How to Use Disney’s Airport Luggage Transfer Service
When my son was growing up, we flew to Disney World anywhere from 3 to 5 times a year. The only exception was when we drove down for longer stays, which typically were during the summer months. Back then, Disney offered a complimentary service called the Magical Express that delivered us to and from the airport. Not only did that service get us to our hotel, but it also took care of our luggage.
All we had to do was check our luggage at the airport, and it would show up at our resort hotel later that day. It worked the same way on departures. Sadly, these services ended in 2020, but one has returned: Airport Luggage Transfer. In this guide, we’ll explain how the Airport Luggage Transfer service works, including which resorts and airlines participate, how to use the service, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
What is Airport Luggage Transfer Service?
Disney’s Airport Luggage Transfer service offers a convenient way to handle your luggage when traveling between the airport and your Disney Resort. As discussed above, the service is not new, but after being unavailable for some time, it has returned with a few eligibility requirements.
The service is available at participating Disney Resort hotels and for guests flying with select participating airlines. ALT works in both directions, meaning those eligible can use the service when arriving at Disney World and departing for the airport at the end of your stay.
Overall, it eliminates the majority of dealing with your luggage while traveling. This means you don’t have to find the luggage carousel at the airport and watch for your suitcases. You won’t have to make the trek to your car rental or rideshare with luggage in tow. On your checkout day, you won’t have to retrieve your luggage from bell services and load it on a bus or cram everything into your rental car. You won’t even see your luggage until you land at your home airport. It truly simplifies the travel process.
Which Disney Resorts Participate in Airport Luggage Transfer?
Now that you have a general idea of what this service provides. You’ll want to know that Airport Luggage Transfer is not currently available at every Disney Resort. The service is part of a long-term test pilot program. At the time of this update, it’s available at the following hotels:
- 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
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney could expand Airport Luggage Transfer to additional resorts in the future. We will update this list when new hotels are added.
Which Airlines Participate in Airport Luggage Transfer?
Airport Luggage Transfer is also limited to select airlines. At the time of this update, guests flying the following airlines are eligible:
This service is for qualifying domestic flights through Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Using Disney’s Airport Luggage Transfer Service When Arriving
After determining eligibility, you’ll follow these next steps to use the service for arrivals:
- You’ll fill out the registration form for the Airport Luggage Transfer service. This can be done anytime from 30 days to one day (24 hours) before your departure flight. You will need to have your resort confirmation number and your flight confirmation number on hand when you register. After the registration process is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
- Receive luggage tags, depending on your registration date. If you registered more than 7 days ahead of your flight, you’ll receive luggage tags in the mail. (Those who registered less than 7 days before your flight will not receive luggage tags.) You will still be able to track your bags without the tags. This can be done through the link sent in your confirmation email.
- Check in to your flight as you normally would and pay any necessary baggage fees.
- When you head to the airport, you’ll follow your airline’s procedures to drop off your luggage.
- When you arrive at the Orlando International Airport, you’ll skip the baggage claim and head directly to Disney World.
- Your luggage will arrive at your hotel up to 4 hours after your flight’s arrival time. You may pick up your bags from the luggage assistance/bell service desks near the hotel lobby. Or, if you prefer, you can call bell services from your in-room phone and have your luggage delivered directly to your room. (Please note that gratuities for bell services are not included with this service. It is customary to tip any hotel personnel who handle your luggage.)
Disney notes that this service is subject to change or cancellation without notice or liability.
Using Airport Luggage Transfer when Departing
This service works similarly when it’s time to return home at the end of your vacation.
- Check in for your flight online starting 24 hours before departure and pay any necessary baggage fees via your airline’s mobile app or website. For a more streamlined experience, leave all inbound tags on your bags.
- Deliver your luggage to Luggage Assistance/Bell Services at least 4 hours before your flight’s departure time. (The timeframe for doing so is 4 to 24 hours ahead of your flight’s departure.)You can drop the bags off yourself, or you can use your in-room phone to have Bell Services deliver your luggage to the drop-off area. (Remember that this service does not include gratuities.)
- You must bring a valid government-issued form of photo identification to the Luggage Assistance counter at your Disney Resort Hotel. You will need to show it, along with your boarding pass, to leave your luggage.
- When it’s time, head to the airport and skip the check-in line. You’ll pick up your bags at baggage claim when you arrive at your final destination.
- 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.
Disney notes that this service is subject to change or cancellation without notice or liability.
If you would like to learn more about this service or are ready to sign up, you can do so on the ALT Service page on Walt Disney World’s website.
FAQs about Airport Luggage Transfer Service
Here are a few popular frequently asked questions about ALT:
Can you use Airport Luggage Transfer for only one portion of your 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!
What items should remain in a carry-on?
- Medications
- Electronics (such as laptops, tablets, power banks, and cameras)
- Perishable or heat-sensitive items
- Important documents (such as passports and travel itineraries)
- Swimsuits or things you might need immediately when you arrive at the resort.
What if my flight changes?
- 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 we change hotels?
- If your Resort hotel reservation number changes, please email BagCheck at bcsupport(at)bagcheck.com or call (407) 505-7443 between 7:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time. If you are no longer staying at a participating Disney Resorts Collection hotel, you will no longer be eligible for the service.
Is this service available if I’m traveling internationally?
- No, this service is only available for domestic flights.
Do you have to label your luggage?
- 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 my flight is delayed and we land after 11:00 p.m.?
- 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
What if my luggage is missing, damaged, or delayed?
- If your luggage is missing, delayed, or damaged, call Luggage Assistance/Bell Services on your in-room phone or visit them in your Disney Resorts Collection hotel lobby area. If you’re at the airport, please visit the customer service counter for your airline.
Can I print my boarding pass when I drop my luggage off at the hotel?
- No, we do not provide boarding pass printing as part of this service. You should have your boarding passes ready before dropping off your bags.
What happens if my flight is canceled?
- If your flight is canceled, your bag will be automatically redirected to your new flight. For assistance, please contact your airline.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we are happy to see the return and expansion of the Airport Luggage Transfer service. It’s a familiar convenience that makes travel days significantly smoother. For now, though, it is important to remember that the service is limited to participating Disney Resorts and select airlines.
If you’re still deciding where to stay, our guide to the Advantages of Staying at a Disney Resort covers some of the benefits that come with choosing an on-property hotel. And if you’re at the beginning of planning your trip, our How to Plan a Disney World Vacation guide walks through the major decisions that go into planning a Walt Disney World vacation.
As Disney expands or changes the ALT program, we’ll continue to update this guide with the latest participating resorts, airlines, requirements, and procedures. So make sure to check back with ResortsGal.com for more updates.
In the Comments
What do you think of the Airport Luggage Transfer program? Have you used it since its return? Let us know below in the comments.
