Alaska Airlines now a Resort Airline Check-In Participating Airline

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Just got the word that as of Monday April 24th, Alaska Airlines is now a participating airline for the Resort Airline Check-In Desk. This means that you can now check your bags and recieve your boarding passes right here at the resort.

This does not affect Disney's Magical Express. You do not need to use DME in order to utilize Resort Airline Check-In.

Other participating airlines:

American
Continental
Delta/Song
United/TED
jetBlue
Northwest

 

[pumpkinboy]

Wow, that's good news for folks flying out of Seattle. Of course, Alaska Air only flies two flights a day out of MCO, and both of those go to Seattle. I imagine that since Alaska Air has a codeshare with Delta (you can book the Alaska Airlines flight MCO-SEA on a Delta ticket) that they are piggybacking on Delta's membership, or maybe paying just a nominal amount to participate given thier limited presence in the market.

Now NorthWest's participation is news to me. I know a lot of people expected NWA to participate, but I wasn't aware that they had formally signed on yet. Any idea of when this happened?

 

[dadto1]

Tyler,

Throw you weight around down there and get US Air on the list why don't ya!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

It was about a month ago. I posted it on here when it happened.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Yes... US Airways/America West and Southwest are the two (three?) that we really need to get on there. However... I have about as much power as the guy selling Dole Whips in the Magic Kingdom. But I'll see what I can do.

In the meantime, write the airlines! They're the ones that decide whether or not to participate. Let them know there's a big market for this service, and that you'll fly a participating airline over a non-participating.

 

[Veater]

Yes this is awesome! From Anchorage, ALaska Airlines is by far the best way to fly to Orlando. WE are booked in June and I am counting the days!

How do they handle weighing the suitcases at the resort checkin? Are they as picky at the resort about the 50 lb limit? This is always an issue for us on the way back - since we don't have a scale to check the suitcase in our room. Also, if you are going on a 6 pm flight, can you check your suitcases in the morning or do you do it at the time you catch the bus to the airport?

Thanks!

 

[goofy4tink]

Yes... US Airways/America West and Southwest are the two (three?) that we really need to get on there. However... I have about as much power as the guy selling Dole Whips in the Magic Kingdom. But I'll see what I can do.

In the meantime, write the airlines! They're the ones that decide whether or not to participate. Let them know there's a big market for this service, and that you'll fly a participating airline over a non-participating.

Well, in my opinion that guy selling Dole Whips in the MK is all powerful...at least to me!!! Anyone who makes something that yummy is pretty near to all-powerful!!

I do wish that other airlines would join up though. Any idea Tyler what the cost is to the participating airlines? I've heard that SW won't join because it's not cost effective or their style. Just curious.

 

[Lewisc]

Yes... US Airways/America West and Southwest are the two (three?) that we really need to get on there. However... I have about as much power as the guy selling Dole Whips in the Magic Kingdom. But I'll see what I can do.

In the meantime, write the airlines! They're the ones that decide whether or not to participate. Let them know there's a big market for this service, and that you'll fly a participating airline over a non-participating.

Is the problem the airlines or the $$ Disney is asking to participate? SW is making money.

I suspect the premium price most DISBOARD members are willing to pay to fly a participating airline is in the single digits.

I wrote to SW, systems issues.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

I believe the participating airlines pay a montly fee to have thier airline be part of this system. Not all airlines are willing to pay that fee. Especially, when literally every penny counts. And perhaps, for others, its a systems issue. (which, probably could be eventually worked out... just hope it doesn't take as long as it did for Northwest's system issues to be resolved)


AS for luggage weight... they do have a scale at the RAC desk. Not sure how they handle overweight bags. You might wish to speak with them at some point during your stay.

 

[Lewisc]

Some airlines are getting rid of magazines to save weight. I can understand some airlines not adding extra fees.

It's a shame passengers can't just pay a fee for resort checkin which would cover the expenses.

I believe the participating airlines pay a montly fee to have thier airline be part of this system. Not all airlines are willing to pay that fee. Especially, when literally every penny counts. And perhaps, for others, its a systems issue. (which, probably could be eventually worked out... just hope it doesn't take as long as it did for Northwest's system issues to be resolved)


AS for luggage weight... they do have a scale at the RAC desk. Not sure how they handle overweight bags. You might wish to speak with them at some point during your stay.

 

[Queenofthecastle]

This is great to hear! We will be taking Alaska Airlines to MCO from Portland, Oregon in September. We will be using Magical Express as well though, so I guess the resort check-in will not matter much. I've read that ME will leave about 3 hours prior to your flight departure time so that seems to leave A LOT of time for check-in and security. I wonder if we can schedule a later ME bus if we do resort check-in....anyone know?

queenofthecastle

 

[bavaria]

Queen, since Dec 05 security lines at MCO have routinely been 45 minutes or more (with no line for frequent flyers). Three hours is about right if you allow one hour for loading/pickup/travel and two hours for checkin/security.