Brady PieperOrlando International Airport (MCO) is implementing comprehensive upgrades to modernize its baggage claim systems and enhance baggage handling efficiency.
In response to record passenger volume, the airport is moving forward with several collaborative projects that expedite wait times for luggage and upgrade passenger convenience at Terminals A and B. These projects, led by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), seek to bring MCO up to the standards of a world-class airport and reduce the time passengers wait at baggage carousels.
The baggage handling projects are a part of Elevating MCO, a comprehensive, long-term plan to modernize facilities and improve capacity at the airport, one of the 10 busiest in the U.S. While Elevating MCO envisions the overall future of the airport, the initiative supports a variety of short-, mid- and long-term solutions that will improve MCO’s baggage handling systems and overall efficiency.
In the short-term, MCO will embrace new partnerships with express service providers (ESP) to transport inbound bags from the airline to off-site resorts, hotels and other facilities. The collaborative approach, established under new GOAA policy in September 2024, would screen bags at a remote facility to streamline the processing of eligible luggage. The selection of one or more of these ESPs is anticipated by Summer.
While MCO intends to improve baggage processes, luggage must be screened through the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) prior to passenger delivery. In the mid-term, the airport, TSA and Aviation Authority will pursue physical screening equipment upgrades in designated areas known as pods.
Following GOAA approval, TSA will enter into an agreement to modernize baggage processes and technology at Pod E, which includes upgrades to screening systems, ethernet, information technology services and encoder equipment.
Over the next five years, GOAA and MCO will plan, design and undergo major renovations to the baggage handling system. The estimated $652 million project, outlined under the current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), seeks to transform how bags are transported and screened, better serving all passengers and tourists traveling through the airport.
“The baggage project will likely see amendments along the way but currently does not involve baggage claim or numbering,” the airport said in response to public comment. “The priority is to address the departure processes for baggage to improve efficiency and capacity.”
The projects and substantial investments into baggage systems come as the airport’s passenger volume has grown exponentially, serving more than eight million additional visitors annually since 2019. Despite this, MCO’s current baggage system is not operating to GOAA’s standards, according to the announcement.
Checking more than 7,000 additional bags daily compared to 2022, this initiative will highlight efforts to modernize vital baggage handling and transportation facilities at the airport.
Complimenting these baggage initiatives, MCO will undergo plans to refurbish interiors, improve facility conditions and enhance the design of Terminals A and B. Encompassing both the landside and airside of the terminals, the projects will begin construction in 2025 and are anticipated to be substantially completed by 2027.
These initiatives will also include a joint strategy to streamline an industry-specific mix of baggage for its wide array of tourists, conference attendees and residents.
Prioritizing productive working relationships with new and existing collaborators, GOAA and MCO will continue to pursue public and private partners to upgrade baggage handling systems and improve airport operations. More information on current procurement and future contracting opportunities can be found on GOAA’s Business Opportunities webpage.
Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay
