ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s about to get a lot busier at Orlando International Airport.
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In the first two weeks of the spring break season, more than 2.7 million visitors passed through the airport. Officials said that more record-setting travel could be ahead.
Channel 9 monitored the crowds this morning, and the crowds ebbed and flowed.
For Randy and Ethan Fancher, this weekend’s quick trip to visit family in Central Florida is just a precursor.
Read: Orlando International Airport braces for busiest day of spring break travel season
“I haven’t missed a spring break in 46 years, so mickeys got a lot of my money,” Randy Fancher said.
The travelers will head home to the land of the Buffalo Bills on Sunday before returning to Orlando International Airport next weekend.
“We’re coming back down when the kids are on break to Disney because we love it down here,” Randy Fancher said.
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Spring season at OIA runs from Mar. 4 through Apr. 18. The airport is already breaking travel records with only weeks to go before the season wraps up.
More than 95,000 visitors packed into the airport on Mar. 11, smashing the single-day travel record set in 2019.
“It felt really busy in the parks, but the airport doesn’t feel super busy,” traveler Leo Badolato said.
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The Badolato family said they are among the thousands who flew in to visit the parks.
“There (were) a lot of really great roller coasters,” Badolato said. “I’m a thrill seeker, so that was fun.”
While these early morning airport crowds might not compare to the jam-packed lines at theme parks, airport officials said this weekend is likely the busiest day in the travel period.
“This is my only week free from school, so I’m going to see my family,” said student Allany Barilla.
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Barilla said she jumped at the chance to travel back home to Puerto Rico for the week, and she’s not the only student standing in a long line.
“I have friends all around the world, from China, the U.K., and the United States,” she said. “So, everybody is flying like today or tomorrow.”
Airport officials encourage everyone to pack their patience, arrive early to find parking at busy garages, and pack light to expedite their trips through the airport.
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