Flight Internet Check In? Bag Check?

[DestinationDisney]

We'll be flying out to Orlando on Christmas day. Being that it will probably be extremely crowded, I'd like to try and save us as much hassle in the airport as possible.

We'll be flying with Southwest and I was told that we could do an online internet check in 24 hours prior to the flight departure. I'm not exactly sure how to do this so I wanted to know if anyone has done this in the past and how easy the process was?

Also, if we check in online, then how do we check our bags? I know that you can check bags at the curb, but I'm always a nervous wreck about doing this because I'm afraid they'll forget my bags. When I check in at the counter, I can actually see my bags being put on the black conveyor belt to the plane.

What are your feelings on this?

 

[wee-haggis]

Its actually very simple:

1)24 hours before your flight departure time go online and follow the prompts to check in online (have your confirmation number ready).Do as close as you can after the 24 hr mark because you should be able to get A passes which will allow you to board the plane first and get to choose your seats (after the pre-boarders of course).
2)When you arrive at the airport you take your suitcases to the Southwest desk where you will most likely find a bunch of computer terminals. You follow the simple instructions and the labels pop out for the SWA rep to tape onto the suitcase handles.
3) You proceed to the security check point and present your boarding passes and head off to the gate area.
4)Check out the area to find where the A pass line ups start...get yourself near the front....and wait

 

[DestinationDisney]

thanks so much for the help!

It sounds so easy...I don't know why we never did this before!!

 

[bavaria]

You may also be pleasantly surprised to fly on Christmas Day - quite often a quiet day to travel, depending on your home airport. Be aware though that some of the concessions (shops, restaurants) may be closed, so don't plan on eating or shopping much at the airport, or check hours of operation in advance....

 

[kaytieeldr]

And if you choose to curb-check, you can always watch to make sure your bags get put on the cart and wheeled into the terminal

 

[TheWog]

curb check for bags is great. I have used it many times and have yet to have a problem. Avoids any possible lines at the desk. Good luck.

 

[clkelley]

If you don't have your computer at Disney, go to ANY resort "front desk concierge" (Guest Relations) with your confirmation # and they can print your boarding pass for you.

I have also heard that guest relations in the parks will do this also, but havn't tried it myself.

 

[DebbieB]

I've done curbside check dozens of times, all over the place, different airlines, and never had a bag lost. Just remember to tip them $1-$2 per bag.

Some airlines now have a special check-in line for people who have an internet boarding pass. Northwest has one at MSP and USAirways has one at Phoenix.