BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Officials at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) expect an estimated 2.1 million travelers to fly through the facility during the year-end peak holiday travel period from Saturday, December 20, 2025, to Monday, January 5, 2026. That's roughly flat with the passenger traffic prediction for the same holiday period in 2024. For this year's winter travel season, FLL's busiest days are expected to be Saturday, Sunday, and Monday before Christmas, followed by the same weekdays before New Year's Day and the first Saturday and Sunday in January 2026. Overall, FLL anticipates an average of over 124,000 daily passengers during the 17 days.

"At FLL, we're already noticing busier terminals and roadways than normal as travelers fly in and out for the year-end Christmas and New Year's Day holiday season," said Mark Gale, CEO/Director of Aviation. "Thanks to everyone who traveled through FLL in 2025. Be safe, stay healthy, and we look forward to serving you in 2026."  

The lure of a warm, exciting, and tropical wonderland helps to put South Florida cities high on the 'nice' list of top domestic holiday destinations for Christmas and New Year's getaways. This year, Fort Lauderdale ranked No. 2 based on booking data, and a record 8.03  million domestic travelers nationwide are expected to fly to their holiday celebrations, up 2.3% from 2024, according to AAA's year-end travel insights and forecast. 

Here are some year-end holiday tips for passengers traveling through FLL:    

REAL ID
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implemented REAL ID on May 7, so if you're flying domestic and plan on using your driver's license, you may be subject to additional screening if your ID doesn't have a star. 

ARRIVE EARLY
Typically, travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours if flying internationally. However, during peak holiday periods, it's best to follow your airline's updated guidance, which may require more time for check-in/bag processing. Security processing may also take longer due to increased passenger activity. 

PARKING (ON-SITE)
With high demand for curbside valet service and self-parking options at FLL this year, especially during the holidays, we recommend getting dropped off by family, friends, or a ride-share service instead, as the on-site airport garages could fill up.

FLL offers travelers a variety of parking options in its garages: Long Term Parking is $20 a day, and Short Term Parking, intended for dropping off or picking up passengers, is available for $2 per 20-minute intervals with a maximum daily rate of $36. Download the free FLL Airport App for information on parking, flights, restaurants, and shops before arriving at the airport. If you plan to park at FLL, allocate extra time to get here and secure a spot among the self-parking garage's 11,000-plus spaces. Tap into the garage's smart parking technology to find the closest open spot.

Travelers can use SunPass Plus as a convenient way to pay for parking using a SunPass transponder in the airport's three parking garages. The traveler must use a SunPass Plus lane to enter and exit for the account to be charged. SunPass Plus entry does not require a ticket. 

Curbside Valet Parking service is offered at two drop-off/pick-up locations. Both valet stations are on the upper-level (Departures) roadway at the west ends of Terminals 1 and 4. The first location serves guests traveling to/from Terminals 1 and 2, and the second site caters to travelers in Terminals 3 and 4. Valet Parking is $30 per day.

OVERFLOW PARKING (OFF-SITE) 
During the peak travel seasons, FLL's Overflow Parking Lot will begin accepting entries only when on-site parking reaches maximum capacity. Watch for parking updates on the airport's social media pages (X and Facebook). Travelers opting to use the Overflow Parking Lot should allow at least 45-60 minutes extra time to park and board a shuttle to their departure terminal. 

The Overflow Parking Lot is in the western part of the airport at 2755 SW 42nd St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Go south on Perimeter Road to Griffin Road and take Griffin Road west past I-95 to Anglers Avenue. Then turn right (north) and then left (west) on Southwest 42nd Street and follow the orange wayfinding signs. A flat rate of $10 per day applies, as does a maximum stay of seven days. Payment via credit card is preferred. The free shuttle service to and from the Overflow Lot will have designated stops along the upper-level airport roadway between Terminals 1 and 2 and Terminals 3 and 4. View the attached parking map at the bottom of the page.

PICK-UP/DROP-OFF
The Cell Phone Waiting Area (intended for short stays of under 30 minutes) is located under the main entrance roadway to the airport. As you approach FLL's entrance, stay in the left lanes, follow the sign to All Parking, and bear left. Then, follow the signs to the Cell Phone Waiting Area. This road will bring you around the Rental Car Center to the Cell Phone Waiting Area. If the free Cell Phone Waiting Area is full, please proceed to Short Term Parking in the garages, available for $2 per 20 minutes with a grace period of under 20 minutes at no charge. Please remember that the curbside areas are for immediate pick-up and drop-off only. Unattended vehicles will be ticketed and towed.

TRAVEL & GUNS
If you plan to travel with a licensed firearm, follow the TSA protocols to pack and transport your weapon safely as checked luggage. If you are caught with a gun at a TSA passenger screening checkpoint, this will disrupt your travel plans, and you could face a hefty penalty and an arrest.

RIDE-SHARING PICK-UP UPDATES: 
Please note, the new temporary pick-up location for ride-share passengers arriving in Terminal 1 is Zone Z (Stations 8-15). From the terminal's bag claim area, proceed curbside, turn left, and follow the wayfinding signage past the taxi booth kiosk. For passengers arriving in Terminals 3 and 4, exit the bag claim area and use the pedestrian crosswalks to access the new Zones A-D pick-up locations on the lower level of the Palm Garage. 

FLL participates in several expedited security and Customs processing programs, including TSA Pre-Check, Global Entry, and CLEAR. Please visit their respective websites to learn more about the programs, how they work, and any associated costs. If you are a traveler with a disability or medical condition, you can plan ahead with TSA Cares or call their toll-free helpline at 1-855-787-2227 to enhance your airport experience.

About Broward's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
In 2024, FLL served 35.2 million passengers. Pre-pandemic, the airport generated $37.5 billion in economic activity annually and nearly 18,000 direct, local jobs. FLL is located in Greater Fort Lauderdale in the heart of Florida's Gold Coast. The Aviation Department, FLL's operator, is a self-supporting agency of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners that does not rely on local tax dollars for operations and capital improvements. The department also operates North Perry Airport, a general aviation facility for private and charter aircraft operators. Call 954-359-6100 for more information. For updates on airport programs and services, follow us on X, like us on Facebook, or visit fll.net.

December 19, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Arlene Satchell, Public Information Officer
Broward County Aviation Department
954-359-6116
asatchell@broward.org