Vacationers are ready to enjoy Orlando’s favorable weather, theme parks, many attractions and things to do in the Central Florida area this holiday season and New Year’s Eve.
The authorities of the Orlando International Airport (MCO) are expecting a very busy travel season for Christmas and New Years 2022-2023.
This is projected to be one of the busiest Christmas seasons before the pandemic.
In all, nearly three million passengers will move through MCO over the course of the 19-day travel period, which begins tomorrow.
The estimated 2,924,474 total passengers mark an increase of 17 percent over the same time period in 2021-2022 when 2.5 million passengers passed through the Orlando airport.
The busiest day this holiday season is anticipated to be Monday, January 2, 2023, when more than 162,000 travelers will arrive and depart from the MCO.
The least busy day is expected to be Christmas with just over 136,000 passengers.
Of the 19 days, 15 show a double digit percentage increase from last year and only December 25 showed a one percent decrease.
Tips for a hassle-free holiday season trip
- Please arrive at least three hours before your flight to allow for additional parking, ticketing, and time to clear security.
- Parking could be a challenge. Consider being dropped off or picked up at the arrival or departure gate. To pick up arriving passengers, MCO staff advise that you wait parked in the assigned spots at the airport to wait for phone calls to pick up passengers. Passengers are also encouraged to call their transportation once they have collected all their bags.
- Be prepared for long waiting periods at any stage of your trip.
- Weapons are prohibited in hand luggage. Firearms are allowed in checked baggage, but must be unloaded and secured in a hard case.
- Do not wrap gifts that go through security. They may be subject to inspection.
- After going through the checkpoint, don’t forget to retrieve your personal items. Every holiday season, thousands of watches and other items are dropped off at TSA checkpoints.
- Consider signing up for the MCO Complimentary Reservation Program, which allows travelers to select a screening time to avoid potential lines at security checks.
- Take advantage of the digital tools on the website: orlandoairports.netthe MCO app and the TSA website, tsa.govwhich offer up-to-date information and tips to optimize your holiday travel experience.
In 2021, MCO was ranked 7th in the world serving more than 45 million passengers annually.
Estimated Combined Christmas/New Years Arrivals and Departures
1. Monday, January 2, 162,354 11. Friday, December 16, 154,611
2. Thursday, December 29 162,118 12. Wednesday, December 21 154,449
3. Friday, December 30, 161,581 13. Saturday, December 24, 154,434
4. Friday, December 23, 161,218 14. Sunday, December 18, 150,389
5. Monday, December 26, 160,811 15. Monday, December 19, 148,312
6. Tuesday, December 27, 158,579 16. Tuesday, January 3, 145,657
7. Thursday, December 22 158,430 17. Sunday, January 1 143,314
8. Saturday December 17 158,089 18. Tuesday December 20 141,676
9. Wednesday, December 28 157,154 19. Sunday, December 25 136,092
10. Saturday December 31 155,206
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