Orlando International Airport
expects its Thanksgiving travel to increase 9 percent over last year.
Thanksgiving travel is expected to increase 9 percent over last year at Orlando International Airport as travel club AAA predicts a record season nationally.
Orlando International expects 1.74 million passengers during the two-week period that began Thursday, the airport said in a release. Saturday, Nov. 25, is expected to be the peak day, with 142,500 passengers according to its estimates.
“If the current passenger projections hold true, Orlando International Airport will be extremely busy this Thanksgiving holiday travel season,” said Phil Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
At Orlando Sanford International Airport, Allegiant Air is launching new direct flights this week to three cities the airport said today.
AAA predicts nearly 51 million Americans will travel over the Thanksgiving holiday, a 3 percent increase from last year. The rise comes from a strong economy and a low unemployment rate.
Most — more than 45 million — are expected to travel by car between next Wednesday and the Sunday after Thanksgiving, the auto club said.
However, about 5 percent more people than last year, or an estimated 4 million, will fly for the holidays.
“AAA and research firm IHS Markit base their forecast on recent and predicted growth in the economy, consumer spending, household wealth and other measures,” the club said in a news release.
The new year-round Allegiant flights from Sanford will operate twice a week. Flights to Milwaukee and Newburgh, N.Y., 70 miles north of New York City, began Thursday, while flights to Norfolk, Va., start today.
Orlando International will open a new parking garage Friday. Located south of the terminal, the new garage, labeled C, will cost $15 daily, $2 less than parking in terminal-top garages A and B.
The new garage includes check-in, baggage check and a tram, with the goal of reducing crowded conditions amid recent growth, Brown said — and “just in time for holiday travelers.”