Sep 3, 2026

Labor Day Travel Ends Busy Summer Season

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.

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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.

Pack as lightly as possible. Our video offers some high-flying tips to help you decide.

Park in any available garage/lot or use Reserved Parking for a guaranteed spot.

Plane Don’t miss it! Give yourself two hours to get through security and to your plane.

Other tips:

  • MCO Reserve. Passengers can book a time slot to go through a TSA security checkpoint. Visit the FlyMCO website for reservations.

  • Cell Phone Lots. Instead of circling the airport, use the free North or South Cell Phone Lots to wait for your passenger. These convenient lots offer Wi-Fi and restrooms.

  • MCO App. Your personal MCO Assistant is close at hand for the best in-terminal navigation experience and more.

  • Remember the TSA 3-1-1 rule- When flying, do not bring liquids over 3.4 ounces in one-quart sized zip- lock bag, one bag per passenger

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.

For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority at 407-825-2055 or email us at MCOPIO@goaa.org for further assistance.