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Orlando International Airport has issued a travel warning for all spring breakers heading out of Central Florida this weekend and those entering to enjoy their week at the Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando Resort. Officials at MCO airport expect this weekend and next to be the busiest of the Spring Break season.
This weekend alone, Orlando Airport expects more than 500,000 passengers to pass through their gates and another half a million passengers next weekend, including the busiest day of Spring break.
It's another busy #SpringBreak weekend! For smooth travels, follow the 3-2-1 travel rule:
3⃣ Be at the ticket counter at least 3 hours before your flight
2⃣ Be at security 2 hours prior to departure time
1⃣ Be at the gate 1 hour prior to departure time pic.twitter.com/Baoqkm4TkI— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) March 15, 2024
Related: The Spring Breakers Are Coming! Disney World is About to Be Overrun by Record-Breaking Crowds
To prepare for the onslaught of crowds leaving Central Florida, Orlando International Airport advises travelers to follow the 3-2-1 rule.
The 3-2-1 rule can help ease travel. Arrive at your airline ticket counter at least 3 hours in advance. Head to security processing at least 2 hours prior to departure and arrive at your gate at least 1 hour prior to boarding. Also, always remember to pack your patience and never bring weapons through the security checkpoint.
MCO has set up two convenient functions to help stem the tide of these crowds and help you move through the airport. The first is reserved parking. This ensures that you will get a spot in the parking garage, and with the massive crowds heading to the airport, that isn’t necessarily a guarantee.
Reserve parking online to guarantee your spot! Book prior to your arrival, use a QR code to enter and exit the garage, and travel with ease.
🅿️ For more details, visit: https://t.co/3W0f18ilAP pic.twitter.com/BSq4tRFfs7— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) March 15, 2024
This also makes it easier for you to get into the parking garage as well. You will have a QR code on your phone to scan at the gate to ensure entrance.
The second convenient feature is making an appointment for security. Rather than wait in crushing lines, MCO allows you to make an appointment and enter through security at a special gate. These features will help move the process along and get you to your gate on time.
Last spring break, Orlando International Airport saw a record number of passengers. But this year, officials at MCO airport expect to shatter that record. MCO Airport expects an 11 percent increase in travelers this spring break for a total of 7.6 million passengers passing through the airport between February 15 and April 1.
Plan ahead! 📅 Reserve a time-slot to go through security with MCO Reserve. Scan your QR Code & go through a shorter lane for free (available 72 hours prior to flight) at: https://t.co/hisypDnD3X – available for flights between 6am-8:30pm. pic.twitter.com/stQY3r3Xsr
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) March 15, 2024
With the increase in crowds also comes an increase in flight delays and cancelations, especially on busy Saturdays and Sundays. Orlando International Airport asks that you check in with your flight carrier before heading to the airport to ensure your flight is still on time.
With any luck, MCO will have things running smoothly these next two weekends, and everyone will enjoy their Disney World vacation.
We will continue to update this story at Disney Fanatic.
