Michael Turner
Recommendation: Bring a $5 bill or a card that can be charged for a release fee and use the pay-operated baggage trolleys placed throughout the MCO terminal complex; this is the fastest way to move multiple suitcases from curbside to the check-in or baggage claim area.
Location specifics: dispensers sit at curbside load/unload lanes, on the arrivals/baggage-claim level next to most carousels, and near elevator banks in the public parking garages. Providers typically position at least one trolley dispenser by each curbside door and at each major carousel to minimize walking distance with heavy bags.
Fee and payment details: Most machines require a small release charge (commonly $5) and accept cash, coins or card; some return a token or refund when the trolley is returned to a docking station. Payment methods and exact amounts vary by terminal operator, so carry small cash and a card for backup.
Practical tips: ask your airline representative at the counter or baggage claim for porter assistance if you prefer no-fee help or if you have reduced mobility; reserve meet-and-greet or porter services in advance when traveling with many pieces. If you expect peak crowds, bring a compact folding hand truck or use suitcases with high-quality wheels to reduce reliance on public trolleys.
Availability of baggage trolleys at MCO
If you’re moving multiple suitcases, grab a pay/refund trolley at MCO’s ticketing level, curbside and baggage-claim areas; most units release with a credit/debit or contactless tap and refund when returned to the designated rack or kiosk.
Expect the highest trolley demand during early-morning and late-afternoon peak waves; supply per terminal typically ranges from dozens up to ~150 units depending on incoming flight volume. If racks are empty, request assistance from ground staff at the curb or baggage claim – short-term porter help is commonly offered for a per-bag fee.
For travelers preferring to avoid mechanical trolleys, carry-on consolidation and structured soft bags reduce handling time; consider a compact option like the best mini gym bag for short hops. For delicate equipment that needs secure transport between terminals and vehicles, see examples of protective setups such as the best aio reef tank reviews to inspire custom cases and padding choices.
Where to find baggage trolleys inside MCO terminals and baggage claim
Pick up a baggage trolley at the arrivals/baggage claim level outside each carousel; if none are stacked there, check the nearest curbside or parking-elevator lobby.
- Main Terminal – Terminal A and Terminal B: outside every baggage carousel on Level 1 (arrival level), next to exit doors and airline service counters.
- Central connector corridors: trolley bays placed along the pedestrian links between A and B, usually adjacent to moving walkways and wayfinding signs.
- Lower-level curbside/ground transportation: look at curb islands and bus/shuttle boarding zones immediately outside arrivals exits.
- Rental Car Center and shuttle area: sets of trolleys located at shuttle boarding points and at the rental facility entrances.
- Parking garages and pedestrian bridges: near elevator lobbies and garage entrances that connect directly to the terminal; vending stands sometimes positioned there.
Quick checklist for faster access
- Follow signs to “Baggage Claim” after deplaning; trolleys are typically along carousel aisles and near exit gates.
- Scan curbside islands and elevator lobbies if carousel rows are empty–staff often repositions trolleys there.
- Ask an airline agent or Guest Services at the baggage level for the nearest trolley bay or porter service.
- Confirm payment reader type before loading; many trolleys accept card and coin options.
- For mobility assistance, request help at the airline desk or Guest Services located on the arrivals level.
For real-time availability or special requests, contact MCO Guest Services or the airline desk at your arrival terminal.
Cost and payment methods at MCO for baggage trolleys: coins, cards, mobile
Bring at least four quarters and a contactless payment method; MCO terminals operate both coin-deposit and electronic-pay trolleys.
Coin deposits
Most mechanical trolleys use a deposit-return mechanism requiring roughly $0.25–$1 to release a trolley. Insert exact coinage into the slot, use the trolley, then lock it back into the bay to retrieve the deposit. Change machines located in concourses and near baggage claim convert bills to coins–carry quarters for fastest turnaround and compatibility with older units.
Card and mobile payments
Electronic trolleys accept contactless EMV taps (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay). Many systems place a temporary authorization that releases when the trolley is returned; that hold usually clears within 24–72 hours depending on the bank. If the reader fails, retry the tap, try chip insertion where available, or switch to a mobile wallet.
Quick tips: keep a photo or receipt of the transaction until any authorization clears; request an on-screen refund/receipt if the reader offers it; if both coin and electronic payments fail, contact MCO Guest Services or a terminal representative for immediate help or porter options. For multiple heavy bags, plan for more than one trolley or pre-book porter assistance.
How to return trolleys and reclaim deposits at MCO: return points and procedure
Quick answer: Return the baggage trolley into a numbered docking slot at any lower-level claim hall or curbside island in Terminals A or B and the machine will release your deposit automatically; if it does not, contact the service number shown on the dock or the terminal information desk.
Return locations: Docking bays are installed inside each terminal’s arrival/baggage claim level near the carousels and outside on the curbside islands by the arrivals curb. Look for rows of metal slots with signage and a coin/card reader – slots are usually grouped by carousel zone and clearly numbered.
Standard return procedure: 1) Align the trolley so its front forks enter an empty slot. 2) Push forward until you hear a click; the dock locks the unit and triggers the refund mechanism. 3) Wait for the coin to drop into the visible return chute or for an on-screen/card confirmation. 4) Remove the returned coin or save the on-screen receipt/photo as proof of refund.
Contact and troubleshooting: If no refund is released after the lock engages, photograph the docking station label and trolley ID, note time and location, then either use the phone number printed on the dock or report to the terminal information desk. Service staff can validate the transaction and manually release funds or issue a voucher.
Card and app payments: For card-tap or app-based deposits, end the session via the reader or app to trigger the refund. If the reader accepts a card but does not return funds, keep the authorization receipt or app transaction ID and request reversal from the docking provider or your bank; provider contact details are on the docking unit.
When you need a faster resolution: If you must catch a ride or flight, hand the docking station photo and trolley ID to an information agent before leaving the terminal; agents can escalate to on-site maintenance for same-day refunds.
Tip: Photograph the docking slot number and the machine’s service label when you return the trolley – that information speeds refunds and any dispute resolution.
Cart size and load limits at MCO: handling oversized suitcases, sports gear, and strollers
Limit a single cart to about 100 lb (45 kg) and keep total overhang under 6 in (15 cm); place the heaviest item flat on the platform and distribute remaining pieces evenly to avoid tipping.
Typical platform dimensions range roughly 22–28 in (56–71 cm) long by 14–18 in (36–46 cm) wide. That usually fits two large checked suitcases laid flat or three carry-on bags stacked with wheels aligned. Avoid stacking more than two hard-shell large cases vertically; combined height over ~48 in (122 cm) increases roll and tip risk.
Oversized sports equipment
Skis and ski bags up to 72 in (183 cm) can lie diagonally but will extend beyond the platform; secure long items along the cart centerline and use straps or bungee cords. Golf bags fit best when angled with club heads toward the handle; place a soft item between clubs and platform to prevent slippage. Surfboards and wakeboards longer than 72 in generally exceed cart capacity – use airline oversize check, curbside oversized counters, or ground handling assistance at MCO for these items.
Strollers and child gear
Fold compact strollers so folded length is under 36 in (91 cm) and width under 24 in (61 cm) for reliable placement on a single platform; umbrella strollers almost always fit alongside one medium bag. For larger travel systems, gate-check or airline oversized tagging is recommended rather than forcing them onto a cart. When placing a stroller on the platform, lock its wheels and position it toward the handle to reduce sway.
Secure every load with quick straps if present, keep sightlines clear for safe movement through busy terminals, and request ramp or luggage assistance from airline or ground staff at MCO for items that exceed recommended size or weight.
Alternatives to trolleys at MCO: skycaps, porters, and assistance for travelers with reduced mobility
Request curbside skycap help for heavy bags–typical tipping $3–6 per bag; oversized or bulky items commonly $10–20 each.
Reserve wheelchair or mobility aid service through your carrier at booking or at least 48 hours before departure; check-in counters also can arrange same-day assistance but availability is not guaranteed.
Find Guest Services desks in each terminal near arrivals/baggage claim for porter referrals, volunteer ambassadors, and immediate help with strollers, car seats, or single heavy pieces.
Call TSA Cares for screening assistance 72 hours before travel: 1‑855‑787‑2227. Use that number for passengers who need help during security screening, including medical devices and emotional support needs.
Powered mobility device rules to prepare for: notify the carrier at booking; installed batteries are usually accommodated but must be identified; spare lithium batteries must be carried in the cabin with terminals insulated. General battery thresholds: up to 100 Wh – normally permitted in carry‑on; 101–160 Wh – airline approval required; over 160 Wh – typically prohibited. Confirm limits with your carrier before travel.
Private porter or ground transport services operate outside curbside and at nearby hotels; fees vary–expect $20–50 depending on distance and number of items. Ask Guest Services for vetted provider names if you prefer paid help rather than tipping skycaps.
| Service | Where to find | How to request | Typical cost / tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skycap (curbside attendants) | MCO curbside outside terminals | Approach curbside desk or flag an attendant | $3–6 per bag; $10–20 for bulky items | Good for rapid curb-to-check-in transfers |
| Airline mobility assistance | Ticket counter and gate | Request when booking, at check-in, or by calling carrier | Provided by carrier at no extra charge | Reserve ≥48 hours ahead for best service; agents handle boarding/deplaning and gate transfers |
| Guest Services / Volunteer ambassadors | Terminal information desks near arrivals | Visit desk in terminal | Free (tips optional for extra help) | Can direct to porters, elevators, and accessible routes |
| Private porter / ground companies | Curbside pickup zones or off-site | Book online or via phone; request pickup location | $20–50 typical; varies | Useful for hotel transfers or oversized sports equipment |
MCO main information line and Guest Services are available at the terminal desks for day-of questions; ask them to coordinate with your carrier if there are battery, mobility-device, or boarding concerns.
FAQ:
Does Orlando International Airport (MCO) provide luggage carts for passengers?
Yes. Orlando International (MCO) has baggage carts available near curbside drop-off areas, inside the terminals at baggage claim levels, and at many elevator/stairway exits. Carts are managed by an airport vendor and placed where arriving and departing travelers typically need them.
Do I have to pay to use a luggage cart at Orlando Airport and how do payments work?
There is usually a small charge to use airport luggage carts. Payment methods vary by vendor and machine: some accept credit/debit cards or contactless payment, while others use a refundable token or coin deposit. Fees and payment options can change, so check posted signs at the cart stations or ask an airport employee if you want the current details.
Can I take a rental cart through the security checkpoint or into the gate area?
Most airports, including Orlando, do not allow standard baggage carts past the TSA security checkpoint into the sterile gate area. Arriving travelers may use carts from the curb to baggage claim without issue. If you need help moving baggage through security or to the gate, request assistance from your airline or use porter/skycap services available at curbside.
What options are available if I need a larger cart, help with heavy luggage, or mobility assistance at Orlando Airport?
If you have oversized items or require extra help, contact your airline’s ground staff or visit an information/baggage service desk when you arrive. Airlines can arrange wheelchair assistance, special handling for large items, or staff help to move bags. There are also curbside attendants and porter services for hire, and airport staff can point you to accessible carts or mobility equipment when required.
