As the nation’s most visited destination, the Orlando area is preparing for an active Memorial Day weekend as more than 1.1 million travelers will move through Orlando International Airport (MCO) during the 7-day travel period, or about 16 percent more passengers than the year before. Saturday is expected to be the busiest day for airport traffic.
For many, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season. Early indications, including growing demand and an increase in airline service and seat capacity, point to a busy summer for MCO, the global gateway to Central Florida. As of now, it does not appear tourism is being impacted by national economic concerns.
In anticipation of increased demand for parking during Memorial Day, MCO is planning to open the West Park Place parking lot in support of all other airport garages and lots. West Park Place, located on Tradeport Drive, will open 3,100 additional spaces. For upcoming travel, drivers are encouraged to check the airport site and social media for the latest parking information.
Memorial Day 2023 Travel Projections from Orlando International Airport:
| Travel Days | Arrivals and Departures | Increase over 2022 |
| Thursday, May 25th | 161,842 | 18% |
| Friday, May 26th | 167,152 | 16% |
| Saturday, May 27th | 169,659 | 15% |
| Sunday, May 28th | 162,025 | 17% |
| Monday, May 29th | 164,719 | 17% |
| Tuesday, May 30th | 149,320 | 12% |
| Wednesday, May 31st | 151,783 | 15% |
| TOTAL | 1,126,500 | 16% |
Visit Orlando recently celebrated Orlando maintaining its leadership position as America’s most-visited destination, with a record-breaking number of visitors in 2022. Governor Ron DeSantis and Visit Florida also recently announced the Sunshine State saw the largest volume of visitors ever recorded in a single quarter between January and March of this year as the tourism industry is booming.
Airport officials are offering quick summer travel tips, including:
- If you lose your driver’s license, other forms of ID can be accepted including: military, tribal, passports and trusted traveler.
- Wear slip on shoes and socks are recommended.
- Leave your jewelry on during screening.
- Remember, anything electronic larger than a cell phone must be placed in its own bin for screening.
