ORLANDO, Fla. — Travelers at Orlando International Airport (MCO) were affected by the FAA’s emergency order to reduce air traffic by 10 percent.
What You Need To Know
Travelers at Orlando International Aiport say they experienced delays while flying out Sunday
Last week, the FAA listed 40 major airports required to reduce flights by 10 percent this Friday
MCO staff say despite the flight reductions, they have not seen any signficant changes at their security checkpoints, customs and immigration processing
Dozens of flights were canceled and hundreds were delayed Sunday, including Jenny Payne’s Southwest flight to Pittsburgh.
“I kind of got worried. I knew we were flying so I kind of thought we might run into some difficulties,” said Payne.
Last week, the FAA listed 40 major airports that will cut down on air traffic — Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa are on the list. Initially, flights were reduced by four percent.
On Tuesday, the reduction increases to 6 percent. 8 percent of flights will be reduced by Thursday before reaching 10 percent on Friday.
When asked if she has any advice for travelers, Payne says “allow for delays because you might need them.”
Amy Rupert is heading home to Mississippi, but flies into New Orleans. She told Spectrum News she will keep an eye on the status of her Southwest flight so her ten-minute delay doesn’t increase.
“Just kind of hearing talk in the airport, I’ve heard people that have gotten to this point and then they find out that it’s canceled,” said Rupert.
Despite the circumstances, Rupert says she appreciates airport staff who come in to work so people can travel to their next destination.
“The truth is I know there’s a lot of struggle with that and we’re just really praying that they will have help through this time and this shutdown will end very soon,” said Rupert.
MCO staff released the following statement related to the emergency mandate on social media Sunday:
“We’re grateful to all our federal employees who continue working diligently throughout the government shutdown to ensure our operations run smoothly. While airlines are reducing flight schedules in response to the FAA’s Emergency Order, our security checkpoints, customs, and immigration processing times have not experienced any significant delays.
We encourage all travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, and to follow the 3-2-1 rule for a smooth travel experience:
3 – Arrive at the ticket counter 3 hours before departure
2 – Be at the security checkpoint 2 hours before departure
1 – Be at your gate 1 hour before boarding time”