ORLANDO, Fla. — During Memorial Day weekend, more than 42 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles away from home.

According to AAA, nearly 3.4 million people will be catching a flight and some of those passengers will be going through the Orlando and Tampa International airports.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority expects more than 1.1 million travelers to move through the airport during the seven-day travel period.

The Orlando airport’s new West Park Place economy lot has 3,100 additional parking spots to accommodate that influx of traffic. The new parking lot is on Tradeport Drive.

As the seventh busiest airport in the country, Orlando International is preparing for a high volume of travelers, with officials predicting they could see nearly 170,000 travelers just Saturday.

“Well, in anticipation of the Memorial Day travel, in anticipation of the summer travel, we do have, TSA has what they call the NDO, which is basically supplemental staff, that they gather from other airports that are a little less busy,” said Marquez Griffin, VP of Airport Operations. “They deploy them here in Orlando to assist with some of the lines and taking care of the passengers.”

As the busy Memorial Day travel weekend began on Saturday, Deatress Lindsey and Elton Branch were heading back to Chicago from Orlando International Airport. They arrived at the airport much earlier than needed.

They had just finished a six-day cruise on the Mardi Gras ship, celebrating a family member's 25th wedding anniversary. Lindsey enjoyed the vacation but joked, "The worst part, coming back."

Luckily, Lindsey had a few extra days off work before returning. Despite their careful planning, the couple encountered unexpected travel surprises.

Upon arrival, they learned that they couldn't check their bags earlier than four hours before their flight, as told by their airline. Airport officials recommended passengers arrive three hours before their flight during this busy holiday weekend. Lindsey expressed frustration, saying, "Here early and still can't check our bags in."

They arrived around 10:30 a.m. and hoped to check their bags by 10:45 a.m. Finally, after a bit more waiting, they received confirmation they could check their bags.

Despite the setbacks, Lindsey and Branch appreciated the extra time they had due to arriving early.

“Each airline sets its own rules for how early it will accept baggage. Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines," said airport officials when asked about checked luggage. 

There is an independent operator at Orlando International that will hold luggage from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. More information can be found on the MCO website.

Meanwhile in Tampa, the airport is gearing up for what officials predict will be its busiest summer yet. Airlines have added extra routes and with seat capacity expected to be high for anticipated high demand, TSA is reporting record passenger volumes. 

Tampa International expects to see an average of approximately 70,000 passengers per day, with as many as 90,000 passengers on its busiest days, which are typically Saturdays and Sundays. So far this year, the Airport has seen nearly five percent more passengers compared to the same year-to-date period in 2019.

Regardless of where you’re traveling to or from, officials do recommend you get to your departure airport three hours early to account for any unexpected delays or wait times.

AAA expects this to be the busiest Memorial Day weekend for airports since 2005.