1.75M travelers expected at Orlando International Airport for Thanksgiving travel
Friday marks the first day of the Thanksgiving travel period, and according to airport officials at Orlando International Airport, they predict they could tie the record-high number of travelers going through over the next 12 days.
"It's terrible. Matter of fact, we were just on the other side, the TSA line is all the way back here. It's terrible. That's why we decided to come back over here,” passenger Tyrone Waller said.
This year, airport officials predict 1.75 million people will pass through over the next 12 days. Officials say the last time the airport saw this many passengers was before the pandemic, back in 2019.
That year, the airport set a record for Thanksgiving travel.
"I think it's showing that people are now, got over COVID, are traveling more, trusting the airlines,” passenger Anthony Lynch said.
Many people said it's nice to see things back in full swing, even if that means they have to deal with longer lines.
"It's been good. The only thing I can say is there's a long line in the ladies' room,” passenger Rita Waller laughed.
Of course, airport officials are asking people to remember all of the tips to make your travel experience run smoothly.
Show up at least three hours before your flight. Follow all the TSA rules, and if you're picking someone up, use the cellphone waiting lots.
If you're wondering which day is expected to be the busiest, officials say it will be the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The lightest will be Thanksgiving itself.