Friday, March 15, 2024
Contrary to popular belief, the winter holiday season does not mark the peak of activity at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Instead, the upcoming Spring Break period is anticipated to surpass previous records, with an expected influx of passengers surpassing those of the holiday season.
As Spring Break 2024 gears up in Central Florida, MCO is preparing for an unprecedented 11 percent surge in passenger traffic compared to last year’s records, advocating for travelers to adhere to the 3-2-1 guideline for a smoother experience.
Kevin Thibault, the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, announced, “With over 7.6 million passengers expected, we are on the brink of establishing a new Spring Break record. This surge is part of a continuing trend from 2023, where we experienced a monumental year, welcoming over 57.7 million travelers.”
To mitigate travel stress, the airport advises following the 3-2-1 rule: arrive at the airline ticket counter three hours early, proceed to security two hours before departure, and reach your gate one hour before boarding. Travelers are also reminded to maintain patience and refrain from bringing prohibited items to security checkpoints.
With the rise in travelers, especially noted among local residents due to the population boom in Central Florida, MCO has faced challenges in accommodating parking demands. To address this, three new surface parking lots were opened in December, accessible to E-Pass and SunPass Plus holders. SunPass users must enroll in Easy Pay and utilize a transponder for entry and exit.
Additionally, MCO has launched a Reserved Parking program, allowing travelers to book parking spaces in advance via the MCO website or mobile app. This service currently offers around 715 spots on Level 4 of Parking Garage C, available on a first-come, first-served basis at a rate of $32 per day.
Despite setting a daily record of 98,521 passengers on December 30th of the previous year, this Spring Break, lasting from February 24th to April 7th, is expected to push those numbers even higher. With Easter on March 31st, this season is set to be particularly bustling, highlighting the importance of planning and patience for all travelers.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
