ORLANDO, Fla. - The last unofficial holiday of summer 2026 may see a small decline in the number of passengers at Orlando International Airport (MCO), but Orlando is still predicted to be one of the most popular Labor Day destinations.

Monday, September 7th is expected to be the busiest day of the travel period with 155,776 arriving and departing passengers. According to AAA, Orlando will be one of the most popular Labor Day destinations for air travel this holiday, along with Seattle, Boston, Denver, and New York City.

This year the Labor Day travel period runs from Thursday, September 3rd through Tuesday, September 8th. During that time, a total of 841,577 passengers are planning to arrive and depart from MCO.

Orlando International Airport is also planning for your travel well beyond the Labor Day holiday with the following improvement projects and programs.

Gate Link System – The Gate Link tram system is being upgraded to Gates 70-129. This two-year project is replacing the old trams with new, smoother, quicker trams. The first set of new cars are expected to begin passenger service next month.

Parking Guidance System (PGS) - Parking Garage C will activate the PGS system later this fall, allowing drivers to see how many spaces are available and where the space are located before entering the parking garage. The technology will expand to Garages A and B early next year.

New Concessions - A master Concessions Plan is taking shape with more than a half-dozen new offerings and dozens more to come. Check out the new Starbucks and 4Rivers concessions at Gates 1-29; City Vista and City Beautiful Marketplace at Gates 100-129; Cibo News at Gates 30-59; and City of Light Marketplace next to the Food Court at Terminal B.

Family Zones - Three Family Zones have opened recently to give traveling families more places to play, explore, and mentally recharge. They are located at Terminal A, Level 1: A soft-play area across from Hertz Rental Car; Terminal B, Level 3: An interactive game area next to the Food Court; Terminal C: A special reading nook, post-security, near Gate 240.

If you are planning to travel during this period, please take note of the three P’s.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Families traveling through Orlando International Airport (MCO) now have two more places to play, explore, and mentally recharge before takeoff.

MCO officially opened two new Family Zones today, one in Terminal A, and one in Terminal B, completing an initiative to strategically place Family Zones in all three of MCO’s passenger terminals. The Family Zones are designed to elevate the passenger experience with amenities that delight guests and make travel more comfortable for families. The new spaces build on the success of the Flybrary, a playful library and reading nook that opened in Terminal C in May.

“It’s exciting to add two more family zones to the lineup today,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer for the Greater Orlando Aviation (GOAA), which operates MCO. “All three spaces represent our ongoing commitment to elevate the passenger experience with amenities that delight guests and make travel easier for families.”

Level 1 of Terminal A is where families can discover a Florida-inspired soft-play environment, created with younger travelers in mind. The space features a colorful Florida themed carpet map, a Florida trivia kiosk, and a variety of soft-play elements designed to provide a safe and fun experience for MCO’s youngest passengers.

Additionally, Level 3 of Terminal B is home to an interactive Family Zone, which invites children and families to step into a digital world of motion-based games that encourage movement and friendly competition. Using digital displays and cameras, the experience provides interactive games where players flap their arms to fly, or strategically sort colorful luggage, all within the safety of a digitally rendered environment.

The interactive gaming area features technology installed by Central Florida-based M3D Technologies, a participant of the University of Central Florida’s Business Incubation Program.

“For parents and caregivers, airport travel can bring a lot of moving pieces: bags, strollers, schedules…and the natural energy of children who are excited to board an airplane.” said Tawana Allen, Chief Customer Experience Officer for GOAA. "Our Family Zones will help meet travelers where they are. They offer a place to pause, reset, and enjoy a moment together before the next leg of their trip."

The Family Zones are part of GOAA's broader strategy to enhance customer satisfaction and support the Aviation Authority's Strategic Vision Elevating MCO & ORL: The Vision Forward.

To learn more about GOAA’s Strategic Vision, please visit flymco.com/elevatingmco.

About Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.