Seeing your bag appear is a massive weight off your shoulders. It’s the most satisfying part of navigating any busy airport. At the MCO baggage claim, the process is built to be as simple as possible for every traveler. When you arrive, you will find yourself in a large hall with plenty of room to stretch your legs after a long flight.
Make sure you know exactly which side of the terminal you need. Since the area is divided into several parts, simply checking the overhead signs will help you find your way. Whether you are arriving for a long holiday or just a short stay, picking up your luggage is the very last step. So, once you have your bags, your journey can finally start. Are you all set to collect your belongings and head out to enjoy your day?
This guide explains how baggage handling works at MCO, the upgrades being made, and additional luggage services available at the airport.
Overview of Baggage Handling at MCO Airport
With the opening of the airport complex in 1981, the baggage-handling system was sufficient to handle passenger demand. Over time, the aviation industry experienced major changes, particularly after the September 11 attacks, which introduced stricter security measures across airports.
As a result, baggage handling systems needed updates to incorporate security screening processes. Several improvements have been implemented at MCO Airport over the years, but rising passenger traffic has placed new pressure on the system.
Passenger numbers at the airport have grown significantly:
- 2019: Around 50 million passengers
- 2023: Nearly 58 million passengers
- 2024: Airlines processed about 7,000 more departing bags per day compared with 2022
Because of this rapid growth, airport authorities are working to modernize baggage operations to maintain world-class service standards.
Who Manages Baggage Handling at MCO?
Baggage handling at Orlando International Airport is not managed by a single entity. Instead, it involves collaboration between several partners:
- Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA)- manages airport operations and infrastructure
- Airlines operating at MCO are responsible for passenger luggage handling
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)- performs baggage screening and security checks
- Additional operational partners and contractors
Luggage Storage Services at MCO
If you want to explore the city freely, store your bags at the airport. Furthermore, these convenient storage services keep your luggage safe. So, you can enjoy your sightseeing trip without any heavy loads.
Hold My Luggage:
The service Hold My Luggage operates in Terminal B, Level 1. These services include:
- Luggage pickup and return
- Short-term or multi-day luggage storage
- Luggage transport between hotels or cities
Before leaving luggage, you must sign a liability waiver. Then their team tags the bags and issues a claim ticket to facilitate retrieval. Once ready, you can collect their items from the desk. Alternatively, they may request that the service deliver the bags directly to their airline’s check-in location for added convenience.
Is Early Bag Storage Available in Terminal C at MCO Airport?
At Terminal C, you can store your luggage early using their advanced baggage system. This helpful feature lets you check bags well before your flight starts. Keep in mind that every airline sets its own specific rules for this service. Therefore, you should contact your carrier directly to see exactly how early they will accept your suitcases before departure.
Luggage Wrapping Services at MCO Airport
For extra luggage protection, you can use Wrap N’ Fly in Terminal A. They are located on Level 1, right near the USO.
Additionally, this service shields your bags from damage, bad weather, and tampering while you travel. Moreover, they are open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. So, it is a simple way to keep your belongings safe and dry throughout your entire journey.
What Are the Hoverboard and Airline Policies at MCO Airport?
The TSA allows hoverboards, but every airline sets its own travel rules. Therefore, you must check with your carrier first. Additionally, remember that battery restrictions often apply, so confirm the specific details before heading to the airport for your flight.
Airlines may restrict whether hoverboards can be placed in:
- Checked baggage
- Carry-on luggage
- Bags containing removable batteries
Furthermore, passengers should always confirm their airline’s specific policy before traveling with a hoverboard.
New Baggage Claim Improvements at Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport is upgrading its baggage system to speed up luggage pickup. First, they’re using new technology to cut down wait times. Next, they are investing in better equipment. So, these changes ensure a smoother, faster experience for every traveler.
Near-Term Improvements to Baggage Handling:
To speed up baggage handling, the airport hired new service providers in late 2024. Moreover, they started with cruise bags, but now also help with airline luggage to keep things moving.
The ESP program focuses on several key tasks:
- Collecting outbound bags directly from hotels and resorts
- Transporting luggage to a Remote Screening Facility for security checks
- Reducing congestion within the airport’s baggage processing areas
By Spring 2025, several major airlines also began allowing travelers to check their bags directly from participating hotels. This early baggage check-in option helps passengers avoid long airport lines and arrive at the airport with less stress.
Mid-Term Upgrades to Screening Technology:
The TSA is also upgrading its technology to better screen checked bags. Specifically, they are improving systems in “pods” where luggage is checked. Furthermore, a major project is underway in Pod E. This ensures all bags are scanned thoroughly before they enter the airport’s main handling system for your flight.
Recent upgrades include improvements to:
- Ethernet connectivity
- Information technology (IT) infrastructure
- Encoder equipment
These upgrades make bag screening faster and more reliable. So, airports can process luggage quickly and move it through smoothly.
Long-Term Renovation Plans:
Looking ahead, Orlando International Airport is planning a huge $652 million upgrade to its baggage system. In addition, this project is part of a larger improvement plan to modernize the airport. Consequently, these changes will help Terminals A and B manage more travelers. So, this ensures a smoother experience for everyone as passenger numbers continue to grow.
A redesigned system will be especially helpful because Orlando processes an unusual variety of luggage. The airport processes a greater number of the items listed below than most other airports worldwide.
- Golf bags
- Baby strollers
- Car seats
Orlando handles more oversized and specialty bags than almost any other airport. As a result, the new baggage system is a game-changer. So, it will manage all those unique items much faster and more efficiently than before.
Conclusion:
MCO is growing, and so is its baggage claim system. To keep up with the crowds, the airport has a three-part plan: quick fixes today, new technology tomorrow, and better infrastructure in the future. This means less waiting at the carousel for you! They are also offering extra services to make your trip easier, such as secure luggage storage and early check-in options. If you want to keep your suitcases safe, you can even use their wrapping services. Therefore, expect a much smoother and more efficient experience the next time you fly through Orlando.
FAQs:
The baggage claim is at the lower level of each terminal. Follow the overhead signs after landing to find the correct carousel for your flight.
Check the flight information screens in the baggage claim hall. They show your airline, flight number, and the correct carousel.
Yes. You can store your bags using the Hold My Luggage service located in Terminal B, Level 1.
Yes. Travelers can protect their bags with the Wrap N’ Fly luggage wrapping service in Terminal A.
Hoverboards are allowed under Transportation Security Administration guidelines, but each airline may have its own battery and baggage rules. Always check with your airline before traveling.