How would I request our favorite airline

[yooperfan]

How would I contact Midwest Airlines about participating in DME? I don't expect them to join just because I'd like it, but maybe if enough people show an interest they would look into it. I girl can dream, can't she?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

How would I contact Midwest Airlines about participating in DME? I don't expect them to join just because I'd like it, but maybe if enough people show an interest they would look into it.

All airlines that fly into Orlando International, including Midwest Airlines, "participate" in DME. The DME transportation and luggage transfers don't involve the airlines.

The only difference is that some airlines participate in Remote Airline Check-in, a service that's related to DME and that was rolled out at about the same time as DME — but these are really two different services. Guests can use DME without Remote Airline Check-in, and guests can use Remote Airline Check-in without DME.

Remote Airline Check-in is provided by a third-party contractor, Baggage Airline Guest Services (BAGS). See http://www.airportbags.com/

Before an airline can be added to Disney's Remote Airline Check-in, that airline and BAGS must first work out the technical issues, process, and business relationship.

When I just looked at the BAGS website, I noticed that US Airways and AirTran are now on on the list, joining Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Continental Airlines, Horizon Air, Jet Blue, Northwest Airlines, Song, United, and Ted. That means there's hope that Disney resort guests will be able to check in and check bags for US Airways and AirTran with Remote Airline Check-in one of these days.

Alas, Midwest Airlines, other smaller airlines, and biggie Southwest Airlines are not listed by BAGS.

 

[Lewisc]

Over a year ago I wrote a letter to SW. I got a nice reply back. They basically said remote checkin is a nice concept but do to systems issues they weren't sure they'd be participating in the near future.

Most airlines are losing money and I think some airlines may not be willing to pay, particularly if that required programming changes. SW won't check your luggage through to another carrier if you have a connecting flight with another airline. My guess is they aren't even in whatever computer system that's being used for remote checkin.

Letters can't hurt but I suspect Disney and BAGS have already contacted the major airlines and it would probably take more than a few letters to motivate the airline.

 

[dudspizza]

Here is an email I received from BAGS,

Mr. Dudspizza,

Thank you for your interest in BAGS. We appreciate you taking the time to inquire about our services.

JetBlue is currently available at Disney and Airtran will be available in the coming months. Please feel free to visit our website again in the future for updates to our ever growing list of locations and partners.

Best Regards,

Jay Henry
Baggage Airline Guest Services - BAGS, INC.
407.447.5547

 

[owtrbnks]

How would I contact Midwest Airlines about participating in DME?

Well, if you have a phone, you could call them.