Orlando second baggage take going

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

For those of you who travel via Orlando International Airport (MCO) I have had some great news from a contact of mine regarding the second baggage collection:-

"Yes, that is correct. International passengers arriving on Airside 4 (Gates 60-99) that have rolling luggage may now keep their checked baggage with them after clearing Customs. They are then kept “sterile” (separated from departing passengers) until they exit the AGT (train) in the Main Terminal.

Early next year this process will be further improved with the addition of an escalator directly from the Customs hall to the AGT station, and for those who choose to return their baggage for transfer to the Main Terminal, baggage carousels located on Level 1 adjacent to the Rental Car counters and other Ground Transportation options."

Great news!

[katie666]

I'm not sure whether I like this idea or not - It's a long way to carry/drag suitcases, especially when you have a dicky back. Do you know whether we still have the option of putting them back on the 2nd luggage belt? If not, will there be trolley's available? Sorry if I'm asking for info you don't have.

Katie :)

[Simon Veness]

Hi Katie. Yes you can still put your baggage on the 2nd luggage belt if you prefer, so you definitely WON'T have to carry it to the main terminal.

This new option is purely for those who think they can transport their bags easily and quickly on the AGT.

We talked this over fairly extensively with the airport people earlier this year and they are well aware of the failings of this rather outdated system, hence these moves to be more passenger-friendly. They have already dispensed with the second passenger screening process (which used to slow things down even further after you came up the escalator after dropping off your baggage the 2nd time), and now they will allow you to tote your own luggage on the AGT if you prefer.

From next summer (they hope), the new access point direct from the first luggage hall (just after Immigration) will be up and running, but it will require some extensive remodelling both of the area just behind the baggage hall and the entrance to the AGT, as they cut upwards to put in the escalator. Therefore, there may be some level of inconvenience while the construction is going on.

[Catlady]

Hello everyone! We are here in not very sunny Orlando. Had a very good flight indeed, just to say we used the 2nd baggage drop as lugging 2 suitcases on the train even though they are on wheels is a bit much. We were the ones picked out at customs but just had to put our bags through another x-ray machine and were questioned about whether we had been on a farm and whether we had any food with us (only teabags) Man was very friendly in fact the whole process at the airport was fine. Got some food shopping last night and going to have a lazy day today, just hoping the weather brightens up!:D

[Simon Veness]

Good to hear from you Catlady, and glad your flight and arrival went OK. Unfortunately, it looks as if you have copped for some unsettled weather for a few days as a big storm front has just moved up the Atlantic coast (heading into the Carolinas) and there is another depression forming out in the Gulf of Mexico (and it's nothing to do with our workload!!). This latter may keep things unusually showery for the next few days, although it should still be plenty warm.

[katie666]

Hi Katie. Yes you can still put your baggage on the 2nd luggage belt if you prefer, so you definitely WON'T have to carry it to the main terminal.

This new option is purely for those who think they can transport their bags easily and quickly on the AGT.



Thanks for the info Simon - after the flight it takes me all my time to haul myself along never mind the cases. :happy-smi

Katie :)