ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando International Airport continues its Spring Break rush this week after a ground delay stranded some travelers on Sunday.
“[I’m going to] Rochester, New York. Back home. Got to go back to work, back to the regular schedule,” Brandon Wade said.
For some, like Wade, Spring Break is over, but for others, it’s just beginning.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
“We’re heading to Jamaica just to get a little sun, fun, and to relax,” traveler Amanda Vigilance said.
As MCO expects 7.4 million people to use the airport as the gateway to the world during the 44-day spring break travel period, travelers say they made sure to arrive long before their departure.
“[We] got here about two hours earlier than our flight,” David Lee Perez, who was flying back to Texas, said.
On Sunday, many travelers experienced delays or even cancellations as the airport issued a ground delay because of severe weather.
“I’m very disappointed because no one really didn’t give us information or anything, besides just, ‘Hey the flights canceled. It’s weather delays, the weather problem is not on us,’” said Isaiah Burns, whose flight was canceled due to weather, told News 6 on Sunday.
India Penn, who flew out to Jamacia on Monday with her mom, said she was concerned about their flight even though it was scheduled for the next day.
“I was a little bit upset because I wanted to enjoy my spring break and I didn’t want it to all go to waste,” she said.
Penn’s flight left on time as the airport returned to normal, but others whose flights were canceled could have to wait another day to fly out.
“I spoke with the [airline]. The only thing they did is say they will put you on a flight either Tuesday or Wednesday same time but nothing else,” German Martinez said on Sunday.
MCO officials ask passengers to consider the three “P’s” during spring break travel at the airport.
“Pack, Park, Plane: Pack as lightly as possible. Park using our reservation system for a guaranteed spot. And Plane, give yourself plenty of time to get through security and to your plane,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
Other travel tips include:
- MCO Reserve. Passengers can book a time slot to go through a TSA security checkpoint. Passengers can now visit the FlyMCO website for reservations.
- Cell Phones Lots. Instead of circling the airport, use the North or South Cell Phone Lots to wait for your passenger. These convenient lots offer Wi-Fi and restrooms.
- Pack Right. Not sure what bag to take or what to pack? Take a look at our video that offers some high-flying tips to help you decide.
- MCO App. Your personal MCO Assistant is close at hand for the best in-terminal navigation experience and more.
To reserve parking, check your flight status and security wait times, visit flymco.com.
