Nov 21, 2025

Orlando International May See Slight Thanksgiving Increase

ORLANDO, Fla. – As the airlines resume normal flight operations this week, Orlando International Airport may see a slight increase in passenger traffic for the Thanksgiving travel season with nearly 1.9 million travelers.

“Orlando is usually one of the nation’s hottest travel destinations for the holiday season, and Orlando International Airport is ready,” says Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “We’ve enhanced our Customer Experience Ambassador program, have parking reservations available, and offer a variety of food and retail concessions for our guests to make their airport experience as enjoyable as possible.”

The 12-day travel period starts today (Friday, November 21) and ends Tuesday, December 2nd. The busiest day is expected to be Sunday, November 30th, with more than 177,400 passengers moving through MCO, followed by Saturday, November 29th, with 175,855 passengers.

Press-release-thanksgiving-numbers-chart-2025-11-21

For parking, passengers may use the North, South, and West lots. Surface lots Atlantis, Discovery, and Endeavour, across from the Train Station, will also be open.

As we enter the busy holiday travel season, MCO reminds travelers to observe a few simple travel rules:

Remember 3-2-1:

  • Be at the ticket counter 3 hours before departure.

  • Be at the TSA security checkpoint 2 hours before departure.

  • Be at the gate 1 hour before boarding.

Other important travel tips:

  • Download the Orlando MCO app for the latest parking information and TSA checkpoint times.

  • Take advantage of MCO Reserve to secure a time to go through the checkpoints when available.

  • Please use our Travel Plaza and the North and South free cell phone areas while waiting for friends and family members. Do not park on the shoulder of our airport roadways.

  • Check with your airline for the latest flight status prior to arriving at the airport

  • Double check your carry-on luggage to make sure there are no weapons in your bags

  • Pack as lightly as possible.

  • Pack your patience

  • Make sure your personal identification is updated with Real ID for easier screening and processing at the TSA checkpoint

About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at 407-825-2055 or email us at MCOPIO@goaa.org for further assistance.