Orlando International Airport officials say the airport is experiencing record traffic, with approximately 720,000 travelers having already moved through the facility over the past several days.
Less than a week into the 19-day time frame that comprises the Christmas/New Year travel period, airport officials say traffic is up 8% over last year.
“With near record traffic expected and the potential for bad weather in the north, we must stress to passengers that they not be lulled into thinking the airport is not busy,” said Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Kevin Thibault.
Thibault is advising travelers to arrive at the airport early to account for “extra time” in handling “unexpected delays along the way from parking to ticketing to security.”
Each day from Friday, December 16 to Tuesday, December 20, over 125,000 travelers have passed through the airport, including 157,000 on Saturday, December 17.
The airport is expecting 3 million passengers during the holiday time frame, with the busiest day expected to be Monday, January 2. On that day, 163,000 travelers are expected to pass through the airport.
Officials are reminding travelers not to bring firearms, as you can miss your flight and face up to a $15,000 fine by the Transportation Security Administration. All travelers should allow up to three hours of time before a flight for added roadway traffic, parking, ticket processing, and TSA security screening.