Arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO) several hours before your flight can create an unexpected problem: your airline may not be ready to accept your checked luggage yet.
If you are flying from Terminal A or Terminal B at MCO and have several hours to spare, you do not necessarily have to sit in the airport with your suitcases. Travelers have several options for handling luggage before airline bag drop opens.
How Early Can You Check Bags at MCO?
There is no single baggage check-in time that applies to every airline at Orlando International Airport. Each airline establishes its own rules for how early it will accept checked luggage.
If you arrive well before departure, the airline counter or baggage-drop area may not accept your bags yet. The exact window can depend on the airline, destination, flight schedule and whether you are traveling domestically or internationally.
Check directly with your airline before heading to MCO unusually early.
Is There Luggage Storage at MCO Terminal A or Terminal B?
Travelers looking for luggage storage at Orlando International Airport do have an on-airport option.
MCO lists a staffed luggage-storage service in Terminal B, Level 1. Travelers departing from Terminal A can also use it, although they should allow enough time to retrieve their bags and return to the appropriate airline check-in area before departure.
Airport storage can be convenient if you are already at MCO and simply need somewhere to leave your luggage for a few hours.
However, travelers who are still at a hotel, Airbnb or vacation rental may have another option: avoid bringing the luggage to the airport early in the first place.
Send Your Bags Ahead to MCO With Bagzee
If your flight leaves in the evening but you need to check out of your Orlando accommodation in the morning, Bagzee can pick up your luggage and send it ahead to Orlando International Airport.
Bagzee provides luggage pickup from Orlando hotels, resorts, Airbnbs, vacation rentals and other addresses. Your luggage is transported toward MCO while you continue enjoying your day without carrying suitcases.
For example, instead of heading to the airport hours early, you could spend your remaining time having lunch, shopping, visiting Disney Springs or exploring another part of Orlando.
When it is time to fly, retrieve your luggage at MCO and check it with your airline normally.
Bagzee does not check your luggage onto the aircraft for you. You remain responsible for collecting your bags, completing airline baggage check-in and going through airport security.
Which Option Makes Sense?
If you are already inside MCO Terminal A or B, airport luggage storage may be the simplest solution.
If you are still at your Orlando hotel or vacation rental and have several hours before your flight, sending your luggage ahead can eliminate an unnecessary early airport trip.
Instead of organizing your final day around your suitcases, Bagzee lets your bags head toward MCO while you enjoy a few more luggage-free hours in Orlando.