Disney's Magical Express/RAC - What "Participating Airline" Really Means!

[goofy4tink]

No problem at all....have a great trip!

[lissiesmum]

So....let's say you get picked up by DME at 9am, for a noon flight. You get to the bus stop by 8:40, all your bags ready to go. When the bus arrives, your bags will be stowed underneath the bus, you will hop onboard. When the bus gets to MCO, the driver will make two stops...Side A and Side B. He will tell you which airlines are located on which side. It's a good idea to know this beforehand so you have an idea which side you'll need to get off on.
When the driver announces your side, you will hop off the bus, the driver will take out the luggage and you take your bags up to the checkin area of MCO for your particular airline.

Okay, I'm also flying on a non-par airline (southwest), and I'm a little concerned. So the bus doesn't directly drop you at your airline? How far would it be to walk to your checkin area? I'll be traveling alone with my DD and this sounds a little scary...are there bellmen there waiting to help you when you get off the bus?

[goofy4tink]

Originally Posted by lissiesmum

Okay, I'm also flying on a non-par airline (southwest), and I'm a little concerned. So the bus doesn't directly drop you at your airline? How far would it be to walk to your checkin area? I'll be traveling alone with my DD and this sounds a little scary...are there bellmen there waiting to help you when you get off the bus?

Unfortunatly, this is the one drawback with DME. The bus stops on the same level you are picked up on..level 1. You need to get up to your airline checkin area. You will be able to up the elevators though.

[lissiesmum]

Originally Posted by goofy4tink

Unfortunatly, this is the one drawback with DME. The bus stops on the same level you are picked up on..level 1. You need to get up to your airline checkin area. You will be able to up the elevators though.

okay, I just went from to . So I'm going to be dropped off with my DD, two backpacks, one big bag and a stroller and no one to help me with my luggage? Anyone have any suggestions on what I should do?

[clkelley]

There are supposed to be carts and luggage assistance folks on the 1st floor where DME buses come in.

[lissiesmum]

Originally Posted by clkelley

There are supposed to be carts and luggage assistance folks on the 1st floor where DME buses come in.

I hope so! I am really starting to panic as to what I'm going to do when I get off the bus!

[noname70]

Originally Posted by lissiesmum

I hope so! I am really starting to panic as to what I'm going to do when I get off the bus!

There will be baggage guys there pouncing-don't worry. You can also rent your own cart from one of the dispensers.

[lissiesmum]

Originally Posted by noname70

There will be baggage guys there pouncing-don't worry. You can also rent your own cart from one of the dispensers.

thank you. can you hear my big sigh of relief? What are the rules for tipping?

[goofy4tink]

Tipping guidelines suggest $1-2 per bag.
I apologize for forgetting to mention the available baggage help on the first level. I have flown SW home in the past and did have to lug my bags upstairs. I don't use any luggage assistence so tend to forget they are there.

[lissiesmum]

Originally Posted by goofy4tink

Tipping guidelines suggest $1-2 per bag.
I apologize for forgetting to mention the available baggage help on the first level. I have flown SW home in the past and did have to lug my bags upstairs. I don't use any luggage assistence so tend to forget they are there.

no need to apologize! If I wasn't traveling with just DD, I'd lug my own baggage too I'm just relieved to know there will be some kind of assistance so I'm not left alone to handle it

[YayDisney!]

Can you use airline check-in and check your bags for the return trip to MCO without using ME? I have seen the huge debate and I am in no way wanting to manipulate or abuse the system. We always rent a car and keep our luggage with us, it would however be a relief not to lug the suitcases from the car rental return area to the airline terminals for check-in during our return.

Thanks for any info.

[goofy4tink]

Originally Posted by YayDisney!

Can you use airline check-in and check your bags for the return trip to MCO without using ME? I have seen the huge debate and I am in no way wanting to manipulate or abuse the system. We always rent a car and keep our luggage with us, it would however be a relief not to lug the suitcases from the car rental return area to the airline terminals for check-in during our return.

Thanks for any info.

There is no debate on this one.....RAC (remote airline checkin) is not really part of DME. You can use the RAC system if you take the DME bus to the airport, or if you take a cab or a towncar. The only stipulation is that you are flying on a 'participating airline'. Those are...
Airtran, Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, Jetblue, Northwest, United, USAir. If you are flying home on one of those airlines, you can check your luggage right at the resort and then go about your last day. You have to have the luggage checkin done no less than three hours before flight time....so if you have an 8am flight, you won't be able to use it. The RAC counters open at 5am, then close about 1pmish.

[cmesq61]

Sorry if this has been answered: We are flying Air Tran. Due to our February payment, we have no fee for the second bag, so long as it is under 50 lbs and not over sized. Does RAC and BAGs know this? I am worried that RAC will refuse to check the second and tell me to go and pay for the bags though BAG. Our air tickets do have the February purchase date on them if that helps?

[georgemoe]

Sorry to ask but any further news on SWA and RAC? When will they participate? Thanks!

[goofy4tink]

Originally Posted by cmesq61

Sorry if this has been answered: We are flying Air Tran. Due to our February payment, we have no fee for the second bag, so long as it is under 50 lbs and not over sized. Does RAC and BAGs know this? I am worried that RAC will refuse to check the second and tell me to go and pay for the bags though BAG. Our air tickets do have the February purchase date on them if that helps?

I don't know. You may want to stop off at their counter and ask them before you are ready to depart. That way, you can get a definative answer and know what to expect.

Originally Posted by georgemoe

Sorry to ask but any further news on SWA and RAC? When will they participate? Thanks!

Nope....nothing new going on. At least I haven't heard anything.