ME and Military Baggage Fees

[wed100105]

We've never stayed onsite and thus never been able to us ME. Next summer we're hoping to stay at a DVC resort. If we check our bags at the hotel on the return leg of our trip, can DH still have free bags (military) on Airtran?

I'm sure we're not the only family that has had this question, but I couldn't find any answers when I searched. TIA!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

If it's an offical AirTran policy RAC should be aware of it, but... the Airtran website kind of sounds like you have to be on orders.
"Active military personnel
We make an exception to our checked baggage allowance policy for members of the military who are traveling on active duty orders. As long as each piece of baggage does not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (length + width + height), baggage will be exempt from AirTran’s baggage limit, and will NOT be subject to excess, oversized, or overweight baggage charges."

 

[Evi]

Military baggage fees only apply to when your husband is retuning from or going to a deployment. They do not apply to family vacations. Sorry my Fiance and many members of my family are in the nilitary. its important to respect and not try to take advantage of the benefits given to our soldiers or they will get taken away. I recommend only packing what you need. I won't fly with any airline that does not offer me 1 bag free. The only thing your husband may look into uf you are near an airforce base is space a flight. But you would not be able to fly with him.

 

[crashbb]

If it's an offical AirTran policy RAC should be aware of it, but... the Airtran website kind of sounds like you have to be on orders.
"Active military personnel
We make an exception to our checked baggage allowance policy for members of the military who are traveling on active duty orders. As long as each piece of baggage does not exceed 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (length + width + height), baggage will be exempt from AirTran’s baggage limit, and will NOT be subject to excess, oversized, or overweight baggage charges."

It doesn't "kind of" sound like it, it explicitly states it.

That's probably why it didn't come up in a search - it doesn't apply to travel to WDW (and thus, doesn't apply to RAC).

 

[vettegirl]

I know Continental lets us check our bags for free with leisure travel all the time, it's stated on their website for military folks. I would think Airtran would do the same. I would call them directly to find out their rules.

 

[wed100105]

Has Airtran changed it's policy in the last six months? They had changed to a policy in 2010 that it was free for military personnel regardless if they were on orders or not. (I wasn't trying to take advantage of a service that wasn't intended for me as the PP suggested.) When we checked our luggage in March both at BMI and MCO it was complementary.

ETA: I just called Airtran customer service. 3 bags are still free even for leisure; "just show your military id." Here is a link to a similar thread. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2485384

So, does anyone know about bags/fees on the way home? With two little ones, it is a big plus to use ME baggage services on the way home.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

It doesn't "kind of" sound like it, it explicitly states it.

That's probably why it didn't come up in a search - it doesn't apply to travel to WDW (and thus, doesn't apply to RAC).

Actually ALL that policy seems to address is overweight and oversize.... It says you won't be subject to "excess, oversized or overweight" but OP was asking about your basic first bag not your giant duffle! So.... that why I read it that way.

No clue what AirTran really does. However, if it's just a "courtsey" and not really a policy then I would assume RAC won't know about it. It's possible they give their gate agents freedom to give this perk to all our armed forces. If it's that important you may just have to take his bags on the bus with you.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Military baggage fees only apply to when your husband is retuning from or going to a deployment. They do not apply to family vacations. Sorry my Fiance and many members of my family are in the nilitary. its important to respect and not try to take advantage of the benefits given to our soldiers or they will get taken away. I recommend only packing what you need. I won't fly with any airline that does not offer me 1 bag free. The only thing your husband may look into uf you are near an airforce base is space a flight. But you would not be able to fly with him.

No, baggage fees are waived when a servicemember, man or woman, (not just a soldier, but a sailor, Marine, airman/women, etc.) is traveling on official orders. That could be for a move, temporary duty, conference attendance, etc., not just a deployment.

You are mistaken about flying Space A as well (and it's not just offered by the Air Force). Family members may fly Space A with the sponsor to international destinations.

Also, some airlines do not require servicemembers to be traveling on official orders to get free checked bags. One is Frontier.

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/103882

I know Continental lets us check our bags for free with leisure travel all the time, it's stated on their website for military folks. I would think Airtran would do the same. I would call them directly to find out their rules.

That is true, and it is true for United Airlines as well. I assume that the policy will continue when their merge is complete. There is no need to call AirTran as their policy is also clearly stated on their website - servicemembers only on official orders get the baggage fee waived.

 

[wed100105]

Ok- found it. http://www.airtran.com/common/pdf/AirTran_Contract_of_Carriage.pdf

It is complimentary for active duty military up to 3 bags. You do not have to be on orders. I confirmed this when I called earlier today. If it is a problem, we will just check them at the airport. I have never used RAC (??) and just wanted to know if anyone else had a similar situation.

 

[Evi]

I just followed the link posted. Does that mean you would intend said service member to wear uniform to receive this benefit? I honestly don't care. We barely utilize the discounts offers to disney and elsewhere for military families. Honestly If they allow you too you can I just know from experience DF has has that now if he does do anything with a military discount attached he has been asked for dod orders. I had to fax his orders once when he went to a training and was checking into a hotel for a conference.

 

[wed100105]

I just followed the link posted. Does that mean you would intend said service member to wear uniform to receive this benefit? I honestly don't care. We barely utilize the discounts offers to disney and elsewhere for military families. Honestly If they allow you too you can I just know from experience DF has has that now if he does do anything with a military discount attached he has been asked for dod orders. I had to fax his orders once when he went to a training and was checking into a hotel for a conference.

No. Airtran allows it complementary just by showing your DOD card. It is not for servicemembers only on orders. They just don't post it on their website.

Regardless, the thread wasn't about whether Airtran's policy is for on orders or not. I'll just take care of it when we get there. Thanks though!

 

[shburks]

We flew United (I think?) last year to WDW and checked our bags at Wilderness Lodge as we were leaving. DH showed his military ID to the luggage folks at WL (as he usually does...not looking for a discount in this case!) and he took off fees for all three of our bags since he was military.

I don't know what that particular airline's policy is/was on military and bags, but YES, Disney CAN get the free military checked bags. They do have the ability to do if that was your original question!

 

[seashoreCM]

Give it a try. If it works then fine and don't have second thoughts. If it does not work (RAC didn't have the software?) then no great loss bringing those bags to the DME bus.

It is not your responsibility to do the extra homework and googling and legwork to prove you are not gaming the system when superficially it should work and it does so smoothly.

 

[dudspizza]

We flew United (I think?) last year to WDW and checked our bags at Wilderness Lodge as we were leaving. DH showed his military ID to the luggage folks at WL (as he usually does...not looking for a discount in this case!) and he took off fees for all three of our bags since he was military.

I don't know what that particular airline's policy is/was on military and bags, but YES, Disney CAN get the free military checked bags. They do have the ability to do if that was your original question!

I think the best thing for OP to do is to stroll down to RAC while they are there and ask. That way, they are prepared for departure day. Sounds like some RAC workers do know some airline rules...

Duds

 

[wed100105]

Thanks everyone. ME is all so new to us. I'll check it out while there. It's no biggie if we have to take them along. Unless AT changes their schedule our flight will leave at 8:10 am so our last day is only for travel (no going to breakfast or the parks for us.)

 

[purple figment]

Thanks everyone. ME is all so new to us. I'll check it out while there. It's no biggie if we have to take them along. Unless AT changes their schedule our flight will leave at 8:10 am so our last day is only for travel (no going to breakfast or the parks for us.)

Uh-oh, I hate to throw another wrench into your plans.

First of all ME and RAC are 2 completely different entities.

You'll be able to take ME to the airport because it runs 24 hours a day, but your pick up time is typically scheduled 3 hours before departure. However, you need to be at the bus stop about 15 minutes before that because the time you'll be given is the time the bus is going to leave your resort.

However, RAC is only open 5AM - 1PM daily so right now you won't be able to use both RAC and ME. Also, RAC requires luggage to be checked between 3 and 12 hours before departure so you won't be able to do it the day before.

Your best bet is to hope AT moves your departure time back.

 

[wed100105]

Uh-oh, I hate to throw another wrench into your plans.

First of all ME and RAC are 2 completely different entities.

You'll be able to take ME to the airport because it runs 24 hours a day, but your pick up time is typically scheduled 3 hours before departure. However, you need to be at the bus stop about 15 minutes before that because the time you'll be given is the time the bus is going to leave your resort.

However, RAC is only open 5AM - 1PM daily so right now you won't be able to use both RAC and ME. Also, RAC requires luggage to be checked between 3 and 12 hours before departure so you won't be able to do it the day before.

Your best bet is to hope AT moves your departure time back.

This is exactly why I posted. Thank you for telling me this! It is highly unlikely that Airtran would move the time. It's been the schedule for years and it's the only nonstop. I'm assuming that we can just take our luggage with us to the bus stop and we'll have help loading/unloading it. Where will ME drop us off? Will we have to cart our luggage all around the airport to get to the Airtran desk? TIA for your help!

 

[sam_gordon]

It is POSSIBLE your ME pickup time will be 8:25. The '3 hour' is simple a guide. It could be anywhere from 2:45 - 3:15 before your departure time. You won't find out until the night before. ASSUMING your pickup time is at 8:25, you could TRY to check your bags right at 5am (when RAC opens). There are a lot of IFs in that scenario, but it might be possible.

ME makes two drop offs... one at the A-side of the terminal and one on the B-side. Airtran will be on the B-side. I BELIEVE ME drops you off on level 1. You'll need to get your bags up to Level 3 to check them.

 

[wed100105]

It is POSSIBLE your ME pickup time will be 8:25. The '3 hour' is simple a guide. It could be anywhere from 2:45 - 3:15 before your departure time. You won't find out until the night before. ASSUMING your pickup time is at 8:25, you could TRY to check your bags right at 5am (when RAC opens). There are a lot of IFs in that scenario, but it might be possible.

ME makes two drop offs... one at the A-side of the terminal and one on the B-side. Airtran will be on the B-side. I BELIEVE ME drops you off on level 1. You'll need to get your bags up to Level 3 to check them.

ME time couldn't be 8:25; our flight is scheduled to leave at 8:14!

 

[sam_gordon]

ME time couldn't be 8:25; our flight is scheduled to leave at 8:14!

Sorry, meant to say 5:25. Your pickup will be at some point between 2:45-3:15 before your flight. So you'll be scheduled for pickup between 5am - 5:30am. If it's on the late side of that, you might be able to get your bags checked at RAC.