Orlando International Airport officials say the airport is experiencing record traffic, with approximately 1,400,000 travelers having already moved through the facility through Christmas Day.
Just over halfway through the 19-day time frame that comprises the Christmas/New Year travel period, airport officials say traffic is up 8% over last year.
Airport officials estimate that 3 million passengers will pass through the Orlando International Airport through the 19-day period, with the busiest day expected to be Monday, January 2. On that day, over 1630,000 travelers are expected to pass through the airport.
The airport has regularly seen over 125,000 visitors each day during the travel season, including peaks on Saturday, December 11, and Friday, December 23.
Dozens of flights have been delayed or cancelled as a result of inclement weather in the northern half of the country.
“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.”
Officials are reminding travelers not to bring firearms and warning that they can result in missed flights and fines up to $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.