ORLANDO, Fla.- The nation’s 249th birthday is going to be busy in the skies, terminals, and parking garages at Orlando International Airport (MCO). A direct comparison of travel numbers from 2024 shows that July 4th, 2025, travel will likely lead to another record year.

Overall, traffic is expected to increase nearly 2 percent with some 1.43 million passengers during the 9-day travel period, which starts on Sunday, June 29th, ending on Monday, July 7th. The busiest travel day is projected to be Sunday, July 6th, when an estimated 175 thousand passengers will pass through MCO.

To help beat the heat of summer travel at Florida’s busiest airport, MCO staff encourages passengers to remember the phrase “Pack, Park, Plane:” Pack as lightly as possible. Park using our reservation system for a guaranteed spot. Plane, give yourself plenty of time to get through security and to your plane.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A new level of customer experience is now in orbit at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Members of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Board and Orlando International Airport (MCO) leadership today proudly opened Annie’s Space Sensory Room, a safe and soothing sanctuary designed specifically for travelers with sensory sensitivities and their families.

Annie’s Space Sensory Room is a thoughtfully crafted environment where both neurodiverse and neurotypical passengers can escape the sensory overload often experienced in a bustling airport setting. From glowing moon rocks and a Milky Way-themed carpet to interactive bubble tubes and tactile panels, the space-themed room is full of engaging features meant to calm, center, and inspire.

Annie the Astronaut, MCO’s mascot and the room’s cheerful intergalactic guide, invites guests on a sensory-friendly journey through space – complete with a moon cave, rocket sculpture, and peaceful planets.

“At MCO, we believe every passenger deserves a smooth and welcoming journey,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which manages Orlando International Airport. “Annie’s Space is more than just a room; it is a reflection of our commitment to innovation and care for our passengers and their families.”

“Annie’s Space brings innovation and heart together in a truly meaningful way,” said Tim Weisheyer, GOAA Board Chairman. “By combining evidence-based design with immersive, space-themed elements, we’ve created a calming experience that reflects our dedication to the people-first mission. This project sets a new standard for how we can elevate accessibility through creativity and care.”

Annie’s Space Sensory Room is a proprietary Snoezelen® Multi-Sensory Environment from School Specialty and is a space custom designed to maximize the benefits of multisensory experiences, including reduced anxiety, increased awareness and attention, and improved mood and behavior. Whether through soothing sounds, soft textures, movement-based activities, or interactive sensory equipment, Annie’s Space Sensory Room provides therapeutic relief for all individuals, including those with sensory processing differences.

“What makes a Snoezelen room unique is its foundation in independence and exploration—users become the architects of their own experience and the space transforms to meet their individual needs,” said Crystal Paulitzki, Snoezelen and Sensory Spaces Expert from School Specialty. "We are proud to partner with Orlando International Airport to create a travel experience where everyone feels comfortable and supported.”

The opening of Annie’s Space Sensory Room marks a significant milestone in MCO’s ongoing mission to create a more welcoming travel experience. In April 2024, MCO became a Certified Autism Center, a prestigious designation awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). To earn this certification, more than 80% of airport staff completed autism and neurodiversity sensitivity training, equipping them with the tools to better support travelers with hidden disabilities and sensory needs.

Related programs include:

• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program – Allows travelers with hidden disabilities a discreet way to let airport employees know they may need extra assistance and/or time with the process. Customers may collect a sunflower lanyard from select booths throughout the airport.

• MCO Paw Pilots Therapy Dog Program – Therapy dogs visit with airport guests to help calm some of the anxiety that some experience while traveling.

Ready to launch into calm? Annie’s Space Sensory Room is located in Terminal A, Level 3, down from the Food Court area. The room is open every day from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Passengers at Orlando International Airport can now glide into the core of Terminal C, thanks to two new moving walkways.

The walkways, which were installed just beyond the TSA checkpoint, provide an express lane to Terminal C’s stunning Palm Court, which features Florida sunshine, and to more than 30 retail, food, and beverage options.

The new moving walkways span from the checkpoint to Palm Court - a corridor primarily with one-way pedestrian traffic. The walkway system has a length of 132 feet - including the on and off ramps. The sloped ramps meet the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

The walkways will help to assist those with limited mobility, as travelers will exit the walkway adjacent to the staging area for mobility carts, which can carry passengers directly to their gate.

TKE (TK Elevator) and Clancy & Theys collaborated on the Terminal C moving walkway project.

In a separate but related effort, the Pedestrian Bridge will have a set of bidirectional moving walkways when it opens this summer. The walkways, including ramps, are approximately 90 feet in length but will be extended once the entire project, including the Rental Car Lobby, opens in 2026. The purpose of the shorter walkways was originally to mark ingress and egress points to the Rental Car Lobby.

The opening of the Pedestrian Bridge is a welcome convenience for passengers who currently use Garage C for access between Terminal C, the Train Station, and the Terminal Link, which provides a connection to Terminals A and B.

Moving walkways were included in the original design for Terminal C, but they were removed as a cost-saving measure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, GOAA staff members have undertaken several studies to determine optimal locations for moving walkways in Terminal C as a way to enhance the passenger experience.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Memorial Day is, for many, the “unofficial” start of the summer travel season. This year, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is expecting a slight 2 percent increase in passenger traffic as compared to last year.

“In light of the recent news that Florida celebrated record tourism last year, Orlando International kicks off the summer travel season on a positive note,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which manages Orlando International and Orlando Executive airports. “Because MCO is a significant economic generator for Central Florida, this is good news for the region as well.”

The Memorial Day travel period is relatively short, lasting only six days from Thursday, May 22, until Tuesday, May 27. But during those six days, nearly a million people will pass through MCO.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) Chief Executive Officer Lance Lyttle today announced to GOAA Board Members that Tuskegee Airman Flight Officer Daniel Keel will be the 2025 recipient of the Col. Joe Kittinger Award. The award will be presented June 28 during the annual Liberty Weekend concert program with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra at Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Board Members applauded Mr. Keel’s selection for the honor, as nominated by a group of distinguished local veterans serving as the Award Nomination Advisory Group, during its regular monthly meeting.

Of the five Tuskegee Airmen Pilots who are still alive, Flight Officer Keel, 102, of Central Florida, is the only one who was triple rated. Mr. Keel was a Navigator, Bombardier, and Fighter Pilot. Drafted into service during World War II, Mr. Keel served his nation with courage and bravery, during a time of conflict and racial discrimination, as illustrated in a recent community exhibit. The display at MCO commemorated the State of Florida’s inaugural Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.

“In honoring Flight Officer Daniel Keel, we not only recognize a trailblazer in American aviation, but we also pay tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and unyielding spirit of all who have worn the uniform,” said Mr. Lyttle. “As a living embodiment of duty, dignity, and history, Mr. Keel’s selection for the Col. Joe Kittinger Award reflects the deep pride the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority holds in its legacy, and in the veterans whose service continues to uplift this nation.”

Once known as McCoy Air Force Base, Orlando International Airport was originally home to a U.S. Air Force installation and training base. Established in 2013, the Col. Joe Kittinger Award is presented each year to honor a deserving individual for their contributions to aviation, the country, and the Central Florida community.

Col. Joe Kittinger (1928 – 2022) of Orlando is renowned for his pioneering high-altitude parachute jump from 102,800 feet in 1960, a record that stood for more than 50 years, and marked a milestone in aerospace exploration. Mr. Kittinger was also a decorated Air Force pilot, Vietnam War POW, and the first person to make a solo transatlantic balloon flight. In addition to this award, Col. Joe Kittinger is the namesake for the City of Orlando park located at Orlando Executive Airport honoring those who served.

Mr. Keel will be the 10th recipient of the Col. Joe Kittinger Award. The community is invited to the Americana-inspired concert performance, which will be held in Terminal C. Parking for Liberty Weekend is free.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando International Airport (MCO) received the esteemed Airport Customer Experience Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI), reaffirming its position as a global leader in delivering exceptional customer experiences.

This recognition reflects MCO’s unwavering commitment to improving the travel experience for the more than 57 million passengers who pass through the airport each year. The ACI Airport Customer Experience Accreditation evaluates airports around the world on key pillars, including Customer Understanding, Strategy, and Measurement. Each merit is critical in ensuring customers receive world-class service at every touchpoint of their journey through MCO.

“This accreditation is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire MCO team,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which manages Orlando International Airport. “Creating a world-class experience for the millions of people who travel through MCO every year is more than just a goal; it’s at the heart of why we do what we do. We’ve made it a priority to listen, to innovate, and to always put people first. At the end of the day, it’s about making every journey better.”

Through this accreditation, ACI recognized MCO for:

Customer Understanding – Listening to passengers. MCO proactively gathers feedback directly from travelers to better understand what they enjoy and what could be improved, then uses that input to guide real changes. Some improvements based on customer feedback include increasing digital signage for wayfinding and messaging, and adding large gate numbers above checkpoints to minimize confusion.

Strategy – Defining a clear vision for service. MCO has a well-defined plan for customer experience, with every team member understanding how their role contributes to making travel smoother and more enjoyable.

Measurement – Tracking what matters. MCO monitors how its customer service efforts impact things like customer satisfaction, employee morale, and overall airport performance.

Orlando International has many customer-focused programs to help ease a passenger’s journey, from the parking lot to the plane. These programs include Reserved Parking and security screening, as well as the MCO Paw Pilots Therapy Dog Program, which provides experiences to help calm the anxiety that some experience while traveling.

As an airport with nonstop service to 60 international destinations, MCO customers often speak many different languages. Customer Service Ambassadors are strategically placed throughout the airport to provide language assistance. MCO also regularly commemorates special moments (birthdays, celebrations, first flights), through a “Memories Created in Orlando (MCO)” button program.

“Earning this accreditation is more than a milestone; it is a clear validation of MCO’s mission to elevate the travel experience at every step,” said Tawana Allen, Vice President of Customer Experience at Orlando International. “By putting people at the center of everything we do, MCO is continuing to innovate and evolve, defining a new era of airport excellence.”

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority is proud to operate Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), two of Florida’s premier air travel gateways. MCO is a world-class global connector, serving nearly 58 million annual passengers across its three terminals, A, B and C. Connected to an Intermodal Terminal Facility that offers high-speed passenger rail service, Terminal C is an inventive structure that elevates the customer experience with 100% automated screening lanes at TSA checkpoints. ORL is conveniently located just miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) took community support to new heights during its inaugural “Pack the Plane” event, in collaboration with several partners, at Orlando Executive Airport (ORL).

During the event, a Diamond DA50 aircraft was loaded with food donations, providing approximately 2,312 meals to families in need through Second Harvest Food Bank.

The success of “Pack the Plane” was made possible through collaboration with community organizations and dedicated partners, including Sheltair, Atlantic Aviation, My Flight, Northern Jet, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Advent Health, Women in Aviation, the Air Line Pilots Association, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

The initiative began with donation boxes placed at key locations throughout Orlando International Airport (MCO), ORL, Sheltair, and Atlantic Aviation, making it easy for travelers, employees, and community members to contribute. On Saturday, May 3, more than 400 people brought in additional donations. In total, the event collected 2,774 pounds of food, surpassing the capacity of two Diamond DA50 aircraft, each with a load capacity of 1,232 pounds.

“We are grateful to everyone who came out to make Pack the Plane a success by supporting families in the communities where we live and work,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of GOAA, which manages MCO and ORL. “Our partnerships help to foster hope that working together, we can make a difference when it comes to hunger and gives Second Harvest Food Bank fuel for its mission to create hope and nourish lives through a hunger relief network.”

The event also featured community-focused activities, such as aircraft displays, live music, food trucks, and appearances by the MCO Paw Pilots and Sparky, the mascot for the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team.

Photo courtesy of iProov

New program aims to reduce wait times and enhance the passenger experience

ORLANDO, Fla. - Providing seamless operations through technology is a strategic priority for Orlando International Airport (MCO), and now there’s an initiative to help advance that priority and benefit millions of passengers.

In partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Orlando International Airport will be welcoming travelers on select flights through a new initiative, Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP). EPP is designed to use biometric facial comparison for identity verification to increase CBP operational efficiency while enhancing the traveler experience and building toward a truly seamless journey. The process allows CBP to focus on the traveler, reducing the burden of administrative tasks.

“Technology is driving the way for more efficient passenger operations,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which manages Orlando International Airport. “Innovative programs like EPP can significantly reduce processing times for passengers, without compromising security. MCO saw an increase of more than 800,000 international arrivals in 2024 than in 2023, many of them U.S. citizens who would benefit from this program. We deeply value our partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and thank them for their continued collaboration and support in helping us deliver a more seamless and secure experience for our international travelers.”

GOAA has selected iProov, a leading biometric solutions company, as their vendor to support EPP.

"Building on our strong relationships with key border agencies and the proven success of our on-the-move biometric screening, iProov is excited to support Orlando International Airport on EPP,” said Andrew Bud, founder and CEO, iProov. “Our biometric screening enhances the ability to accelerate international arrival processing while maintaining confidence in the identity of the individual."

How It Works?

EPP uses facial biometrics to verify U.S. citizens' identities by matching their faces to images in passports, held in the CBP’s database. Arriving U.S. citizens will have their photo captured to verify their identity and citizenship. The CBP officer will engage with the traveler as needed, but the system processing of the traveler is completely automated. The traveler then proceeds to baggage claim.

Participation in the program is voluntary. Travelers who prefer not to use the facial comparison system can opt for the standard screening process with a CBP officer. The program is free and does not require pre-enrollment.

In partnership with MCO, CBP will begin EPP on select flights. MCO expects to fully deploy EPP in time for the summer. GOAA’s longstanding partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been critical to MCO’s success as a leading international gateway. Together, the organizations have worked to implement innovative solutions that enhance security while improving efficiency for travelers. This collaboration continues to support Orlando International’s mission to deliver a world-class travel experience.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando International Airport (MCO) earned a pair of distinguished awards during the 2025 Airport Experience Conference (AXC) recently held in Washington, D.C.

Airport Experience News recognized MCO as the Airport With The Highest Regard for Customer Service. In addition, Tracy Conner Harris, Vice President of Concessions at Orlando International Airport, was named the 2025 Property Manager of the Year. The awards were presented at the organization’s 21st annual conference, which brings airport leaders and industry professionals together to explore the latest trends and innovative strategies in airport concessions.

The two awards further bolster MCO’s impressive list of accolades, including the 2024 AXC Best Overall Concessions Program in the Large Airports category. This recognition highlights Terminal C, which features unique concepts from Central Florida’s small businesses.

The 2025 Customer Service award honors GOAA’s commitment to delivering exceptional service to tenants, employees, passengers, and guests. It also recognizes the dedicated employees and partners who consistently provide authentic hospitality, cultivating a strong sense of pride and community within the airport.

“We are incredibly honored to receive these awards, which reflect our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional customer service at Orlando International Airport,” said Lance Lyttle, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which manages MCO. “At GOAA, creating a culture of exceptional experiences is at the heart of our mission. These two recognitions confirm that we treat our customers with care, and they are why we strive to deliver exceptional service to all who pass through our doors.”

For Tracy, receiving the 2025 Property Manager of the Year award is a testament to her exceptional leadership, dedication, and forward-thinking approach to airport concessions.