FOUR Easy Ways to Make Flying to Disney Less Stressful
Even with a potential deal in the works to get the government back up and running, air travel right now is very stressful. We have four tips that you need to know to make your next air travel experience less stressful.
FAA Reduces Flights
Orlando International Airport (MCO) anticipated the airport to continue with normal operations even when the government shutdown. Unfortunately, travelers experienced significant delays recently when MCO experienced an air traffic controller shortage.
The FAA released a list of 40 major airports that will be seeing a 10% in flight reduction. When this list was first released, we shared that MCO had not released an official order.
Now, MCO has been hit with many flight delays and cancellations impacting many Disney World guests. Beginning this week, an estimate of 100 flights a day could be canceled.
Tips For A Less Stressful Travel Experience
There is no denying that it is stressful traveling right now. Even if your flight is not impacted, it is still stressful with the possibility of cancelations and delays looming.
There are some helpful and easy things you can do to keep your trip running as smoothly as possible.
Have the Airline App on Your Device
Having your airline's app on your phone, is the best way to check for updates and easily change your flight if needed.
Travel Early in The Day
We have always recommended traveling early in the day. Usually, it is to avoid Florida's afternoon thunderstorms. However. many travel experts are recommending traveling earlier in the day now, as these flights are seeing less delays and cancelations.
Have a Backup Plan
Having a backup plan, is always a good idea. This will include knowing your rights as a traveler. Do you have travel insurance? Know what your travel insurance covers, don't just assume you know what is covered.
Check other airlines' schedules or surrounding airports to see if any of those flights would work if your flight is canceled. Is driving an option? Explore all your options and what your family/travel party is willing to do to get to your destination.
Download MyTSA App and The MCO App
Be sure to download the MyTSA app and the MCO app. The MyTSA app will give you information about expected wait times along with other helpful information about preparing yourself for travel.
The MCO app will help you navigate the Orlando International Airpot along with security wait times.
MCO's Recommendations
MCO recommends that travelers check directly with their airlines for any delays or cancellations. Fortunately, Orlando International Airport reported that their security checkpoints have not experienced any significant delays.
They continue to recommend the 3-2-1 timeline when traveling through the airport.
MCO recommends travelers use the 3-2-1 timeline. 3: Be at the ticket counter at least 3 hours prior to your departure time. 2: Head to security 2 hours prior to your departure time. 1: Be at your gate 1 hour prior to your departure time.
The 3-2-1 timeline is as follows: be at the ticket counter at least 3 hours before your departure time. Be sure to head to security 2 hours before your departure time, and be at your gate 1 hour before your departure time.
More helpful tips are to have TSA precheck or MCO Reserve to help you speed through the TSA security checkpoint. A newer option for families is the "Families on the Fly" program. You can check out the details HERE.
Do you have any helpful tips for traveling during this stressful time? Will you be traveling soon? Do you use any of these tips already? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to share this post with your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Heather loves all things Disney! She loves visiting her "home" as a Disney Vacation Club Member or participating in a runDisney event!
