Disney World’s Free Airport Luggage Transfer Expands to New Airlines in Summer 2026!

After bringing back Airport Luggage Transfer over a year ago, Walt Disney World is finally expanding the free baggage handling service between Orlando International Airport and WDW on-site resort hotels! This covers the latest official details, answers to common questions, and our commentary about the guest perk.

As basic background for those who missed the original coverage, the Airport Luggage Transfer Service Returned to Walt Disney World as a Pilot Program over one year ago. Within literal days of re-launching, the service expanded to additional resorts. For the first several months, Airport Luggage Transfer (ALT) was only one-way, available for guests leaving Walt Disney World with departures out of Orlando International Airport.

Last November, Airport Luggage Transfer expanded and added inbound service for arrivals and transfers to Walt Disney World. With that, guests arriving on domestic Southwest Airlines flights now have the option to skip baggage claim at MCO! By pre-registering and checking their luggage at the Southwest bag drop area or ticket counter at their home airport, bags will be directly delivered to their Walt Disney World resort. This was a real game-changer from our perspective, albeit still from select resorts and only SWA.

Both inbound and outbound Airport Luggage Travel service is currently available at:

• 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

The latest development is that Airport Luggage Transfer is again expanding just in time for Cool Kids’ Summer to service more airlines. Here’s the official announcement from Walt Disney World:

Beginning May 19, Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney will expand at select Disney Resort hotels to include American Airlines and United Airlines, in addition to Southwest Airlines, for eligible arriving and departing domestic flights at Orlando International Airport (MCO). This service allows eligible Guests to have their checked luggage transferred between the airport and their Disney Resorts Collection hotel.

As we continue to test and learn, this latest addition is designed to make travel to and from Walt Disney World Resort even easier for Guests, while creating opportunities to grow the service over time.

This was widely expected, as Walt Disney World made a stealth update to the official Airport Luggage Transfer page a few weeks ago, briefly displaying American Airlines and United Airlines as eligible before reverting to just Southwest. They also removed many references to Southwest Airlines in the FAQ, which suggested it wasn’t simply a mistake.

No new Walt Disney World resorts have been added at this time. It’s still just the Value Resorts as of May 19, 2026, unfortunately.

The Airport Luggage Transfer service is operated by BagCheck, a third-party provider, which transports the luggage to and from the airport, with delivery to the resort within approximately four hours of arrival.

An substantially-similar service was previously known as Resort Airline Check-In prior to being discontinued in March 2020. That was previously associated with Disney’s Magical Express, although the two interconnected offerings were run by two different third party partners. (Confusing and convoluted, I know.)

When Airport Luggage Transfer relaunched late last March, it was our understanding that the pilot program would be expanded based on positive guest feedback, utilization rates, satisfaction, and other metrics. Given its quick growth and the third party involved, we were incredibly optimistic that Airport Luggage Transfer would only continue to grow over the coming months.

To my surprise and disappointment, expansion has been fairly slow-going. Until this mid-May 2026 update, it had been radio silence since last November. Honestly, we expected it to be fully rolled-out by now.

The good news is that Airport Luggage Transfer seems pretty popular. I’ve done several Value Resort stays in the last year, and whenever I’ve dropped off bags, there’s always been a modest crowd of guests using ALT.

I would also note that Walt Disney World has gotten better about communicating the service’s availability to guests, at least at the hotel. During my recent stay at Pop Century, not only was there signage around the resort, but I also got a call on my in-room phone. Prior to my trip, I did not receive any communications about the inbound version of the service, however.

It’s thus unsurprising that the Airport Luggage Transfer pilot program is expanding…even if it’s months later than anticipated. Walt Disney World seldom does anything quickly, even with the assistance of third party participants. This nevertheless has us more optimistic that Airport Luggage Transfer will only continue to grow over the coming months. It’s likely that they’re figuring out logistics at the Value Resorts because this tier is easier.

As for why Walt Disney World started the Airport Luggage Transfer pilot program at the Value Resorts, the best explanation is that it’s easiest. These five resorts are located in only two distinct areas, with over 10,000 rooms. That’s over one-third of all Disney-owned hotel inventory and in relatively condensed regions of Walt Disney World.

There’s nowhere else at Walt Disney World that offers this many rooms in this close of proximity–especially if Walt Disney World wants to pilot the program at an entire tier of resorts, as opposed to a hodgepodge of them in a resort district.

That’s the same reason for starting with Southwest Airlines. That’s the largest airline flying out of MCO and it’s safe to say that airline is especially popular with Walt Disney World guests, particularly families staying at Value Resorts, even after the end of its famed “bags fly free” policy.

The good news is that Airport Luggage Transfer will almost assuredly expand further. It’ll just take time. Admittedly, more time has passed than we hoped between the official launch and the first big expansion, but it’s not surprising.

This is a complicated service and the infrastructure for it has been dormant for over 6 years. It involves not just Walt Disney World Cast Members, but also BagCheck employees and vendors at MCO. There are a lot of moving parts, and it cannot go from zero to 100 overnight…or even in ~14 months.

Beyond that, we’ll double-down on our perspective that this makes Disney’s Magical Express more likely to return. Orlando International Airport needs to improve its efficiency in multiple regards, and having passengers arrive and depart via higher-capacity buses is one such way. This feels like the stars aligning, as there’s a mutually-beneficial solution for both Disney’s and MCO’s woes.

The luggage handling is the more complicated piece of the puzzle that would need to roll out first. The airport shuttle infrastructure already exists, just with different stickers on the buses. Unlike this, that changeover could be like flipping a switch. This is all great news, and seems like a perfect confluence of circumstances: Disney finally realizing the error of their ways in deflating the Disney Bubble and MCO needing relief from its high passenger volume.

This isn’t simply wishful thinking, like daydreaming about a return of Horizons that’ll never happen. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which runs Orlando International Airport (MCO), wants DME to return and is willing to help pay for it. If you don’t believe me, check out Will Disney’s Magical Express Airport Shuttle Ever Return? That recent post covers the very real possibility of DME returning, as part of an initiative by MCO.

What follows here is an explanation of how Airport Luggage Transfer works, courtesy of Walt Disney World, followed by an FAQ. Note that some of the specifics here have been updated recently to reflect changes to ALT…

How It Works – Arriving at Walt Disney World Resort

Send your bags ahead to your participating Disney Resorts Collection hotel. Simply follow these steps:

1. Fill out the registration form for the Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney service anytime from 30 days to 5 days prior to your departure flight. You will need your Disney Resorts hotel confirmation number and your airline’s confirmation number when you register. You will receive a confirmation email after registering.
2. If you registered more than 7 days before your flight, you will receive luggage tags in the mail. If you registered less than 7 days before your flight, you will not receive luggage tags but your bags will still be delivered to your Disney Resorts Collection hotel.
3. Check in to your flight online as normal and pay any necessary baggage fees.
4. Head to the airport and follow your airline’s procedure to drop off your luggage.
5. Enjoy your flight!
6. Upon arrival at Orlando International Airport, skip baggage claim and head directly to Walt Disney World Resort.
7. Once you arrive at your Disney Resorts Collection hotel, please use your in-room phone to contact Luggage Assistance—or visit Luggage Assistance in your Disney Resorts Collection hotel lobby—to retrieve your luggage.

How It Works – Leaving Walt Disney World

Save time at the airport by sending your bags ahead to your flight at Orlando International Airport. Simply follow these steps:

1. Check in for your flight online starting 24 hours prior to departure and pay any necessary baggage fees via your airline’s mobile app or website.
2. Drop off your bags at Luggage Assistance in the Disney Resorts Collection hotel lobby area by the required drop off time. Please be aware that you will need to provide a valid government-issued form of photo identification in order to drop off your bags. You can also call Luggage Assistance from your in-room telephone to ask for help with your bags. For a smoother experience, leave all inbound tags on your bags.
3. Head to the airport, skip the check-in line, enjoy your flight and pick up your bags at baggage claim when you arrive at your final destination.

When to Drop Off Your Bags at Your Hotel

Please drop off your bags at least 4 hours prior to your flight’s departure time.

Luggage Assistance is available to receive luggage 24 hours per day. You’re also welcome to use your in-room phone to contact Luggage Assistance.

Airport Luggage Transfer – General FAQ

Can I use Airport Luggage Transfer at Walt Disney World for only one part of my trip? 

Yes, as long as you are staying at a participating Disney Resorts Collection hotel and are flying with a participating airline, you can use the Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney service for your arrival, departure or both!

Will I receive luggage tags for this service?

If you registered more than 7 days before your flight, you will receive luggage tags in the mail.

However, if you registered less than 7 days before your flight, you will not receive luggage tags but your bags will still be delivered to your Disney Resorts Collection hotel.

What if I prefer to keep certain items—like strollers and car seats—with me?

If you would like to keep strollers or car seats with you, please check them at the departure gate before boarding your flight. Be sure to tell the gate agent you’d like to claim the item at the gate of your final destination.

Can I enroll in this service if I booked with a travel agent?

Of course! However, you will need to retrieve your Walt Disney World resort hotel reservation number from your travel agent in order to enroll.

Do I have to register for inbound and outbound service separately?

You must register for inbound service online for travel to MCO. However, you do not need to register for outbound service, simply visit Luggage Assistance at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

Can I use this service when traveling internationally?

No, this service is only available for domestic flights.

Who should I contact if I have issues or questions about my luggage after drop-off?

You can call Luggage Assistance from your in-room phone or visit them for any questions about your luggage after drop-off. Once the bag departs your Disney Resorts Collection hotel, please contact your airline for assistance.

FAQ – Arriving at Walt Disney World

Do I need to label my luggage for the Airport Luggage Transfer arrival service?

Yes, luggage tags will be sent to the address provided during registration. If you have not received your luggage tags within 72 hours of your flight, please call BagCheck at (407) 505-7443.

Be sure to arrive at the airport with your luggage tags secured to your bags. Additional luggage tags will not be available at the airport.

What if I change my flight into Orlando International Airport after I register for this service?

If your airline’s confirmation number remains the same, no action is required.

If you have a new airline confirmation number, you will need to modify your registration with the new confirmation number. If you are no longer flying with a participating airline, you will no longer be eligible for the service.

What if I change my resort hotel after I register?

If your Disney Resorts Collection hotel reservation number remains the same and you are still staying at a participating Disney Resorts Collection, no action is required.

If your Disney Resorts Collection reservation number changes, please email BagCheck at [email protected] or call (407) 505-7443 between 7:00 AM and 11:30 PM Eastern Time. If you are no longer staying at a participating Disney Resorts Collection hotel, you will no longer be eligible for the service.

What happens if my flight is delayed and I arrive after 11:00 PM?

Guests arriving after 11:00 PM will have 2 options:

• Pick up their luggage at baggage claim upon arrival at Orlando International Airport
• Wait for BagCheck to deliver their luggage to their Disney Resorts Collection hotel within 4 hours of arrival

When will my luggage arrive at my Disney Resorts Collection hotel?

Once you arrive at your Disney Resorts Collection hotel, please use your in-room phone to contact Luggage Assistance—or visit Luggage Assistance in your Disney Resorts Collection hotel lobby—to retrieve your luggage.

Walt Disney World recommends keeping anything you may need for your first day (backpack, stroller, swimsuits, medicine, electronics, perishables, heat-sensitive items, important documents, MagicBand+, etc.) with you in your carry-on bag.

What happens if my luggage is missing, delayed or damaged?

If your luggage is missing, delayed or damaged, visit Luggage Services at your Disney Resorts Collection hotel. If you’re at the airport, please visit the customer service counter for your airline.

If I checked my bag at the gate, can it still be delivered to my Disney Resorts Collection hotel?

Yes, items checked at the gate will still be delivered to your Disney Resorts Collection hotel unless you have specifically requested to collect it at your final destination. Items checked at the gate do not require luggage tags.

If you checked a bag at the gate and would like to retrieve it at the airport, please inform a Southwest Airlines Customers Service Agent.

FAQ – Leaving Walt Disney World

Can I print my boarding passes when I drop off my bags?

No, Walt Disney World does not provide boarding pass printing as part of this service. You should have your boarding passes ready before dropping off your bags.

Can I see the location of my bags or get assistance?

You can track your bags using the Southwest Airlines app. For additional support with your bags, please contact Southwest Airlines customer service. (No updates yet for American Airlines or United Airlines on this and a few other FAQ entries, but you can assume the policy/recommendation will be materially the same.)

What happens to the bag if a flight is cancelled?

If your flight is cancelled, your bag will be automatically redirected to your new flight. For assistance, please contact your airline’s customer service.

Where do I pick up my luggage after my flight?

You can pick up your luggage in baggage claim at your flight’s final destination.

Who should I contact if I have issues or questions about my luggage after drop-off?

You can contact or visit Luggage Assistance for any questions about your luggage after drop-off. Once the bag departs the Resort hotel, you can get information via the Baggage webpage for Southwest Airlines. You can also see a Southwest Agent at the airport for assistance.

Are there any size or weight restrictions for baggage?

Yes. Standard size and weight restrictions apply. Check with your airline for details on specific checked baggage policies.

What happens if my luggage is missing, delayed or damaged?

If your luggage is missing, delayed or damaged, you can submit a report to Southwest Airlines.

Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!

Your Thoughts

What do you think about the return of Airport Luggage Transfer expanding to American Airlines and United Airlines? Will you use this service from your home airport to Walt Disney World resort hotels? Think this paves the way for a comeback of Disney’s Magical Express, or is that still unlikely? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!