Airtran now eligible for resort checkin...question

[kelscross]

I just saw on the Dis homepage that Airtran is now an airline that you can do resort check in. Good for us, because we always fly airtran to Orlando from Dayton.

Anyhow...I was a little confused about the info on the link. It stated something about pre-registering two days before your departure. If your length of stay does not allow for that then you can still go to the desk the day of departure.

What is the pre register? Do you have to go with your luggage two days prior? What is the difference doing it two days prior or the day of departure?

Thanks

 

[goofy4tink]

The 'two days' refers to the time you would make your registration for DME, before leaving home. Say you were flying into MCO on May 1, and wanted to book DME. You should book with them by April 28. This way you can get into their system.
So, you would call them to book your spot on the bus. Then, provided you have booked far enough in advance, they will send you an info packet with yellow luggage tags. These tags will go on your checked luggage. THey will be pulled off the plane and put aside for delivery to the resort. You will go on the bus and your luggage will appear in your room a few hours later.
Now....for your return to MCO. Those on the 'participating' airline list, which AirTran now is, can check their luggage through to MCO right at their resort on their departure day. You have to leave at least 3 hrs. before your departure to do this...if your flight departs at 10:00 am, you need to have your luggage at the RAC desk at the resort by 7 am.
Hope this helps and doesn't confuse you even more!!!

 

[SueInBoston]

We just flew back on AirTran and was not able to check our luggages at the resort. We were at Beach Club, checked in online 24 hours before, bought our luggage down morning of our flight (more than 3 hours) and was told they couldn't retrieve our reservation. So we had to lug all our luggages to the car and check in at the airport. Another family on our flight stayed at AKL also couldn't check in their luggages. So my advice would be check with the luggage desk first before you lug all your stuff down.

Sue

 

[REL1203]

We just flew back on AirTran and was not able to check our luggages at the resort. We were at Beach Club, checked in online 24 hours before, bought our luggage down morning of our flight (more than 3 hours) and was told they couldn't retrieve our reservation. So we had to lug all our luggages to the car and check in at the airport. Another family on our flight stayed at AKL also couldn't check in their luggages. So my advice would be check with the luggage desk first before you lug all your stuff down.

Sue

Maybe you hadnt seen the announcement just came today, and is scheduled to start May 5th..... So you were A) weel before the official announcement and B) before the start date... Maybe next time you fly down you can use RAC with AirTran.. I know I am in Sept

 

[jekjones1558]

Regarding Resort Airline Check-in: I have been told by 2 or maybe even 3 CMs that if you check in 24 hours ahead online you cannot then use Resort Airline Check-in to check your luggage. Others may have had a different experience but that is what I have been told. So if you have an AirTran ticket that only allows for selecting your seat at check-in, you will need to wait to get your seat assignment until you can check in at the RAC desk EVEN AFTER MAY 5. Perhaps some CMs know a way around this that the ones I talked to do not know.

 

[poohluvr]

Maybe you hadnt seen the announcement just came today, and is scheduled to start May 5th..... So you were A) weel before the official announcement and B) before the start date... Maybe next time you fly down you can use RAC with AirTran.. I know I am in Sept

A pilot program was started in Dec. which included Beach Club. I guess May 5 is when all the resorts start participating. Am I correct about this?

 

[goofy4tink]

Yes, that is correct. Tyler, aka Chip 'n Dale Express, has announced it on the 'participating airlines' thread. As of May 5, all resorts should have it in place.

 

[kelscross]

Thanks..you all clarified it.