‘Really glad we got here early:’ Taking a peek at peak vacation journey in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – Holiday journey is peaking at Orlando International Airport as 1000’s of passengers head dwelling from New Year’s holidays or start journeys to kick off 2026.

Airport officers say this weekend marks one of many busiest journey durations on report at MCO, with Saturday anticipated to be the only busiest day.

Among these navigating the crowds was Evangeline Howard, touring again to Washington, D.C., together with her household after a Disney trip. She mentioned arriving early was key as traces shortly grew all through the terminal.

“We’re looking forward to traveling back home. But the problem is, there is a lot of people here and they do a good job of moving that through. But we’re really glad we got here early,” Howard mentioned.

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Howard mentioned the crowds had been noticeable virtually instantly.

“Out front were, like, noticeably larger than usual and we had to use the curbside check in because when we came into the baggage checking area, it was already totally packed and it’s early in the morning,” she mentioned.

Other vacationers mentioned they anticipated the vacation rush and deliberate accordingly.

Len Bebee, touring with a bunch of 10 folks, mentioned he anticipated heavy crowds heading into the weekend.

“I knew coming in this was probably top-three busiest days for MCO, so we kind of had an idea. Thankfully, we’re coming in and not going out because I’m sure TSA is going to be a mess today,” Bebee mentioned.

According to airport officers, passenger numbers are climbing into report territory.

Friday noticed 191,000 vacationers cross by means of MCO. Saturday is anticipated to be the busiest day with 196,000 passengers, adopted by 195,000 on Sunday. Monday is projected to be barely decrease at 185,000 passengers.

In whole, officers say greater than 1.3 million passengers are anticipated to journey by means of the airport over an 18-day vacation interval — a brand new report for MCO.

The surge in vacationers comes as development on the airport’s GateLink techniques stays ongoing, leading to restricted trams transporting passengers between terminals. Despite the development, airport officers mentioned tram service seemed to be operating easily and on schedule.

With crowds this heavy, airport officers proceed urging vacationers to verify their flight standing earlier than arriving, enable additional time on the airport, and put together for lengthy safety traces.

Passengers are additionally inspired to pay shut consideration to departure boards. Flights marked in purple point out cancellations, and vacationers affected by canceled flights can discover details about airline compensation and passenger protections by means of the airline’s invoice of rights.

[MORE: What you’re legally entitled to when your flight is delayed or canceled]