Orlando International Airport (MCO) prepared for what is estimated to be a record-breaking holiday travel season, with nearly 3.1 million passengers expected to arrive and/or depart during the Christmas and New Year’s travel period.

The travel season, which began December 19th and runs through January 5th, 2026, shows an increase of 2.6 percent in overall passenger traffic, according to Orlando airport officials.

The busiest day will be Saturday, January 3rd, with approximately 196,212 total passengers arriving and departing MCO. Sunday, January 4th, comes in second with 195,960 travelers.

With expected record traffic at MCO, passengers are encouraged to heed the following suggestions and tips to help save time and enhance their overall travel experience.

Time-Saver Tips:

Arrive at least three hours in advance of your flight at MCO to allow time for parking, ticketing and security processing. You should be at your gate one hour before boarding.
Check with your airline prior to arriving at the airport for the latest status of your individual flight or download the Orlando MCO app for real-time flight information.
Use the Reserved Parking feature, which guarantees you a parking space without having to search for an available spot. Parking Reservations are limited at peak times.
Passengers without TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+ can book a time to go through airport security using the free MCO Reserve service.

Smarter Travel:

When traveling with gifts, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends not wrapping them beforehand. TSA officers will open wrapped packages for inspection.
As always, adhere to the TSA 3-1-1 rules. No fluids or gels over 3.4 ounces, place them in one quart-size bag, and only one bag per traveler.
Avoid tying ribbons, scarves, or other attachments to checked luggage. These items can get caught in the airport’s automated baggage handling system, obstructing barcode scanners and potentially causing your bag to miss its flight.
Double check your carry-on luggage for any weapons before arriving at the airport. If you are found with a weapon during screening, you will miss your flight and could face hefty TSA fines.
Do NOT make any light-hearted jokes about explosives during any point in your travel journey.
Tape a card with your name and contact information on all your electronic devices.
If traveling with a pet or comfort animal, bring a leash. The pet will need to be on a leash while the animal and carrier are properly screened by TSA.

Navigating MCO:

Remember, curb parking is not permitted. Unattended vehicles will be towed.
When picking someone up from MCO, take advantage of the Cell Phone lots. These special lots, located in the north and south on airport property, allow you to park in a secure location with restrooms and amenities such as free Wi-Fi while waiting for your party to arrive. Parties should be picked up once they land and retrieve their luggage.
Remember to Practice Patience. You are not alone. You are part of over 3.1 million travelers at MCO this holiday season.
Orlando International Airport is in the midst of a multi-year Gate Link Replacement project, so there could be additional small delays.