Late Checkout w/Loews First

[Cinderella822]

I'm considering taking a late flight out of Orlando on my last day of vacation and see that as a Loews First member, I can check out up to 3 hours later, but it says "if available". What exactly does that mean? Has anyone ever tried to use the late checkout and had a problem with it?

 

[gschmerl]

They told us to check with them the morning of our chek out date. We were able to get a 1:00 PM check out time. If the resort is fully booked and they have to get all the rooms ready for the next guests, then you won't be as lucky.

 

[robvia]

Noon is always given if you call the front desk and ask for an extended checkout. And from there is just depends on how busy the hotel is. You'll probably get 1pm with the Lowes First membership.

Late flights home can be tuff because the airlines back up. Our family once spent the night in ATL because our connecting flight arrived late and our plane had already left. We literally slept at the gate thru the night before boarding a flight home at 8am.

I usually "feel" like the trip is over on the last day. Sure, we usually go down and visit the pool, or a park for a few hours, but that's about it. I'd suggest you book your flight home at 4-5pm, but I wouldn't go past that.

What the late check out does, is let you visit a park in the morning, come back to the room to clean up, and then head out for the airport. It means you can take your time and relax on the last day. But I wouldn't push it into the night, or you may get stuck if your plane is late.

 

[AlexandNessa]

Sometimes they will give you a hard time if you booked with a non-qualifying rate, even if you are Loews First. Our problem is that you cannot secure late check-out until the morning of your scheduled departure, so you can't really plan ahead. Have a Plan B ready just in case.

 

[Cinderella822]

Thanks for the responses. I'm flying out of NY at a little local airport and it only gives 2 flight times a day. On the return, I have a choice between 9 AM or 8:55 PM - big difference. I really don't want to be up that early getting ready for my departure, so I figured I'd pick the later flight. I knew I wouldn't have the room all day, but was hoping to have it as long as possible. I guess we could always check out and leave our luggage with the bell staff and then do some stuff and have dinner before we leave. I guess I won't count on staying too late in the room then.

 

[robvia]

Sounds like a non stop going back. That's good, you won't get stuck at a connecting airport.
The hotel will hold your luggage, just tip the person helping you a few bucks and talk friendly with them.
You could visit a park first thing in the morning, check out, let the hotel hold your luggage, and visit the pool with a change of cloths. They have bathrooms where you can change, and I've heard people use the shower in the work out room. So you can hang out at the pool for a few hours before leaving even if the late check out is not available.

 

[gschmerl]

YOu can always check out and have them hold your luggage. Keep your room key and go enjoy the parks. Since you are a Loews First member, you can use the gym for free. They have showers there so you could cleam up there for your flight home.