Orlando International Airport Sets Stage for Record-Breaking Spring Break

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is gearing up for what's anticipated to be its busiest Spring break period ever. As the season ushers in warmer temperatures and blooming landscapes, MCO is preparing to welcome over 7 million travelers, marking an impressive 11% increase from the previous year. This surge aligns with a broader trend of heightened air travel across the United States, especially towards sought-after destinations like Central Florida.

In the wake of a record-setting holiday season in December, MCO officials are urging travelers to brace themselves for crowded terminals and longer wait times. The expected influx is partly attributed to Easter Sunday's early arrival on March 31, projected as one of the peak travel days within a bustling 44-day travel schedule.

Kevin J. Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, emphasized the continuity of growth, noting, "We expect to set a new Spring Break benchmark with more than 7.6 million passengers. This growth is actually a continuation of what we saw in 2023. For the year, we shattered all passenger records with more than 57.7 million travelers."

The top 10 busiest days are expected to fall on weekends, reflecting the seasonal spike in leisure travel. MCO, already the busiest hub in Florida, began its Spring break period on February 24th, extending through April 7th. Last year's record-breaking performance, including a single-day high of 98,521 passengers screened on December 30th, underscores the airport's capacity to manage large volumes of travelers.

International traffic has seen a remarkable recovery, achieving pre-pandemic levels with a 26.7% increase, totaling 7 million international visitors. Meanwhile, domestic travel surged to new heights, with over 50.7 million passengers representing a 13.6% rise from the previous year.

In preparation for the expected deluge, MCO advises travelers to adhere to the 3-2-1 rule: arrive at the ticket counter three hours before departure, head to security two hours in advance, and be at the gate one hour before boarding. The airport also underscores the importance of patience and reminds passengers to refrain from bringing prohibited items through security checkpoints.

With Florida topping AAA's list of preferred Spring break destinations and Orlando being the state's crown jewel, nearly 30% of Florida's residents are planning their holiday escapes within its borders, drawn by its pristine beaches and world-renowned theme parks.