO’s tools and tips, stay patient, and get ready for an exciting and bustling vacation season in Orlando!