At Orlando International Airport, thousands of travelers departed for and arrived at various destinations around the world.<\/p>\n
AAA called Orlando, the #1 holiday destination. Many were heading to theme parks and two different Bowl games.<\/p>\n
Travelers we talked to, were ready for the hectic holiday travel. Passenger Lily Salazar says, \u201cWe actually showed up to the airport at 3 a.m., and Delta wasn\u2019t even open yet.\u201d Jenn Chilberd waited with her two young children, \u201cIt takes a lot of patience, but we\u2019re prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n
And Mae Bywater has some good advice, \u201cJust breathe and go with the flow and smile.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to airport officials 3.1 million people are traveling through MCO this holiday season. And just today they estimate the crowd at 170-thousand people. Passenger Keenan Webster says, \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of people, but a lot of people look like they\u2019re ready to have fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
But it\u2019s no fun dealing with long wait times for luggage, whether it\u2019s here or at other airports across the country.<\/p>\n
Passenger Ashley Chelius tell us how long she\u2019s had to wait in the past, \u201cWaiting for 45 minutes waiting for luggage, but that\u2019s not for this airport.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her father Todd says, \u201cAn hour, sometimes more, it was relatively short today.\u201d<\/p>\n
While MCO has upgraded their system to handle the increased amount of luggage, airport officials say many factors play into baggage handling delays, from airlines that experience staffing shortages to weather.<\/p>\n
Ashley says, \u201cIt is a bit annoying. We\u2019re waiting on them. We have rental cars and things to do but it\u2019s ok.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Delta and Alaska Airlines guarantee a 20-minute wait at the baggage carousel or passengers get 25-hundred points. Alaska Airlines has a choice between 2500 points or a $25 discount code. It helps ease the pain waiting, so instead Ashley says, \u201cWatch the clock.\u201d Remember to call the airline after you receive your luggage so you can tell them the total wait time.<\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n
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