Clarification - RAC checkin

[pooch]

I had posted a question earlier regarding not yet being able to select my seat (solo) on my Delta departure flight (flying in on SWA). When flying Delta previously, I had a RT ticket so was "checked in" for the return flight before I left home as I believe you check in for both legs at the same time.

Because I don't yet have a seat assignment, a poster recommended calling or going on-line 24 hrs prior to get one of the seats released at the 24 hr mark but also said "do not check in" at that time as I would not be able to use RAC if I did.

This does not make sense now that I think about it. SWA flyers are already checked in when they get to RAC aren't they? Can someone clear up my confusion?

 

[tkldisney]

We fly a lot and have never been checked in for both flights. Always have to check in for return flt. at 24 hour mark. Even with SWA you have to check in for each flight at the 24 hour mark.

If you do online checkin, then you will NOT be able to use RAC. Not sure why, but that's how it works. If you want to use RAC you'll have to check in for your flight at their counter. You can still call airline at 24 hour mark and check for seating, just don't check in.

 

[DebbieB]

I had posted a question earlier regarding not yet being able to select my seat (solo) on my Delta departure flight (flying in on SWA). When flying Delta previously, I had a RT ticket so was "checked in" for the return flight before I left home as I believe you check in for both legs at the same time.

Because I don't yet have a seat assignment, a poster recommended calling or going on-line 24 hrs prior to get one of the seats released at the 24 hr mark but also said "do not check in" at that time as I would not be able to use RAC if I did.

This does not make sense now that I think about it. SWA flyers are already checked in when they get to RAC aren't they? Can someone clear up my confusion?

You have to check-in for the return separately.

 

[sam_gordon]

Yes, you have to check in for departure & return flights separately. Unless you were flying somewhere AND back on the same day, you can't check in for the return flight when you check in for the departing flight.

On Delta, once I book my flight, I can go in and change seat assignments at any point. So once you hit the 24 hour mark, go to Delta's website, and the seating assignment area (NOT checkin). Select your seats & save. THEN you should be able to go to RAC and check in there.

 

[pooch]

We fly a lot and have never been checked in for both flights. Always have to check in for return flt. at 24 hour mark. Even with SWA you have to check in for each flight at the 24 hour mark.

If you do online checkin, then you will NOT be able to use RAC. Not sure why, but that's how it works. If you want to use RAC you'll have to check in for your flight at their counter. You can still call airline at 24 hour mark and check for seating, just don't check in.

But last year, DBR & I flew Delta both ways. I can't remember whether or not we got our boarding passes on our door, thought we did. I guess I just didn't pay attention. I did call BAGS the night before & payed the fee then just dropped stuff off at RAC the next day. So I guess I "checked in" at RAC because I didn't have any contact with Delta.

Ok, so why can you still use RAC when you check in with SWA? I know I used EBCI for our return flight in 2009, got our BPs on our door that morning and dropped our bags off at RAC. So I was checked in before I got to RAC.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I've used EBCI every time since it's inception which also means since SWA became a participating airline. This does mean I'm checked in already when I go to use RAC. I've never had a problem with RAC. It must be some kind of bug in the online software and/or the RAC software that prevents using online check-in combined with RAC I guess. I suppose that means if you want to use RAC you need to pay for EBCI? While I'll likely always pay for EBCI anyway, it doesn't seem right to HAVE to pay for it or risk a low C boarding position in order to use RAC.

ETA: Pooch, I know I'm not answering your question but the discussion about SWA I'm sure is very helpful for others. Sorry about continuing the off topic discussion.

 

[griz4]

We fly a lot and have never been checked in for both flights. Always have to check in for return flt. at 24 hour mark. Even with SWA you have to check in for each flight at the 24 hour mark.

If you do online checkin, then you will NOT be able to use RAC. Not sure why, but that's how it works. If you want to use RAC you'll have to check in for your flight at their counter. You can still call airline at 24 hour mark and check for seating, just don't check in.

So what you are saying is if I fly home on SWA, and want to use RAC, i should NOT use my iPhone and check in to get my seat assignment at 24 hour mark the day before. But if i don't do this, won't i get a lousy boarding number and risk chance of my family not sitting togehter on flight home?

 

[pooch]

So what you are saying is if I fly home on SWA, and want to use RAC, i should NOT use my iPhone and check in to get my seat assignment at 24 hour mark the day before. But if i don't do this, won't i get a lousy boarding number and risk chance of my family not sitting togehter on flight home?

I would think if this were truly the case, it would have flooded the Transportation board with posts. Have NEVER heard you can't check in at 24 hrs on SWA in order to use RAC. Why would it be different with Delta?

 

[tinka-belle]

Once Delta considers you checked in the reservation is locked so RAC can't access it. I'm sure not all airlines work this way, but I know Delta does.

My res has been locked by Delta even after a comp first class upgrade (due to my Medallion status) and DH was not happy that RAC could not take our bags because the res was locked. So we got first class, but had to schlep our bags at the airport from under the ME bus. Won't ask for the comp upgrade for our flight home ever again!

As far as SW and some other airlines, RAC checks you in when they can, issues boarding passes and temporary baggage tags. Since they've done the check in they can still access your reservation, adjust the the # of bags and print the real bag tags when you drop off your luggage.

For the OP who has no seat assignment on Delta, you might still get a boarding pass from RAC, even a no seat one, to use for TSA clearance. But it's best to try and get the seat assigned 24 hours ahead to avoid slim pickings at the airport. Delta still does hold back a row or two for airport assignment only but others might beat you to those seats if they got to the airport before you.

 

[Redarrow5150]

Ok I admit it I'm confused about this issue with Delta. I've already booked my flights and have selected my seats...is this the same as checking in? Or at the 24 hr mark do I have to check in to let them know I will be boarding and this can be done via RAC? Thanks!

 

[Missytara]

Ok I admit it I'm confused about this issue with Delta. I've already booked my flights and have selected my seats...is this the same as checking in? Or at the 24 hr mark do I have to check in to let them know I will be boarding and this can be done via RAC? Thanks!

Booking your flight and selecting your seat is not the same as physically checking in for your flight.

If you check-in at the 24 hour mark, then you will be locked out of the RAC computer; essentially you have already checked in.

You wait until the day of check-out to use RAC; the desk is open between 5 am and 1 pm; you must check-in no less than 3 hours before your departure flight.

For SW passengers, I think essentially at the EBCI or the 24 hour mark, you are receiving a boarding number; not really checking in for your flight.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm not sure I understand the need to check in for departure flights, other than with SW, when using RAC. When you get to the RAC counter, it's the exact same thing as curbside checkin. You get checked in there. There really is no huge need to checkin prior to heading to RAC. That's what they do.

Oh, and as far as having to checkin just that once, when leaving your home airport, for both flights, I've never had to do that. I always checkin for my current flight, then the day before I head home, I go online and checkin for that flight...even if it is the same airline both ways. The only time I don't do this is if I'm at WDW and using RAC for my departure day. I let them take care of it.

 

[pooch]

Not sure I UNDERSTAND the concept but at this point I ACCEPT the fact that I can, and should, try to get a seat assignment at the 24 hr mark but not actually check in for my return Delta flight. Then, let RAC check me in that day. Since we did use RAC last time we flew Delta home (with seat assignments!), I didn't realize that was "check in" (DUH Resort Airline CHECK IN!!!) hence the confusion on whether or not I checked in for both legs at once. Thanks for clearing that up .

I think I'm being really thick here and I don't know why. Sorry and thanks so much for trying to unmuddy my brain!!!

Diane, I think we live close. When my family refuses to go with me anymore, can I go with you?!?!?!

 

[Redarrow5150]

Thanks for the clarification...ummmm so if you're flying Delta and you have your seats already selected and use RAC, do they print up your boarding passes for you? Hey I'm thick skull as well but just want to make sure I understand the process.

 

[goofy4tink]

Not sure I UNDERSTAND the concept but at this point I ACCEPT the fact that I can, and should, try to get a seat assignment at the 24 hr mark but not actually check in for my return Delta flight. Then, let RAC check me in that day. Since we did use RAC last time we flew Delta home (with seat assignments!), I didn't realize that was "check in" (DUH Resort Airline CHECK IN!!!) hence the confusion on whether or not I checked in for both legs at once. Thanks for clearing that up .

I think I'm being really thick here and I don't know why. Sorry and thanks so much for trying to unmuddy my brain!!!

Diane, I think we live close. When my family refuses to go with me anymore, can I go with you?!?!?!

No problem. I head to WDW every Dec, sans family. Meet up with a bunch of other DISers and online buddies. It's the nicest way to do WDW. Of course, this Dec my then 18 y/o dd will be with me...last mom and dd trip before she heads off to college.

 

[dzorn]

Thanks for the clarification...ummmm so if you're flying Delta and you have your seats already selected and use RAC, do they print up your boarding passes for you? Hey I'm thick skull as well but just want to make sure I understand the process.

Yes they will give you your boarding passes so you go right to the gate no need to stop anywhere but security.

OP have you looked at your Delta flight again. Check to see if you can assign your seat.

Denise in MI

 

[pooch]

No problem. I head to WDW every Dec, sans family. Meet up with a bunch of other DISers and online buddies. It's the nicest way to do WDW. Of course, this Dec my then 18 y/o dd will be with me...last mom and dd trip before she heads off to college.

DD is the ONLY family member who'll come with me anymore (although DGS almost 2 will probably be willing to take her place!!)

 

[pooch]

Yes they will give you your boarding passes so you go right to the gate no need to stop anywhere but security.

OP have you looked at your Delta flight again. Check to see if you can assign your seat.

Denise in MI

both as to whether I can actually assign myself a seat, still no, and how many seats at higher fare classes are left, currently 45.

Would they assign me a higher fare class seat if that's all that's available at the gate? DD and I were bumped to First Class several years ago. Is that still a possibility?

 

[Sugardimples]

I always check in for our SW flights at 24 hours and then use RAC and have never had an issue.

 

[tkldisney]

I always check in for our SW flights at 24 hours and then use RAC and have never had an issue.

This basically only works with SW, because of their boarding process.