Dozens of flights have been delayed at Orlando International Airport, causing problems for travelers trying to fly home for Thanksgiving.

As of 6 p.m., there have been 43 departure delays and 37 arrival delays Tuesday, according to airport officials.

You can check our flight status online at orlandoairports.net.

An estimated 100,000 people were scheduled to pass through Orlando on Tuesday alone. A total of 1.2 million travelers are expected to trickle through MCO during the 12-day Thanksgiving travel period ending next Tuesday, Dec. 3.

An airport spokesperson said extra staff will be on hand all week to help make travel go as smoothly as possible for passengers.

Still, if you're planning on flying this week or early next week, airport staff recommends arriving two hours before your departure time.

"I saw that my in-laws flight is delayed from Raleigh-Durham," said Paul Fiorenza, who flew into Orlando from Ohio on Monday night, and spent Tuesday waiting for family members to arrive before kicking off his holiday fun.

 "It kind of impacts our plans a little bit," Fiorenza said. "We were thinking of going to Universal, but now I don't think we'll have time to."

Others had a little more luck. Marsha Folayan arrived at the airport two hours ahead of her flight home to Las Vegas, and experienced no delays or long lines.

"Pretty easy, pretty convenient," said Folayan. "We were in and out."

Still, employees say the busiest days are yet to come. The top three busiest travel days over the Thanksgiving holiday period, which runs through Tuesday, Dec. 3, are expected to be:

  • Saturday, Nov. 30
  • Sunday, Dec. 1
  • Saturday, Nov. 23

Wednesday night will also be especially busy as many make the last-minute trips before Thanksgiving.

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Packing Rules

Pack lightly. Remember many airlines will charge extra fees for luggage.

Remember the 3-1-1 rule. Three-ounce or less sized containers of liquids or gel that will fit inside one quart-sized, clear plastic, zip-top bag, and only one bag per person.

If traveling with food for the holidays, review the TSA website for rules. This will avoid extended delays in the security checkpoint and possibly having to destroy Grandma's favorite dessert.

Weapons do not fly in your carry-on luggage. Leave all weapons at home or securely locked in your vehicle. Double check your carry-on baggage before entering the security checkpoint.

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Flying with Pets

If you're flying with a four-legged friend, you should allow even more time. All travel dogs are allowed on flights, but for those who are taking their pets home for the holiday, here's one important tip from US Airways:

One thing I would say is book early and call to make reservations that you will be traveling with a pet. When you come to the airport, we do recommend you come in about 90 minutes before departure. Give yourself a few extra minutes to make sure the ticket agent can process your pet for you.

— John T. Kashchy, US Airways

Each airline handles the transport of pets differently and requirements may vary. Before you travel, contact your airline and your airport to find out the following information:

  • Types of animals allowed
  • Number of pets allowed in the cabin
  • Are pets allowed in cargo area?
  • Is cargo area climate controlled?
  • Are advanced reservations required?
  • Is a health certificate required?
  • Breed restrictions
  • Size restrictions
  • Age restrictions
  • Recommended types of carriers/containers
  • Multiple pets in same carrier
  • Pet transport fees