Orlando International Airport plans $650 million baggage handling upgrades

As people arrive at Orlando International Airport, many can't wait to start their vacation or simply get back home.

However, if they checked a bag, they might not have a choice but to wait.

MCO planning baggage handling upgrades to Terminals A and B

What they're saying:

"It's a little irritating because you're tired from your flight, and you'd like to get in your car and go home," one man said.

The airport admits the occasional lengthy wait time at baggage claim is a problem, exacerbated by an explosion in passenger volume.

FOX 35 was there as Carousel 14 in Terminal A came to a dead stop while dozens were still waiting for bags.

"[I'm] just trying to get out of here as quickly as possible," one passenger said. "[The delay] could cause me to miss my shuttle."

"They shut it off," another man said. "Unclogged it, and I think they're having trouble restarting it."

Employees started troubleshooting by walking onto the carousel and handing out bags themselves before the carousel finally got moving again.

"It's frustrating," one woman said. "It's been like maybe 15 minutes, but we're getting our bags now."

A fix is on the way. The airport plans a baggage claim overhaul at Terminals A and B.

By the numbers:

MCO estimated a record 60 million passengers last year. The airport said that means 7,000 more bags each day compared to 2022.

Improvements at Terminals A and B are expected to cost $652 million.

Timeline:

Completion of the improvement project is expected in five years.

In the short term, the airport said a new system outsourcing some bags, mostly from cruise passengers, will improve flow.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Orlando International Airport.

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