Airlines who allow check ins from your resort?

[DisneyLover75]

I know that there are a few select airlines who allow you to check your luggage and check in for your homebound flight while you're at your Disney Resort, but there are only SOME.

We're flying Southwest Airlines this time, and I understand they're not one of the few who allow this.

Is there any talk of more airlines participating in this service? Last year we flew AirTran, and I was so glad to have been able to check my luggage while I was still at the resort, and get my boarding passes. That way I could bring the two kids and our carry ons, and not worry about the rest.

This time I'll have two suitcases plus carryons to haul to the airport.. Sorry.. I know it's not that big of a deal, but my DS6 has Autism and ADHD, and if I don't hold his hand every second, he'll run off. And I just don't see how that'll be possible, this time, since I'll have two suitcases.

I just wish all the airlines would do this. Or is it the Disney company that doesn't do it?

I was stuck with Southwest this time instead of Airtran because of money issues. I'd had a credit for one round trip flight already, and the flights themselves were cheaper than Airtran.

Anyway, thanks for listening to my rant. Sigh.

 

[LaurenT]

I would double check with Disney...Southwest was participating as a test from POP this past June according to allears....they may have been added to the list.

 

[Uncleromulus]

And to note that the company who operates the check in service has nothing whatsoever to do with Disney.

 

[DisneyLover75]

I would double check with Disney...Southwest was participating as a test from POP this past June according to allears....they may have been added to the list.

Oh really? This would be good to know. Except that we're not staying at Pop. Does one have to stay there in order to use that? I will check up on this.

And to note that the company who operates the check in service has nothing whatsoever to do with Disney.

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[LaurenT]

Oh really? This would be good to know. Except that we're not staying at Pop. Does one have to stay there in order to use that? I will check up on this.



Good to know. Thanks.

I'm not sure..that's why you should call Disney..they were testing at Pop in June..I assume with the aim in mind to provide the service WDW wide..so, the question is, was th etst successful? If so they are probably on the list now...

 

[DisneyLover75]

Well, I called. Either the test didn't go well, or I talked to a CM who didn't know the latest info.

He checked for me, and after a moment's pause, said, "No, they're not one of the participating airlines"

He didn't mention anything about the test run at Pop Century. That's what made me wonder if I should just get a second opinion...

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Transportation board.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

We have used it the last few trips...

I did find out from the people working it that it is the same as curb side check in at the airport. The workers said that as a rule of thumb, if an airline offers it at airports, then they MAY offer it at the resorts.

We usually fly American, but if we use another airlines, we needed to check with them.

the only difference is, of course, that additional time is needed to transport the luggage to the airport for security scan and routing.

 

[Tozzie]

The CM you spoke to wasn't wrong, Southwest isn't a participating airline, they are still in the test phase and is available at POP and the All Star resorts. Some posters have stated that they are going to expand to the other resorts but that has not been announced as of yet.

 

[goofy4tink]

As of this moment, SW is only participating at the value resorts. They are testing it out there. Whether or not they continue expanding to the other resorts remains to be seen. This is up to SW, not Disney!!!
Yes, you HAVE to be staying at that resort in order to use the RAC system. So, heading to a value resort in order to check your bags when flying SW is not going to work. Why? Because they will check your room key to make sure you are staying there!!

I know that many like to fly SW due to their baggage policy and their low fares. BUT...you do have to keep in mind that you will be schlepping your bags back to the airport unless you are staying at a value resort...and that's the choice you make.

One of the things the RAC people are concerned about, with SW, is the incredible extra amount of luggage that will be coming along if SW participates at every resort. They are more than a bit worried that it will change the amount of time it takes to get all the luggage back to the airport in time for flights.....which may mean that you have to be checked in no less than 4, or even 5, hours before flight departure!!!

 

[DisneyLover75]

Thanks for the replies.

It's almost tempting to switch to a value resort just so I don't have to worry about the luggage. But I'd really like to try CSR, and the thought of staying at a mod instead of a value this year is really nice.

I love the values too, but it's been a while since I've stayed at a mod, and I've never tried CSR before.

Sigh.

 

[Missytara]

I'm not sure..that's why you should call Disney..they were testing at Pop in June..I assume with the aim in mind to provide the service WDW wide..so, the question is, was th etst successful? If so they are probably on the list now...

Never assume anything.

Southwest is still only participating at the value resorts, and there is no timetable whatsoever, nor any explanation why the agreement has not been extended to the mods and deluxes.

 

[Lewisc]

The trial at POP went well. SW said they were asking Disney for permissin to extend the test to other resorts. All stars were added. It's not clear if the hold up is with SW or with Disney.

 

[backyardponder]

I assume you are using DME. On the Disney side, Bell Services will help you with your bags and get them on the bus for you. On the airport side, there's always sky caps waiting at the DME bus stop. They will help you with your bags and take them to check in for you. Granted, you should tip the folks helping you.

You can go to your resort's concierge or one of the parks' guest services 24 hours prior to flight time and they will print your boarding passes for you.

 

[goofy4tink]

I assume you are using DME. On the Disney side, Bell Services will help you with your bags and get them on the bus for you. On the airport side, there's always sky caps waiting at the DME bus stop. They will help you with your bags and take them to check in for you. Granted, you should tip the folks helping you.

You can go to your resort's concierge or one of the parks' guest services 24 hours prior to flight time and they will print your boarding passes for you.

Absolutely the way to go. Someone will help you out to the DME bus stop with the bags. They will load them under the bus. Then, when you get to MCO, there should be sky caps there who will help you with the luggage and do curbside checkin for you. You most likely won't have to lug the bags around.

 

[DisneyLover75]

Great, thanks! That's what I'll do then.

I was seriously considering switching to Pop Century so I could use the airline service, but I really want to try Coronado. So I'm going to go with the sky caps. Thanks so much.