ORLANDO, Fla. — Thursday through Monday, March 16 are some of the busiest days of spring break travel at Orlando International Airport (MCO), and officials are predicting record-breaking numbers, despite several challenges looming over air travel.
The number of travelers is expected to peak on Sunday, with 211,973 people estimated to travel in and out of the airport, according to MCO officials.
What You Need To Know
Orlando International Airport is expecting record numbers for spring break travel, and officials say its busiest travel days will be Thursday through Monday, March 16
The number of travelers is expected to peak on Sunday, with 211,973 people estimated to travel in and out of the airport
MCO saw long lines early Thursday morning, but they moved quickly through TSA check points
Travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least three hours early in some cases
A partial government shutdown and fluctuating ticket prices because of increasing fuel costs brought on by the war with Iran are not discouraging travelers.
Over the full season, MCO officials are expecting an 8% jump in traffic compared to last year.
Orlando International Airport officials have projected a record number of travelers during the spring break travel period.
The effects of the shutdown have trickled down to some essential workers, including Transportation Security Agents once again. Those workers are missing paychecks and have been for a few weeks now. In some cases, the lack of income has led to staffing shortages.
Several major airport hubs, such as William P. Hobby Airport in Houston and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International, have reported hours-long wait times to get through security checkpoints as the shutdown drags on.
MCO officials said they’re not seeing significant delays or issues when it comes to getting travelers through TSA, even though the airport was on the brink last year as the 43-day government shutdown caused similar concerns.
But some travelers at MCO said they planned in advance for possible delays.
“I guess we expected it on spring break,” said Haleigh Murphy from Missouri. “Like, we’re aware that we needed to be here early. We had to return a rental car, just things like that. And when you fly, the old rules were that you get here like three hours before or something like that. So, just being prepared is helpful, especially traveling with a little one.”
In a statement regarding the essential airport workers not receiving paychecks, and many struggling to keep up with bills or other necessities, MCO announced it is extending plans to collect food donations to help support struggling workers.
Murphy said she is hoping others who plan their flights over the next few weeks are patient and keep in mind that TSA agents are showing up and doing their best, all while not getting paid.
“We’ve experienced extremely friendly care and people throughout this, and the fact that they are working without pay is absurd in my opinion,” Murphy said. “No one should have to work without pay ever in this world.”
As far as air fares go, some airlines have already begun to raise prices because of the soaring cost of fuel brought on by the U.S. war with Iran. In the days since the initial joint U.S. and Israeli strike on Iran, oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel.