Back from flying Southwest

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I just spent a quick weekend in Orlando, and flew Southwest. Haven't used them to Orlando before, so it was kinda a new experience.

Checked in online 24 hours prior, and was the first in the "A" line at the airport. About 30 people preboarded. About 70 on the flight - sat in row 11 in the 2 seat section.

Coming back I checked in 24 hours prior on my cell phone using the web browser, then printed the boarding passes at the kiosk at MCO. Once again, was the first in the "A" line. About 20 people preboarded, and I'd say around 80 on the flight (nobody in the "C" line, atleast when I boarded). Sat in row 5.

Overall, the flights were fine. I did notice the planes showing their age inside, we were on the -300's. Crews were nice. We had some weather issues that caused some delays (and some rough air), but those kinds of things happen.

 

[safetymom]

Glad to hear it went well. I hope you had a great time.

 

[39CINDERELLA]

Thank's for the info., we will be trying them in June.

 

[3princesses4us]

Is Southwest part of the Magical Express?

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Southwest isn't part of Magical Express, but I believe you can claim your own luggage and then take ME. Then on the return, you'll have to take the luggage to the airport, instead of checking it at the resort.

With the great rates from Southwest (we paid $39 each way), I'd definetly fly them again (in fact, we will be flying again in May, again for $39 each way). I still do prefer US Airways and AirTran, but for the price, SW really cannot be beat!

 

[deltachi8]

Is Southwest part of the Magical Express?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=944813

ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

 

[3princesses4us]

Thanks all! I guess it's worth dealing with my own bags if I can save a few hundred $!

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, My son and I will be flying into MCO via SWA in February and staying at the WL. I called CRO and they sent me the ME tags for my luggage. As I understand it, if we were to use ME to get BACK to MCO we would have to check our own luggage.We only needed ME for our SWA flight down because my DH will join us for our 2nd week in WDW and he will rent a car when he gets to MCO. Joan

 

[clkelley]

GOING TO WDW Magical Express is the SAME FOR ALL PASSENGERS REGARDLESS OF AIRLINE!!!! (except international when Orlando is their US point of entry)

Put your yellow tags on your bags at your home airport. Check your bags at your home airport. Get on the plane. Land in Orlando, go to the Magical Express Desk, get on the bus, get to the resort, check in, let the luggage service folks store your carryons, go the parks and play. Your luggage will arrive in your room later that day!!!!

Now, going home, yes there are a few airlines where you have to bring the bags on the bus yourself.

Carol

 

[deltachi8]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=944813

your link (again) to Magical express questions and answers

 

[Kycha]

CD,
What airport did you fly out of?

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

We flew out of Pittsburgh.

 

[mommyceratops]

We just got back Saturday from flying SW it was great. No complaints.

The ME picked up our luggage and it was in a room in a couple hours of our arrival (we went out when we got there so I am not sure how long)

Going home. ME does not participate with Southwest. So here is what we did. We called the bellhop the night before told them what time our ME bus left. They came about and hour before the ME bus left and picked up our luggage in our room. When we got to the bus stop we got our luggage from the bellhop holding area they carried it over to the bus stop (if it is crowded I would leave more time for this) the ME driver loaded it on the bus (who politly reminded us he works for tips! LOL) When ME bus got to Orlando airport there were porters there waiting (we had 6 suitcases so we got one) he loaded them on the cart and took us to the SouthWest counter and checked us in. (this is on the 3 floor so if you have a lot of luggage I would recommend this)

Any questions let me know. Over all it was worth it to fly SW and take the ME.

 

[K&KsMom]

Southwest isn't part of Magical Express, but I believe you can claim your own luggage and then take ME. Then on the return, you'll have to take the luggage to the airport, instead of checking it at the resort.

With the great rates from Southwest (we paid $39 each way), I'd definetly fly them again (in fact, we will be flying again in May, again for $39 each way). I still do prefer US Airways and AirTran, but for the price, SW really cannot be beat!

We flew Southwest in December and used ME. They claimed our luggage for us.
We are also flying SW again in 11 days and same thing with ME. Hmmm.

 

[K&KsMom]

Southwest isn't part of Magical Express, but I believe you can claim your own luggage and then take ME. Then on the return, you'll have to take the luggage to the airport, instead of checking it at the resort.

With the great rates from Southwest (we paid $39 each way), I'd definetly fly them again (in fact, we will be flying again in May, again for $39 each way). I still do prefer US Airways and AirTran, but for the price, SW really cannot be beat!

We flew Southwest in December and used ME. They claimed our luggage for us.
We are also flying SW again in 11 days and same thing with ME. Hmmm.

 

[RuthLS]

Southwest isn't part of Magical Express, but I believe you can claim your own luggage and then take ME. Then on the return, you'll have to take the luggage to the airport, instead of checking it at the resort.

With the great rates from Southwest (we paid $39 each way), I'd definetly fly them again (in fact, we will be flying again in May, again for $39 each way). I still do prefer US Airways and AirTran, but for the price, SW really cannot be beat!

Was your rate one of those web only rates? Did you find there were too many restrictions etc?

We haven't flown in ages and are trying to nail down the best rate. We are going mid may from MA or RI or NH to FL.

Right now MA to FL is coming up in the $300 round trip range. ARgh!!

Southwest has a web only deal with all of these restrictions for $50 each way plus of course..all of these fees.

Does anyone know what a typical MA to FL may rate is?

Thanks,
Ruth

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

We used Ding fares (you can download Ding on their website, they post specials every day, and have to be booked within a few hours).