Travel from MCO on Saturday, Dec 22

[ransom]

In 2001, when (like this year) Christmas fell on a Tuesday, the Saturday and Sunday before were two of the busiest travel days of the year.

Never having travelled on one of these "busiest days," I'm unsure whether it would be better to cut our planned December WDW vacation one day short and leave MCO the Friday before Christmas, or if it won't make that much of a difference.

If you have experience in such situations, please share!

 

[bavaria]

the Saturday was Dec 23rd this year; I travelled for work on Dec 18th, 23rd, and 31st, amongst other days.

While not flying in/out of MCO, all of those days were packed with leisure travellers. I felt like the only business traveller. Every single seat on every single flight I flew was full.

The reality is that when the ratio of infrequent to frequent travellers changes, things slow down. Many leisure travellers fly very rarely, and simply aren't as quick and experienced in the security lines, etc. (other leisure travellers are VERY experienced and do get through very quickly)

I am sure that once again I will be flamed for saying that, but it's true. I can tell you many examples, including the family of five at IAD ahead of me at the security line that seemed to have taken the 'banned' list off www.tsa.gov and packed every one of those items in their carryon.

Just be extra prepared for long lines, and arrive extra early. Don't stress about things, plan ahead, and you should be fine.