NEW RULES For Flying to Orlando Airport This Summer

Heading on a vacation this summer? If you’re flying through the Orlando International Airport, things might be WILD.

Orlando International Airport

Summer travel season is really ramping up, and it’s projected to be crowded this year, on both the roads and in airports across the country. So, how can you prepare? Well, we’re breaking it down with some important rules.

ABC News reports that summer 2025 is going to be 4% busier than last summer’s travel season. The Federal Aviation Administration said it predicts over 50,000 flights per day throughout the summer. In line with this, United Airlines is predicting a record-breaking summer, and American Airlines expects to operate 5% more flights as compared to last year.

Welcome to the Orlando International Airport

So what’s important to know if you’re heading to the Orlando International Airport this summer? We’re sharing some must-know rules for MCO.

Rule #1: Be Mindful of the Busiest Days

Some of the busiest travel days are expected to be Tuesday, August 5th, and Tuesday, August 26th. In general, the airport will be busier on the weekends, as well as Mondays and Fridays.

TSA lines at MCO

If you’re trying to travel during a less crowded time, you’re advised to book flights for midweek days. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday could save you up to 20% off your fare, according to Hopper. Expedia notes that the cheapest days to fly domestically this summer will be Tuesday, August 19th, and Monday, August 25th.

Rule #2: Consider Your Point of Origin

You might be committed to flying into Orlando if you’re heading here for vacation or business, but if your point of origin is flexible, you could solve some serious crowd problems. ABC News shared that some of the most popular domestic travel spots this year are Las Vegas, New York City, Miami, Chicago, San Juan, Honolulu, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Myrtle Beach.

MCO Luggage Drop-Off

If you’re heading to Orlando, you may need to fly into MCO for convenience or based on your airline of choice, but if you can change your point of origin, you may save yourself some time. Avoiding the major travel destination cities as your departure airport or during a layover could be crucial in having a sucessful trip.

Rule #3: Consider Paying for Convenience

This busy travel time of year is a great time to consider purchasing something like TSA Pre-Check. Long lines at security are one of the biggest time sucks during your airport experience, and if you’ve got plans to travel frequently, purchasing Pre-Check could pay for itself through time saved.

Security at MCO

And when you head home from Orlando? Look into using MCO Reserve! It’s a free service where you can schedule a time to go through security before your flight. You’ll need to register in advance and arrive on time, but you can avoid the typically long lines this way as well.

Rule #4: Pack Smart if Possible

When the airport is this busy, one of the best ways to get in and out quickly is by ONLY traveling with carry-on bags. For those looking to save time at baggage claim and checking in, it may be a good idea to fly with an airline that allows you both a personal item and a carry-on bag.

Baggage claim!

And if you’re staying at select Disney World hotels, you may want to check out the luggage transfer option that’s available on a trial basis. Those flying out of MCO on Southwest Airlines can check their bags at their hotels, and they’ll be delivered to the airport, loaded on the plane, and you can pick them up at your final destination. This could be very helpful if you’re in a rush when leaving! Check to make sure that your resort is participating in this offering before your trip.

Luggage transfer in Disney World!

For those attempting to pack light for their trip, we recommend compression packing cubes, planning your outfits ahead of time, and double-checking your airline’s onboard luggage sizing limitations so that you can maximize space.

Frontier Plane at the Orlando Airport

We’ll make sure to keep you in the loop with any other important travel news this summer. If you’re heading too Disney World, check out the video below!

Stay tuned to DFB for more travel news and tips.

7 Things the Orlando Airport Wishes You Knew

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