11/15/2007 - It's Another Busy Thanksgiving Holiday Season at Orlando International Airport

ORLANDO, FL. - Orlando International Airport (MCO) is expecting another extremely busy Thanksgiving holiday travel season this year. Beginning Friday, November 16, and continuing through Tuesday, November 27, over one million passengers are expected to travel through the gates of Florida’s busiest airport. Traffic this season represents a 3.5 percent increase over the same period of 2006. The busiest day is expected to be Saturday, November 17th when over 111 thousand passengers will travel through MCO.

Airport customers are reminded that there are several options from which to choose to make an easy, safe and stress-free experience:

• There are over 22,000 parking spaces in the garages, Terminal-top and Satellite parking lots.
• All parking lots are now accepting E-Pass/SunPass as an additional payment option.
• If you are picking up a passenger and if you have a E-Pass/SunPass transponder, you might consider utilizing “Express Pickup” which is on level one of the main terminal building. After a brief inspection, you can park, leave the vehicle, meet your party and then be quickly on your way.
• A complimentary cell-phone parking lot is adjacent to the Red Satellite parking lot which allows you to relax there, and avoid circling on the airport’s roadways, before retrieving your party. Remember to allow at least 30 minutes from the time the plane lands before arriving at the curb to pick up your party.

ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HOLIDAY TRAVEL TIPS:

When packing for a trip, know the 3-1-1 rule for easier security screening. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows THREE ounce or less sized containers of liquid or gel. ONE quart-sized clear plastic, zip-top-bag to comfortably hold the three ounce containers and only ONE bag per traveler can be placed in the security bin for inspection.

Pack light. Know the airlines checked bag policy and check as much baggage as possible. Confirm dimensions allowed for carry-on luggage.

Don’t forget an official government issued photo identification. Keep it readily available.

If you are traveling abroad, don’t forget your passport. All international travel requires a passport for exit and entry into the United States.

Before leaving for the airport, call airline and call 5-1-1 to confirm flight information.

Do not wrap gifts as they will be opened and are subject to search.

Arrive at least two hours prior to a domestic flight. Arrive at least three hours in advance for international travel.

TAKE SECURITY SERIOUSLY! DO NOT MAKE JOKES OR LIGHT HEARTED COMMENTS WHILE BEING PROCESSED FOR A FLIGHT.

Do not leave bags or packages unattended or accept items from strangers for transport.

Think of kids’ needs. When traveling with small children, pack them a small backpack filled with crayons, coloring books, small toys and snacks.

Place identification tags on the outside and inside of checked and carry-on luggage.

Practice patience and enjoy your holiday season.

Additional travel information is available at www.TSA.gov

Additional information can be found at the airport’s web site: www.orlandoairports.net.

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For more information, contact Carolyn Fennell at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at (407) 825-2055.

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