Is SW any closer to becoming DME "participating airline"

[reeanna]

I know this subject comes up from time to time but I can't remember seeing anything recently...SW was rumored to be coming onboard as participating airline last Jan. when we went to WDW- any update on that? Also, any idea on how much longer DME will be offered free of charge? When DME first started, it was to be complimentary thru Dec. 2006 I believe...I haven't read anything lately about a change to that policy. Just wondering if they'll start charging for the service next year and if so, how much that will cost. Trying to get a budget together for possible 2007 trip. Thanks all!

 

[Lewisc]

There was a rumor that SW will be added by the end of the year but it's thought that using RAC might preclude checking in at the 24 hour mark and getting an "A" BP.

Disney announced DME will remain free but that's subject to change.

 

[reeanna]

Forgive me- "RAC"??

 

[disneyldwjr]

Forgive me- "RAC"??

My best guess. Resort Air Check in.


allearsnet.com has information on DME. I read about it recently, but, really don't want to quote.

 

[goofy4tink]

Forgive me- "RAC"??

Remote Airline checkin...it's the service that allows you to check your luggage at your resort, and get your boarding pass at the same time. It takes the place of the checkin counter at the airport. But only certain airlines are participating in this at the moment.
DME should remain free for the forseeable future. I guess they could start charging for it, but I don't see that happening for quiet awhile.

 

[Lewisc]

You have to be at least 12 hours before your flight in order to use the RAC desk in your resort. It was posted that you won't be able to use the desk if you already got your SW boarding pass. Having to wait to 12 hours before your flight to get your BP would all but guarantee a "B" or maybe even a "C" BP.

SW already has an arrangment with a RAC service in Vegas so most of the systems problems must have been solved.

 

[reeanna]

Ok, thanks for the clarification. So the problem seems to be that you'd have to check in and/or print your boarding pass 24 hrs in advance to get an "A"or "B" and then check your luggage at the desk the next day before you leave? I can see how that would present some problems

 

[disneyldwjr]

Ok, thanks for the clarification. So the problem seems to be that you'd have to check in and/or print your boarding pass 24 hrs in advance to get an "A"or "B" and then check your luggage at the desk the next day before you leave? I can see how that would present some problems

Here is the info on DME:

In December 2004, Disney announced a new service called Disney's Magical Express which offers free airport shuttle service, luggage delivery and airline check-in for Disney hotel guests. The service began May 2005 and will remain complimentary during the 50th Anniversary Celebration.

As of March 15, 2006, the Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World agreed to terms that will keep Disney's Magical Express shuttle service running into 2011. Under the terms of the new agreement, the Magical Express booth will move from the airport's Terminal A to Terminal B. In addition, Disney's greeters will be allowed back on the second level of the terminal to assist passengers.


Service is only valid for Orlando International Airport. Resort Airline Check-in Service (see below) is only available for resort guests flying with participating airlines.

http://allearsnet.com/acc/mexpress.htm

 

[reeanna]

Once again, thanks for the infrmation. I'll keep checking for updates

 

[Lewisc]

Ok, thanks for the clarification. So the problem seems to be that you'd have to check in and/or print your boarding pass 24 hrs in advance to get an "A"or "B" and then check your luggage at the desk the next day before you leave? I can see how that would present some problems

NO The advance information, SUBJECT TO CHANGE, is once you get your own BP (at the 24 hour time) you won't be able to check your luggage at the RAC desk but would have to bring your luggage to MCO and check it there. It was posted that RAC won't be able to check in any SW passenger that already checked in BP.

Unless something changes passengers will have to chose between an "A" BP or being able to check luggage at the resort.

I'D BE SURPRISED if this problem (from my perspective) isn't solved. You can do a search this is the way the program is now leaning.

 

[salmoneous]

So the problem seems to be that you'd have to check in and/or print your boarding pass 24 hrs in advance to get an "A"or "B" and then check your luggage at the desk the next day before you leave?

Not quite. The worry (and nobody knows if it is true) is that you wouldn't be able to do both. Once you checked in at the 24-hour mark, you wouldn't be allowed to check-in and drop off your bags with RAC.

Of coure, the bigger issue is whether SW wants to be park of RAC at all, what they would have to pay (if anything) to be part of the system, etc.