ORLANDO, Fla. – For those planning holiday getaways, flying on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day might just be the ideal choice.
At Orlando International Airport, passengers were pleasantly surprised by the sparse crowds and brief security lines on Christmas Eve, defying expectations of bustling terminals just before the holiday celebrations.
“You would think Christmas Eve would mean jam-packed airports,” remarked Yvette Rawls-Parks, a traveler departing from Orlando. “It was astounding. There were no TSA lines at all. Everyone was cheerful and embracing the holiday spirit.”
Throughout the morning, the airport maintained a consistent yet serene atmosphere, with baggage arriving promptly and security checks operating smoothly. Several travelers noted that flying on the holiday itself has been a tried and tested method for them.
“I’ve always traveled on Christmas,” shared Elena Tyson. “That’s what my family always did, and I highly recommend it. Although, the secret might be out now.”
According to AAA, this year’s holiday airfare is notably pricier, with average tickets nearing $900. Typically, the days just before Christmas see the highest prices, while flights on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day tend to be more budget-friendly.
AAA estimates 8.03 million people will travel by air during the holiday season, marking the first time the number has surpassed 8 million. Despite that record-setting forecast, conditions at Orlando International Airport on Christmas Eve were quieter than some travelers anticipated.
“I’m surprised,” said Paul, another traveler at the airport. “You look at the websites, and they tell you how many people are traveling, and I’m surprised there are just not a lot of people right now.”
Transportation Security Administration wait times fluctuated at points during the day, and officials advised travelers to monitor conditions before arriving at the airport.
AAA expects Christmas Day to be even quieter, with heavier travel returning later in the week as holiday travelers head back home. Passengers are encouraged to check their flight status in advance and arrive early to account for any potential delays.
Despite ongoing upgrades to the airport’s Gate Link tram system, there were no visible disruptions to passenger movement on Christmas Eve. Trams continued to run smoothly throughout the day.
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