Checkout time vs flight time question

[Mixie]

Sorry - search seems to be hanging on me and I know this question is answered somewhere.

I'm staying at ASMu. Checkout time is 11 am but our flight isn't until 8 pm. Will they send the bags on ahead when we checkout? Also, can we hit the park one last time and still use the transport later after we've checked out? I figure we have to leave no later than 5 (3 hour rule, right?) so that would leave us many hours to do something with that day...

 

[Sandi]

If you're on one of the airlines that participates in Resort Airlines Check-in, you can take your checked bags to RAC starting at about 5:00 in the morning. They'll give you boarding passes with your bag claim info when you do that. Then your checked bags will be transferred for you. You can check your carry-on bags with your resort's bell services so you don't have to lug those all over. (Make sure you tip when you pick up your carry-ons.)

You'll need to be ready to board your ME bus 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time (which is generally 3 hours before your flight time). You will receive a notice on your room door the day before you leave. That will also include information on paying for checked bag fees if your airline charges for checked bags. Be certain to factor in time to get your carry ons from bell services. When ME says be there 15 minutes early, they really mean it.

You'll have plenty of time to enjoy a park or do some swimming at your resort if that's what you care to do. My DD always liked to do one last swim at the resort before we took off, so I'd makes sure her swimsuit was in a carry on and I'd have a gallon size ziplock to put the suit in after swimming. Having a later departure like you have is great. You really get to use that last day.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[PEANUT1]

if your airline doesn't participate with the hotel to have your backs checked at the hotel, then the hotel will just hold your bags for you until you leave for magical express. you have to get the bus at your hotel so if you do go to a park, be sure you are back to your hotel in time to get your bags and get on the bus..have fun!!

 

[seashoreCM]

You will have to wait until 8 AM to check your bags with the resort baggage checking service (RAC). Within 12 hours but no less than 3 hours before your flight time.

Plan your day as if you will be back at your resort an hour before your Magical Express bus back to the airport. A little more if you have to get carryons back from the bellhop. You need to be at the DME bus platform 15 minutes before your bus time with children, baggage, etc.

 

[dudspizza]

You will have to wait until 8 AM to check your bags with the resort baggage checking service (RAC). Within 12 hours but no less than 3 hours before your flight time.

Plan your day as if you will be back at your resort an hour before your Magical Express bus back to the airport. A little more if you have to get carryons back from the bellhop. You need to be at the DME bus platform 15 minutes before your bus time with children, baggage, etc.

Good catch... I was just getting ready to type that...

 

[Sandi]

You will have to wait until 8 AM to check your bags with the resort baggage checking service (RAC). Within 12 hours but no less than 3 hours before your flight time.

Plan your day as if you will be back at your resort an hour before your Magical Express bus back to the airport. A little more if you have to get carryons back from the bellhop. You need to be at the DME bus platform 15 minutes before your bus time with children, baggage, etc.

You are right. My error.

 

[francie57]

The only way you can't check your luggage is if you are picked for the random airport inspection. Had someone I know just return and when they went to the RAC desk at the All Star she was unable to check her luggage since her name had been picked to be inspected. Not sure if this is something new or not. I had never heard of this before.

 

[dudspizza]

The only way you can't check your luggage is if you are picked for the random airport inspection. Had someone I know just return and when they went to the RAC desk at the All Star she was unable to check her luggage since her name had been picked to be inspected. Not sure if this is something new or not. I had never heard of this before.

It is not new. I had it happen to me years ago. I had to finish my check in at the airport counter.... not a big deal, but it was a pain.

 

[Mixie]

Great information, thank you!

We are flying Southwest so I think that'll be ok. If the weather looks good (April 9th) we may just hit the water park for that day and not bother with any of the other parks. I had not considered that until now - but it's a good option if the weather is on our side.