Choosing a Rental Car Size at MCO: People Plus Bags

You’ve counted everyone coming to Orlando—but have you counted the stroller and everybody’s suitcase? Choosing a rental car size at MCO starts with two separate checks: seats for your group and room for your luggage with those seats in use. Before booking, make a passenger-and-bag list and compare it with the vehicle category’s stated capacity.

Hertz’s MCO page illustrates the range of vehicles you might encounter, with listings naming a Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Transit passenger van. Treat those names as examples, not a promise of what you’ll receive. For an “or similar” reservation, focus on the category and capacity shown in your offer, and ask the supplier about any requirement you can’t compromise on.

Count every traveler, including children, then note any child seats you’ll need to install. Don’t assume a passenger count alone answers whether your particular setup will work. If you need several child seats or have a specific seating requirement, ask the rental company what it can confirm before you book.

Next, inventory the actual luggage: checked suitcases, carry-ons, stroller, mobility equipment and anything bulky. Ask about cargo space with every seat you need upright—not just the vehicle’s maximum cargo space. A useful question is, “Can this category accommodate our group and these bags without folding a seat we need?” If the answer is uncertain, compare a larger category rather than treating the listing photo as a packing test.

Keep that list handy for pickup, too. Avis says its MCO counters are on Level 1 in Terminals A and B and Level 4 in Terminal C; if you’re using another supplier, check that company’s own pickup instructions. Before driving away, load your bags and check that everyone can use their seat and seat belt, the luggage area closes properly, and your child seats can be installed according to their instructions.

If the assigned car doesn’t work, explain the specific problem to staff before leaving: “We need this seat for a passenger, so we can’t fold it for luggage.” Ask what alternatives are available and whether changing vehicles would change the total charge. Don’t count on a free upgrade or a particular replacement model; the practical goal is to resolve the fit problem while you’re still at pickup.