Can someone explain curbside check-in?

[goofy4tink]

Some (most?) airlines let all the passengers on one reservation "pool" their baggage allowance. Assume the OPs airline allows one bag free. The wife could check 3 bags. The DH will have already printed his BP at home doesn't have to go to the counter (curbside or inside).

I know Southwest works that way and I was told that's the industry standard.

Okay, that would make sense.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Did you read the entire thread?? Especially the part where I said that 'duh, those were great ideas'?? I completely forgot about curbside and dropping someone off there.
BUT......I'm not sure how you check 'everyone' in. Your dh must have to check himself in. I have never, ever been able to check someone in that wasn't standing there, ID in hand. That kind of goes against everything we are told...but I suppose some airports may have different operations.

As I said earlier....having dh drop the family off at curbside checkin is the best idea....and if there are too many bags to check in (if they have to be paid for) then he can keep his checked bag and get it checked in when he gets to the terminal!!

So sorry for posting an opposing 'opinion' or 'experience' without spending time that I didn't have at that particular moment to read the entire thread right then prior to posting. I didn't know that it was a requirement of the board. I know regular posters of the transportation board like to make it one of 'their rules' but I did not know it was truly a rule of the Dis! As I stated before and am again...I have "checked in' my DH at BWI more than once and just did it two weeks ago. Don't believe me, go ask Vernon at SW! He just made DH come pick up his boarding pass when he returned from parking our vehicle. That is my experience. And it has happened more than once. I check ALL of our bags. They don't make me wait for him to show up to tag his bags. Again, MY experience...that is why I suggested the OP try it. Worst case, she might have to step aside and wait for her DH to show up. Best case, she gets all that stuff out of the way while he's parking the car!!

Oh, and normally, I would've printed our BP's at home and Vernon wouldn't have even needed to meet DH, but we lost our electricity due to Sandy. We had to check in on our smartphone and didn't have a way to print BP's from the smartphone. So we had no option but to get our BP's printed at the airport. We were some of the first flights out of BWI after Sandy. It was the first day the airport had reopened. They were actually very pleasant and easy to work with considering all the 'crap' that was going on around the storm shutting the airport down for almost 2 days!!

Some (most?) airlines let all the passengers on one reservation "pool" their baggage allowance. Assume the OPs airline allows one bag free. The wife could check 3 bags. The DH will have already printed his BP at home doesn't have to go to the counter (curbside or inside).

I know Southwest works that way and I was told that's the industry standard.

bolding is mine...

EXACTLY!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

So sorry for posting an opposing 'opinion' or 'experience' without spending time that I didn't have at that particular moment to read the entire thread right then prior to posting. I didn't know that it was a requirement of the board. I know regular posters of the transportation board like to make it one of 'their rules' but I did not know it was truly a rule of the Dis!

No need to be nasty. That's a big leap from 'pixie-dust-free'.

There's no rule on this (or any) board about reading the whole thread. Are you talking about WDWLily's and my signatures? People actually pay attention to what we created? That's impressive! But seriously, it just makes sense to know how the conversation is going.

Regarding checking in your husband, though: I don't know who Vernon is, and it really doesn't even matter if he's your husband's twin brother. He shouldn't be checking in your husband for a flight until/unless your husband is at the counter with his ID.

 

[sam_gordon]

No need to be nasty. That's a big leap from 'pixie-dust-free'.

There's no rule on this (or any) board about reading the whole thread. Are you talking about WDWLily's and my signatures? People actually pay attention to what we created? That's impressive! But seriously, it just makes sense to know how the conversation is going.

Regarding checking in your husband, though: I don't know who Vernon is, and it really doesn't even matter if he's your husband's twin brother. He shouldn't be checking in your husband for a flight until/unless your husband is at the counter with his ID.

Why does it matter? As mentioned, if thy poster was able to check in at home, "Vernon" would never have needed to see DH.

To me, the only issue is how the airline handles checked luggage. For the OP, they had three suitcases. If an airline doesn't "pool" the allowed baggage for everyone on a reservation, then everyone would need to show up at the counter.

I still don't understand what's wrong with DH dropping off the OP, the child, ALL the luggage, then going to park the car. Even if they have to wait to check the bags until DH shows back up, what are we talking? 10 minutes at most? If the OP is allowed to check them all in and check the bags, that will be getting wrapped up about the time DH walks back up.

 

[goofy4tink]

So sorry for posting an opposing 'opinion' or 'experience' without spending time that I didn't have at that particular moment to read the entire thread right then prior to posting. I didn't know that it was a requirement of the board. I know regular posters of the transportation board like to make it one of 'their rules' but I did not know it was truly a rule of the Dis! As I stated before and am again...I have "checked in' my DH at BWI more than once and just did it two weeks ago. Don't believe me, go ask Vernon at SW! He just made DH come pick up his boarding pass when he returned from parking our vehicle. That is my experience. And it has happened more than once. I check ALL of our bags. They don't make me wait for him to show up to tag his bags. Again, MY experience...that is why I suggested the OP try it. Worst case, she might have to step aside and wait for her DH to show up. Best case, she gets all that stuff out of the way while he's parking the car!!

Oh, and normally, I would've printed our BP's at home and Vernon wouldn't have even needed to meet DH, but we lost our electricity due to Sandy. We had to check in on our smartphone and didn't have a way to print BP's from the smartphone. So we had no option but to get our BP's printed at the airport. We were some of the first flights out of BWI after Sandy. It was the first day the airport had reopened. They were actually very pleasant and easy to work with considering all the 'crap' that was going on around the storm shutting the airport down for almost 2 days!!


bolding is mine...

EXACTLY!!!

I never have any issue with someone posting an opposing position...never. It opens up great discussions. BUT....I do take issue with a post that tells me I'm wrong, when I have already corrected myself!! And that's my issue. I took responsibility for not thinking of all the options.....so I really don't appreciate someone telling me, later in the thread, that I'm wrong.


As for checking your dh in??? Sure, if you're flying on SW, sure, that works. Nowhere did you say you were flying on SW...hence my question!!! That will work only with airlines that don't charge for addtl bags...and that was my point!!! Sorry if I ruffled feathers here. I completely understand how SW works...I fly them often.

People....we don't have specific 'rules' here..but we do try to function with common sense. And that means getting all the info before posting. Transportation is too important a subject to post about when you don't have the correct info. This is why we don't deal in pixie-dust. We want pretty specific and tried and true info here. If that comes across as rude or unfeeling, I'm sorry. But here, on this board, people can count on getting good info. If someone comes along and posts something that can be taken in the wrong way, or if someone just casually reading it makes an incorrect assumption??? Well, their trip can be hugely impacted, and not in a good way!!!
So yep, we kind of hope that people read the entire thread so they can give comments based on the real situation...not based on one single posting.

 

[goofy4tink]

Why does it matter? As mentioned, if thy poster was able to check in at home, "Vernon" would never have needed to see DH.

To me, the only issue is how the airline handles checked luggage. For the OP, they had three suitcases. If an airline doesn't "pool" the allowed baggage for everyone on a reservation, then everyone would need to show up at the counter.

I still don't understand what's wrong with DH dropping off the OP, the child, ALL the luggage, then going to park the car. Even if they have to wait to check the bags until DH shows back up, what are we talking? 10 minutes at most? If the OP is allowed to check them all in and check the bags, that will be getting wrapped up about the time DH walks back up.

I think the issue was that it wasn't noted that this poster was flying on SW...which would mean that the dh didn't need to be there since the family can check up to 2 bags each, with no charges. And dh could very well have checked in from home and printed the bp there. Not sure why he even had to stop at curbside!!! But, that's not my concern.

 

[CourtneyL]

OP here.... We are flying JetBlue actually, so we get one free checked bag a person. It doesn't make much sense for DH to drop off DD and I at the curb if we will have to wait for him to park the car. We fly in a couple weeks and I'd rather not stand outside in the cold waiting for him with all our stuff.

Last time we flew, DD was 4 months old and in the infant car seat, which was on the stroller. We schlepped everything in one trip and it wasn't horrible, just cumbersome.

I asked about curbside check in to see if I could eliminate some hassle. Since it seems like it won't be easier I'd rather keep my $6 ($2 per bag for curbside check in) and maybe I'll get lucky and find a cart in the parking garage. If not, no big deal. I will make sure we can handle all of our bags (if we can't then I need to bring less stuff).

 

[Lewisc]

, if you're flying on SW, sure, that works. Nowhere did you say you were flying on SW...hence my question!!! That will work only with airlines that don't charge for addtl bags...and that was my point!!! Sorry if I ruffled feathers here. I completely understand how SW works...I fly them often.

Not just SW. It's not an issue if an airline "pools" the baggage allowance.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I asked about curbside check in to see if I could eliminate some hassle. Since it seems like it won't be easier I'd rather keep my $6 ($2 per bag for curbside check in) and maybe I'll get lucky and find a cart in the parking garage. If not, no big deal. I will make sure we can handle all of our bags (if we can't then I need to bring less stuff).

Okay, so the OP has opted to forgo curbside check-in. I just thought I should point out - for infrequent jetBlue passengers - that this is an airline charge. The money doesn't go to the SkyCaps. Tipping is still appropriate.

But I'm going to give Plan D one more shot . If your husband drops you off with everything except his checked bag and the car seat, and maybe the stroller bag (both of which he could bungee to his suitcase - you could use curbside check-in, then wait for him inside the terminal. Now, I've only ever been to BDL once years ago - but tge curbside check-in line is almost always much shorter than either inside line.

Also, ignore this suggestion if you're renting a car: if you're not renting a car in Florida, consider not bringing the car seat. If you're concerned about your daughter staying in her seat on the plane, look into the CARES harness.

 

[mom2brooke76]

Also, ignore this suggestion if you're renting a car: if you're not renting a car in Florida, consider not bringing the car seat. If you're concerned about your daughter staying in her seat on the plane, look into the CARES harness.

Just wanted to chime in that if you do look into the CARES harness, people rent them on eBay, which works out better than buying one if you're not going to use it often.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stitchlovestink

So sorry for posting an opposing 'opinion' or 'experience' without spending time that I didn't have at that particular moment to read the entire thread right then prior to posting. I didn't know that it was a requirement of the board. I know regular posters of the transportation board like to make it one of 'their rules' but I did not know it was truly a rule of the Dis! As I stated before and am again...I have "checked in' my DH at BWI more than once and just did it two weeks ago. Don't believe me, go ask Vernon at SW! He just made DH come pick up his boarding pass when he returned from parking our vehicle. That is my experience. And it has happened more than once. I check ALL of our bags. They don't make me wait for him to show up to tag his bags. Again, MY experience...that is why I suggested the OP try it. Worst case, she might have to step aside and wait for her DH to show up. Best case, she gets all that stuff out of the way while he's parking the car!!

Oh, and normally, I would've printed our BP's at home and Vernon wouldn't have even needed to meet DH, but we lost our electricity due to Sandy. We had to check in on our smartphone and didn't have a way to print BP's from the smartphone. So we had no option but to get our BP's printed at the airport. We were some of the first flights out of BWI after Sandy. It was the first day the airport had reopened. They were actually very pleasant and easy to work with considering all the 'crap' that was going on around the storm shutting the airport down for almost 2 days!!


bolding is mine...

EXACTLY!!!

I never have any issue with someone posting an opposing position...never. It opens up great discussions. BUT....I do take issue with a post that tells me I'm wrong, when I have already corrected myself!! And that's my issue. I took responsibility for not thinking of all the options.....so I really don't appreciate someone telling me, later in the thread, that I'm wrong.


As for checking your dh in??? Sure, if you're flying on SW, sure, that works. Nowhere did you say you were flying on SW...hence my question!!! That will work only with airlines that don't charge for addtl bags...and that was my point!!! Sorry if I ruffled feathers here. I completely understand how SW works...I fly them often.

People....we don't have specific 'rules' here..but we do try to function with common sense. And that means getting all the info before posting. Transportation is too important a subject to post about when you don't have the correct info. This is why we don't deal in pixie-dust. We want pretty specific and tried and true info here. If that comes across as rude or unfeeling, I'm sorry. But here, on this board, people can count on getting good info. If someone comes along and posts something that can be taken in the wrong way, or if someone just casually reading it makes an incorrect assumption??? Well, their trip can be hugely impacted, and not in a good way!!!
So yep, we kind of hope that people read the entire thread so they can give comments based on the real situation...not based on one single posting.

Well I'm sorry if you interpreted my 'I beg to differ' as 'you are wrong'. My 'I beg to differ' is 'I had a different experience'. I Never said you were wrong and I was right. I posted an opposing opinion/experience and then got a snarky response for doing so. If you want to discuss ruffled feathers, it's not this thread specifically but more the fact that the regular posters seem to think they "own" this forum on the board and when others come along and try to chime in and offer our experience...this is exactly what happens! You can't dispute someone else's experience. And don't you think "an OP" is intelligent enough to gleen the information they need from any thread or are we not that smart?

I find it incredibly interesting that I was trying to be helpful to the OP by saving her time and effort and sharing how we do it and "I" get accused of being nasty??!! This board is not only pixie dust free it tends to contain some rudest people if you don't agree with "regulars". Yet, I am labeled the rude one?! Interesting perception of those here on the boards because I just returned from a trip where I was recognized by about 20 CMs and when I asked them why they remembered me, they said it was because I was so friendly and kind and showed a personal interest in them....hmmm!!! So...I KNOW what MY personality is...I guess you guys don't!!! I hope YOU ALL have a wonderful day!!!!




Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android

 

[pilferk]

The shuttle option would be a really good choice at Bradley.

There are 4 or 5 park and fly companies within a mile of the airport. I personally use Roncari almost directly across the street.

Prices are comparable to the parking garage plus they'll load your bags onto the shuttle, the driver will drop you off steps away from the curbside check in , and he (she) will unload the bags onto the curb for you.

Remember, you'll need to bring those same bags home with you.
Instead of waiting in the baggage area while someone retrieves the car and takes a tour of the airport in order to come back and get you simply call the shuttle from the courtesy phone and drag your bags to the curb They'll do the rest.

Agree about bradley.

We park at z-parking (because they're cheap and on the way, for us). Take the shuttle right to the airlines front door and use curbside. At roughly $6 a day...well worth it.

If the OP is heading to Logan, JFK, or La Guardia...not sure if it's as good an option.

 

[pilferk]

Okay, so the OP has opted to forgo curbside check-in. I just thought I should point out - for infrequent jetBlue passengers - that this is an airline charge. The money doesn't go to the SkyCaps. Tipping is still appropriate.

But I'm going to give Plan D one more shot . If your husband drops you off with everything except his checked bag and the car seat, and maybe the stroller bag (both of which he could bungee to his suitcase - you could use curbside check-in, then wait for him inside the terminal. Now, I've only ever been to BDL once years ago - but tge curbside check-in line is almost always much shorter than either inside line.

Also, ignore this suggestion if you're renting a car: if you're not renting a car in Florida, consider not bringing the car seat. If you're concerned about your daughter staying in her seat on the plane, look into the CARES harness.

I'm REALLY glad I stumbled on this thread. I had no idea JetBlue charged, per bag, for curbside. Not a big deal....but while I had figured enough cash to tip (shuttle driver and skycaps), I hadn't taken into account the cost to curbside check. I'll make sure I bring the additional $10 in cash!

Thanks!

Also, one thing to add: I've flown out of BDL many, many, many times (though not JetBlue..this is our first time using that airline out of BDL). Curbside is, unless you're arriving REALLY early (think 6 AM-ish), ALWAYS much shorter than the inside lines. Even with the surcharge you mention, above, it's worth it IMHO.

 

[goofy4tink]

Well I'm sorry if you interpreted my 'I beg to differ' as 'you are wrong'. My 'I beg to differ' is 'I had a different experience'. I Never said you were wrong and I was right. I posted an opposing opinion/experience and then got a snarky response for doing so. If you want to discuss ruffled feathers, it's not this thread specifically but more the fact that the regular posters seem to think they "own" this forum on the board and when others come along and try to chime in and offer our experience...this is exactly what happens! You can't dispute someone else's experience. And don't you think "an OP" is intelligent enough to gleen the information they need from any thread or are we not that smart?

I find it incredibly interesting that I was trying to be helpful to the OP by saving her time and effort and sharing how we do it and "I" get accused of being nasty??!! This board is not only pixie dust free it tends to contain some rudest people if you don't agree with "regulars". Yet, I am labeled the rude one?! Interesting perception of those here on the boards because I just returned from a trip where I was recognized by about 20 CMs and when I asked them why they remembered me, they said it was because I was so friendly and kind and showed a personal interest in them....hmmm!!! So...I KNOW what MY personality is...I guess you guys don't!!! I hope YOU ALL have a wonderful day!!!!




Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android

Well, I'm truly sorry you feel that way. I do know that I have been told, by many Disney CMs that they love this board...that they think it's wonderful to see straightforward, honest info, without all that mushy stuff. And I am probably one of the friendliest people you will meet. And I can vouch for many of those posters. I've met many in person, and they are terrific.

If you had taken the time to read the entire thread, you would have found that I had admitted my mistake, and that others had already posted pretty much what you did. I'm not saying that we can't duplicate answers, but to intimate that someone is offering incorrect info, when that isn't the case, is somewhat off putting. Hence my somewhat snarky response. Again, I apologize.

But....I will defend most of the posters on this board. They are usually pretty mannerful and give out tremendous info. I'm sorry if you find it to be rude here. That is not anyone's intent!!

 

[sam_gordon]

OP here.... We are flying JetBlue actually, so we get one free checked bag a person. It doesn't make much sense for DH to drop off DD and I at the curb if we will have to wait for him to park the car. We fly in a couple weeks and I'd rather not stand outside in the cold waiting for him with all our stuff.

I don't know about your airport, but at mine, it's about 10-15' (yes, feet) from the curb to the double doors entering the terminal. I still say have DH drop you, DD, and luggage off (somewhere shielded from cold, but close to car), and have him park. When he returns to you, you all go to the counter/kiosk to check the bags.

 

[stitchlovestink]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CourtneyL

OP here.... We are flying JetBlue actually, so we get one free checked bag a person. It doesn't make much sense for DH to drop off DD and I at the curb if we will have to wait for him to park the car. We fly in a couple weeks and I'd rather not stand outside in the cold waiting for him with all our stuff.

I don't know about your airport, but at mine, it's about 10-15' (yes, feet) from the curb to the double doors entering the terminal. I still say have DH drop you, DD, and luggage off (somewhere shielded from cold, but close to car), and have him park. When he returns to you, you all go to the counter/kiosk to check the bags.

double thumbs up in agreement to this suggestion!!
Even if you wait inside, at our airport it is SO MUCH quicker just to step back outside the automatic doors to curbside checkin where there may be one or two people, if any, in line versus the 15 to 30 in line inside the airport!!
But OP, whatever you decide to do, I hope you have a wonderful and SAFE trip!!



Posted from Disney Forums Reader for Android

 

[nfceagles]

Bradley's easy and I don't think it will be as bad as you fear. I would do one of two things. Use an offsite parking facility like Roncari. I normally park at the airport garage too, but I think in this instance it will solve your baggage dilemma AND save you a few bucks. Or have DH drop you and SOME of the luggage off at the curb. You'll be close enough to the the doors that I think you'll be able to shuffle a pile just inside the doors. Have DH keep as many of the pieces as he can bring in by himself so that your pile at the curb is manageable. I agree with you that carts aren't easy to find at the garage. I wouldn't know where to get one without going all the way into the airport.

 

[nfceagles]

I also really like the idea of curbside checkin if your DH can also checkin and then park. I just don't know if that's possible as other posters suggest.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, that's an idea too, nfceagles - just depends on how strict the police or security patrol is:
Original poster stays in car with child; husband checks his bag/checks in.
Husband goes back to car (idling at curb), couple removes all other luggage except his carry-ons and the car seat; original poster and daughter in stroller check in.
He goes to back to the car, parks, walks back to the terminal.
She hooks what she can onto the stroller, pushes it with one hand and pulls what she can't with the other inside the terminal to wait for him.