Disney’s Airport Luggage Transfer Pilot Expands to American and United Airlines at Value Resorts
Disney’s Airport Luggage Transfer pilot program at Walt Disney World has expanded beyond Southwest Airlines. As of May 19, 2026, eligible guests flying Southwest, American Airlines, or United Airlines can use the service at Disney’s Value Resorts for select domestic flights through Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Beginning May 19, 2026, Disney expanded its Airport Luggage Transfer pilot program to include eligible domestic flights on American Airlines and United Airlines, joining Southwest Airlines.The service remains limited to select Disney Value Resorts and Orlando International Airport (MCO). Disney has stated this is still a test program as they continue to “test and learn” before any possible future expansion.
Since this original April 2025 announcement, Disney and Southwest Airlines expanded this pilot program to include inbound luggage transfer from Orlando International Airport to Disney’s Value Resorts. Guests using participating airlines can now skip baggage claim on arrival and check their bags at the resort before flying home, when eligible.For the latest details on how the full round-trip service works, please see my guide here: Southwest Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney Value Resorts: Full Round-Trip Guide.
Other websites have touted this as an indication of Disney’s Magical Express returning, but the two services are totally unconnected. These individual services were provided by two separate contractors. Mears ran Disney’s Magical Express, and a company called BAGS ran the luggage service. Mears contracted with Disney to provide guest transportation, while BAGS contracted with the airlines/airport to transport luggage and alleviate lines at the airport.
Not only is this service still limited to select participating airlines at Disney’s Value Resorts, but the drop-off time for morning flights is awful! Prior to 2020, drop-off for morning flights was 5 a.m.; now it’s by 1 a.m.
If you have a morning flight, you’ll need to keep everything out of your checked luggage that you’ll need to get ready to go in the morning. You’ll then need to put that stuff and your dirty clothes in your carry-on.
How It Works
This complimentary service lets eligible guests check in for their return flight, get a paper boarding pass, and check luggage at the Airline Check-In desk at Disney’s Value Resorts when flying on a participating airline.
This is great because it allows you to check your bags and then do anything that you’d like — dining, shopping, theme park time, or resort relaxing — until you have to head to the airport. You’ll have to keep any carry-on luggage that you might have, though. But Bell Services will be glad to check that for you!
Then, when you arrive at the airport, you can head directly to security and your departure gate, eliminating the often very long line to check luggage at Orlando International Airport.
The Rules:
- You must present a valid government-issued REAL I.D. for domestic travel.
- All members of your party must be present at check-in.
- It is strongly encouraged that you drop off your bags the night before your scheduled departure. However, if you need some extra time, you can do the following:
- When Flying Before 1:00 PM: Drop your bags off by 1:00 AM the night before your flight.
- When Flying at or After 1:00 PM: Drop your bags off at least 4 hours before departure or no later than 1:00 PM — whichever comes first.
Resort Airline Check-In is open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily.
The Details
When you are checking in, the process is just like at the airline counter at the airport.
Your ID(s) will be checked, destination confirmed, boarding pass issued, bags weighed, the baggage fee collected, and luggage tracking bands/stickers affixed.
Then your bag(s) will be put into a temporary storeroom adjacent to the check-in stand. They will then be placed in lockable rolling containers with other baggage to await the next truck heading to the airport. When the truck arrives, the driver loads the container on a hydraulic lift on the back of the truck, and your bag(s) will be on their way to the airport.
Participating Airlines
All flights must be arriving at or departing from Orlando International Airport (MCO) on one of the following participating airlines for eligible domestic flights:
- Southwest Airlines
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
Participating Resort hotels include:
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Over to you. Have you used this service? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below!
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This MDT Post By: Steve Bell Steve is the Military Disney Tips Founder. He is a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! He has been writing about Disney for the US Military Community here for 18 years. Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way possible. See Steve and His Family's Content |
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- Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
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