ORLANDO, Fla. — Christmas is just days away and holiday travel is ramping up at Orlando International Airport.
Airport officials say they expect it to be a record-breaking travel season, even as major upgrades are underway inside the terminal.
“I’m about to fly out to Missouri. That’s where I used to live. Now I live in Orlando for college,” said traveler Aidan Rathmann.
Rathmann is one of over 3 million passengers that MCO is expecting to arrive or depart this holiday season. Airport officials are urging travelers to plan ahead.
“The airport is a stressful place, so like me, I’m like, two-and-a-half, two hours early all the time just so nothing goes wrong,” Rathmann said.
On top of the holiday rush, MCO is in the middle of its major Gate Link replacement project. Construction is currently underway near gates 100 through 129, which could slightly impact travel times for some passengers.
“Those who are traveling to those gates 100 through 129 are only seeing about a 15 additional or no more than 15 additional minutes to their journey. So it’s going very smoothly. Again, if you get here in plenty of time, that is not going to be a factor for you,” said Angela Starke with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
Starke said if one of the trams is temporarily out of service, travelers may need to use a shuttle bus, adding a bit more time to their trip.
“Make sure you get to the ticket counter two hours ahead of time so that you have plenty of time to check your bag, and then to be at your gate an hour in advance,” Starke said.
Airport officials said patience will be key as both holiday crowds and construction continue.
“I haven’t seen my family in a minute, so getting there is all I’m worried about,” Rathmann said.
MCO says the busiest day this holiday travel season is projected to be Saturday, Jan. 3, with nearly 196,000 passengers expected to move through the airport.
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