If you are flying out of Orlando International Airport (MCO) from Terminal C, a common travel-day problem is what to do with your luggage when hotel or Airbnb checkout happens hours before your flight.
Terminal C handles a mix of domestic and international flights. While its baggage system includes early bag storage capability, that does not mean travelers can drop off checked bags at any time. How early an airline will accept luggage depends on the carrier, so confirm baggage check-in times directly with your airline before heading to MCO.
Option 1: Check Your Bags With Your Airline
If your airline’s check-in counter is already accepting luggage, the simplest option is to check your bags and continue through security. This works well when you are only a few hours from departure.
The problem comes when you have an evening flight but need to leave your hotel in the morning. Arriving at MCO six or eight hours early just to get rid of luggage can mean spending most of your last day inside the airport.
Option 2: Use MCO’s On-Site Luggage Storage
MCO offers staffed luggage storage through Hold My Luggage, but the airport lists the service in Terminal B, Level 1 — not Terminal C. Travelers departing from Terminal C can still use it, but doing so may require extra time to move between terminals before the flight.
For someone already at MCO, this may be practical. For travelers still at a hotel or vacation rental, going to the airport just to store luggage can create an unnecessary trip.
Option 3: Leave Your Bags With Your Hotel
Many Orlando hotels will hold luggage after checkout. This can be convenient if your final-day plans are close to the hotel.
However, you will need to return to the property to collect your bags before traveling to MCO. That can be inconvenient if you plan to spend your final hours at Disney Springs, International Drive, Winter Park or elsewhere in Orlando.
Option 4: Send Your Luggage Ahead to MCO With Bagzee
Bagzee offers another option for travelers who want to keep exploring without returning to their hotel.
Bagzee can pick up luggage from an Orlando hotel, Airbnb, vacation rental or other address and send it ahead to MCO. Travelers can continue their day luggage-free, then retrieve their bags at the airport before checking them with their airline.
Bagzee does not check luggage onto your flight. You still collect your bags, complete your airline’s normal check-in process and go through security.
What’s the Best Option for Terminal C Travelers?
If your airline will already accept your bags, checking them in may be easiest. If not, hotel storage or MCO’s Terminal B storage can work.
But if you have several hours before a Terminal C flight and want to keep exploring Orlando, luggage pickup and airport delivery can eliminate the return trip. Instead of organizing your final day around your suitcases, you can meet them at MCO when it is time to fly.