How long to check in/luggage at delta or sw at MCO?

[salc]

We are looking at 3/4 -3/12 and probably staying at the dolphin. We have always stayed at disney resorts and used resort check in for delta and ME. I am worried about having to take a car service back to MCO and waiting at the airline check in desk with all of our stuff and 2 small children. I have read/heard it can take a long time to do so.
Also would you choose delta or sw to fly? We have never flown SW.
Thanks in advance!

 

[PinkRhombus]

It depends on the day of the week and time of day. We've had anywhere from a 5 minute wait up to 30-40 minutes. I don't think any longer than that.

It is also, not so much the luggage check in, it's the wait in the security lines which you'll have to deal with no matter what.

If it IS a big enough deal for you though, you may need to decide if staying at the Dolphin is worth it.

 

[Jestocost]

It's generally not bad, but you just never know. We waited 90 minutes to check bags with SWA after our New Year's cruise this past year, for example, but that's an extreme case and I assume luggage check in for SWA will be better now that they are participating in RAC at most of the Disney resorts.

You should be fine if you get to the airport two hours before your flight time unless something crazy is going on.

As far as Delta vs. SWA, there are lots of factors to consider. To me it mostly comes down to price and schedule. Delta will have assigned seats, but their schedules are subject to change after booking and they do charge for checked bags. SWA does not have assigned seats, but they almost never change their schedules (at least not more than a few minutes either way) once they are published and up to two checked bags per ticketed passenger are free. Delta is a participating airline in RAC at all Disney resorts, whereas SWA still is not participating at CBR and OKW.

 

[Brian Noble]

For one reason or another, we typically bring our bags with us in the rental car rather than use RAC. I like to be getting in my car by about 2.5 hours before flight time. That gives me plenty of time to drop off the car, check in, clear security and get a leisurely bite to eat (not necessarily in that order) before boarding. You could probably cut that to two hours, but I'd rather waste a little extra time in the airport than be stressing about the time. Caveat: I also have lounge access, so I have a pleasant place (with an open bar) to spend the time.

 

[salc]

Thanks everyone,
So if we get to MCO on sat 3/12 about 2 1/2 hours before our 6 pm flight should we be OK? We are from Mass and 3/12 is when our colleges start their spring break. I'm just afraid of super long lines to check bags and not making it to our flight on time.