MCO Prepares for Three Biggest Travel Days of the Year!
Orlando International Airport is heading into one of its busiest travel periods on record.
Nearly 3.1 million passengers are expected to arrive or depart during the Christmas and New Year travel window, with the three busiest days fast approaching.
Here is what you need to know for a smooth traveling experience!
Holiday Travel Season
Photo: Orlando Airport
The holidays are just about over, but travel season trickles on a few extra days. The official Holiday travel season runs from Friday, December 19, through Monday, January 5, 2026, with passenger volume up 2.6 percent compared to last year.
This means heavier crowds across terminals, parking facilities, and security checkpoints.
Photo: Twitter/Orlando Internation Airport
The three busiest days all fall after New Year’s Day, including:
- Friday, January 2– ranks third with 191,324 travelers.
- Sunday, January 4- follows closely with 195,960 passengers.
- Saturday, January 3- the busiest day of the season, with an estimated 196,212 people moving through MCO.
Plan Ahead
MCO’s biggest tip is to plan ahead. Arrive at least three hours early to allow time for parking, ticketing, and security.
Aim to be at your gate one hour before boarding.
Check your airline for flight updates or use the official MCO app for real-time alerts.
Photo: Orlando International Airport
Passengers can save time by reserving parking in advance or booking a security screening window through the free MCO Reserve service. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR can also help reduce wait times.
And pack accordingly- smart packing matters! Leave gifts unwrapped and follow TSA liquid rules.
Stay Tuned
Photo: MCO
Be sure to pack your patience during this high-volume season. Millions of travelers will share the airport experience, and a little preparation on these upcoming busy days can make a big difference.
Stay tuned and follow along with us at MickeyBlog to stay updated on this and all things Disney.
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