ORLANDO, Fla. — The Christmas season is ringing at Orlando International Airport, as thousands of travelers start to stream in.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
A total of 158,000 people are expected to pass through the airport today.
For travelers like Daniel Battillo, he hopes that operations will run smoothly.
“I’ve lost a bag in the airport before but I think it’ll be pretty good,” Battillo said. “We have TSA PreCheck.”
Read: Wrong-way crash kills driver on State Road 417, troopers say
This holiday season, OIA said it also expects to see nearly double the number of passengers, compared to the Thanksgiving weekend.
OIA said the busiest day will be the day after New Year’s, with 162,000 travelers. The least busy day will be Christmas Day.
The airport said it is planning to have extra staff and shuttles ready, just in case.
The Transportation Security Administration is urging travelers to arrive early.
Read: LYNX announces bus service hours for the holiday season
Airport officials are asking you to pack your patience during what’s expected to be a hectic holiday season.
“Get here early, up to three hours if necessary,” said Kevin Thibault, CEO of Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
Getting to the airport is only half the battle, as long security lines can form. With so much up in the air, TSA representative Sari Koshetz said you should not push your luck.
“Don’t show up at the airport 20 minutes before the flight,” she said. “The plane doors will close and you have to go though security, then take a train to get to your gate. So, don’t cut it close.”
This browser does not support the video element.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.