Checking luggage at hotel / boarding passes

[Dis Ohana]

Our flight leaves MCO at 8:00am. I read somewhere that your bags have to be checked in no later than 3 hours prior to your flight (strictly enforced). From what I understand, the RAC desk opens at 5:00am. Have any of you had trouble checking in at this time? I would assume that I need to be first in line to make the 3 hour limit.

Also, is there someone around at that time to print boarding passes? Or can I do the check-in and have boarding passes printed the night before we leave?

 

[NeverlandPixie]

I think it's going to be pretty iffy. If your flight leaves at 8:00 am, DME will be picking you up 3 hours before (5:00 am). If the counter doesn't even open until 5:00 am, you'll miss your bus. It's happened ...

Your best bet is to use the resort airline check-in the day before to print your boarding passes and handle the luggage yourself.

 

[Dis Ohana]

Thanks, Neverlandpixie.

I am not using DME, I have a towncar taking us to the airport. The driver will meet us at 5:45, I'm hoping this is enough time to get to the airport and through security, the limo company didn't want to give advice on what time I should be picked up .

I found information on the resort check in a long time ago, and unfortunately my search function isn't working so I can't seem to find it again!
Let me just make sure I'm understanding how this works:

- Can I use this resort check in even if I have my own transportation to the airport?

- Is the resort check in desk the same place I'd go to check into our flight and have boarding passes printed?

- Is a 5:45 pick up time early enough or should I schedule pick up time for a little earlier?

 

[CleveRocks]

I am not using DME, I have a towncar taking us to the airport. The driver will meet us at 5:45, I'm hoping this is enough time to get to the airport and through security, the limo company didn't want to give advice on what time I should be picked up .

I found information on the resort check in a long time ago, and unfortunately my search function isn't working so I can't seem to find it again!
Let me just make sure I'm understanding how this works:

- Can I use this resort check in even if I have my own transportation to the airport?

- Is the resort check in desk the same place I'd go to check into our flight and have boarding passes printed?

- Is a 5:45 pick up time early enough or should I schedule pick up time for a little earlier?

Resort Airline Check-in (RAC) is the service that allows you to check in for your flight (including receiving your boarding passes) and check your checked bags through to your home airport. Only people flying on a "participating airline" can use RAC. The RAC desk at each resort is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It can only be used during those times, and is always staffed during those operating hours.

Unfortunately, in your case, you won't be able to use RAC. The time limit was recently increased to 4 hours before flight. Even at 3 hours, you still wouldn't make it for an 8:00 a.m. flight. The transaction must be completed in the computer by the deadline ... in other words, it doesn't matter when you start the transaction. So let's say someone has a 9:00 a.m. flight, and they want to check in the moment the RAC desk opens at 5:00 a.m. It would be impossible for the transaction to be completed so quickly that it would be completed prior to the computer's clock striking 5:01 a.m. (think abiut curbside check-in, which RAC is a form of -- it can be quick, but it isn't completed in literally under one minute).

The subcontractor employees who man the RAC desk can't override the computer system, so asking/pleading won't make any difference.

And you can't check your bags with RAC or check-in for your flight on the previous calendar day, so that's not an option. RAC desks are open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

You can use RAC regardless of how you get back to the airport.

Totally separate from RAC, you can always get Guest Services/Lobby Concierge to print put your boarding passes for you. But since you still have to check luggage at the airport, already having your boarding passes won't help you unless you use the type of airline that doesn't pre-assign seats.

 

[Dis Ohana]

Thanks, CleveRocks! You rock! I'm always amazed at how much good information is on this board, and how willing everyone is to share.

Well that whole benefit goes right out the window, I better be ready to get to the airport early enough to do the check-in there. Is allowing 2 1/2 hours before flight enough time?

 

[Lives4Disney]

Dis Ohana, I know you're staying concierge. They can print your boarding passes right on the spot.

As for time allowance, we allow 1/2 hr to 45 minutes to arrive at MCO from WDW and an extra 2 hrs airport time. It has always been fine - even too much sometimes.

The limo will just drop you at the curb and they'll help you get in line with your bags - we almost always take advantage of curbside check in to dump our load. It's very easy & I have always thought MCO was pretty organized.

Happy travels,

Lives4Disney

 

[Dis Ohana]

Lives4Disney: Have you considered a career in Disney trip planning ? I literally have pages of tips you've posted on the GF FAQ thread that helped plan our trip. I feel secure in knowing we'll have the best limo service based on your recommendation, and now I know we'll get to the airport on time! Thank you again for taking the time to help me and so many others on the DIS .
Have a wonderful trip, I know it's coming up soon for you. Can't wait to read your report when you return!