Airport to/from the front

[xipetotec]

So we're usually travelling with our kids and sometimes even my parents/brother etc. So we typically have a lot of help with my wife who needs a wheelchair. However, we have been contemplating a trip by ourselves to DisneyLand and she is worried about how we will handle luggage.

Not so much FROM the desk to the terminal, because then it's checked, or vice versa because then it makes its way to the carousel. Rather the front part of the airport. How do people deal with getting from the car to the airport desk ( and from the carousel to the car ) carrying two suitcases and pushing a wheelchair? I know an ECV is an option some will suggest, but we're trying to see what is possible with what we have.

 

[Mrsjvb]

curbside check in.

 

[jmartinez1895]

Curb side check, if available for your flight out. At our airport there are always skycaps waiting at the carousel for people who need help ( they of course are expecting a tip). I would assume they are at all major airports.

 

[mamabunny]

Our airport has done away with curbside check-in and skycaps in the last year. We now either utilize Uber, or have friends/family drop us off, and pick us up. We have used a local airport parking garage/valet service in the past, but I'm not impressed with them at all, and don't intend to use them again.

All of our luggage has the newer style wheels that allow the suitcase to roll in any direction while sitting up on all four wheels. Once I am on my ECV, I can wheel along one bag, and my companion wheels along their bag. For the times when we stay longer, and bring along more luggage, we rent one of the SmartCarts and pile everything on there.

In your situation, would it be possible to drop your wife off first, then circle around to park, and bring the bags in? I know that isn't ideal, but it would potentially allow you to have her safely inside the terminal first so you don't have to worry about managing two suitcases + her chair + kids + etc....

The other options you may have (depending on your local airport situation) are:
- Parking with an offsite (non-airport affiliated) parking/valet service company that has a shuttle that can accommodate your needs
- Utilize a local shuttle service (like the SuperShuttle in LA) that will pick you up and drop you off curbside - again, if they have a shuttle vehicle that will meet your families needs
- Consider shipping some (or all) of the contents you would pack in your luggage via UPS or FedEx to the Resort, and travel only with your carry-on items
- Ask a family member or friend to drive you to the airport, and drop you off - and then pick you up after your trip (with your vehicle).

I'll be interested to hear how you decide to handle the situation, because with no skycaps and/or curbside check-in at our local airport now, I'm always trying to think of ways to make that transition easier as well.

 

[redberyl]

No skycaps or curbside at our airport either. I put everything into multiple smaller bags, then I can hang 2 of the bags from the wc handles, put one on her lap, and hang one from each of my arms. This only works if the airline is generous with luggage fees