4 Dates to AVOID Orlando International Airport This Summer

The summer travel season is upon us, and some days are going to be busier – and more expensive – than others!

Security lines at Orlando International Airport

While economic and political factors may put a dent in the summer travel plans of many travelers, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is predicting over 50,000 flights (including cargo flights) per day this summer, a 4% increase of summer flight schedules compared to 2024. Many major airlines agree, with American Airlines saying they expect to operate 5% more flights this summer than last, while United Airlines is projecting nearly 50 million passengers from June to August, about 3 million more than their 2024 total during that period.

With those record-breaking flight and passenger numbers, trying to determine the best days to travel can be overwhelming, but that’s where data comes in.

According to travel giant Expedia, they expect some of the busiest travel days of the summer are expected to be Thursday, June 19th (Juneteenth); Friday, June 27th; Tuesday, August 5th, and Tuesday, August 26th. The busiest domestic destinations? Las Vegas, New York City, Orlando, Miami, Chicago, Puerto Rico, Honolulu, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Southwest Airlines

What should you do if you’re looking to avoid the busiest and most expensive days? Looking at Expedia’s data once again, there is a drop in demand for travel at the end of August before Labor Day aa summer vacation has wound down for many, making that likely the best time to travel if you can.

MCO lines

On top of that, flying on midweek days like Tuesdays can be much cheaper than weekend flights. Case in point, once again, according to Expedia, the cheapest days to fly domestically this summer are Tuesday, August 19th and Monday, August 25th.

Lets travel!

If you want to avoid flying to Orlando – or another US destination – this summer, perhaps consider driving. Currently, rental car prices are averaging about $47 a day (steady from 2024) and the national average for a gallon of gas is $3.14 — the lowest June gas price since 2021, according to AAA.