Resort Airline check-in... Have you used it? Would you again?

[MrsHammer]

Staying at AKL in April. Flying on Southwest and using DME. I'd like to use the Resort Airline check in so we won't have to deal with our luggage going home. I just wondered how others who have used it liked it. Also, we have SW Early Bird, so we will be automatically checked in 36 hrs prior...will the RAC desk still be able to print our boarding passes for us?

thanks,

 

[DebbieB]

Staying at AKL in April. Flying on Southwest and using DME. I'd like to use the Resort Airline check in so we won't have to deal with our luggage going home. I just wondered how others who have used it liked it. Also, we have SW Early Bird, so we will be automatically checked in 36 hrs prior...will the RAC desk still be able to print our boarding passes for us?

thanks,

I've used it many times, love it! They are open 5:00am-1:00pm, you must checkin at least 3 hours before flight time. My trip last month the boarding pass was slipped under my door the morning of checkout. They can also print it RAC. It works like curbside check at the airport, a tip is expected.

 

[goofy4tink]

I love it! It's one of my favorite things about staying at WDW! I really miss it when I stay in other places.
Flying SW doesn't change anything. They will just print out your boarding passes when you drop your bags off.
It's a terrific service.

 

[bumbershoot]

I definitely like the RAC service.

 

[ontheuptick]

Just returned from AKV, flying Southwest, and I loved this service. Didn't know they did it until I saw the desk. It was so nice!

 

[sunflowerfields]

I love it! Works great for our family.

 

[tjmw2727]

Used it many times as recently as 1/2/16 flying SWA ! Consider it just like curbside check in at the airport just at the WDW Resort, they will tag your checked bags and send them through and print your boarding passes. As with curbside we tip for this, usually about $2 per bag depending on the level of service, which so far has been great.

Keep in mind if you fly an airline that charges for checked bags you have to call and pay for them in advance and then bring the confirmation # you get to the RAC with you. We were able to do this from the room the day prior to checkout when we used AA in November.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

We love using it. Why stand in those long lines at the airport to check your luggage. It so nice to arrive at the airport and go straight to the security line. Yes RAC will be able to print your boarding passes or you can have the front desk print them for you as well. I have even had guest services at the park print them for me.

 

[Rendar]

I have used it many times. I always fly Southwest with EBCI. The RAC Desk is just so easy and convenient.

 

[bellanotte10]

Used it used it this morning just to print boarding passes. Super quick and convenient!!!

 

[Teacup53]

You're not required to use the DME for this service, correct? We are renting a car but it would be nice to off-load the luggage and save time at the airport.

 

[frannn]

You are not required to use DME for Resort Airline Check-in. You only need to use DME if you want your bags picked up from the airport and brought to your room at the inception of your trip. Outgoing doesn't matter. We love this service and use it each year, as it is so convenient to drop the luggage, get the boarding passes, and drive to a park or mini golf till we have to go to the airport.

 

[Yankeemouse]

We use it every trip as well. I book the latest flight I can so we can spend the day at the parks. We like to make rope drop, so we bring our bags down to the RAC desk and get our boarding passes as well. Then we give all our carry on, jackets, or anything else we dont want to lug to the parks to the resort baggage check. They always count the number of items you leave and give you a ticket. Then when we return to the resort to catch the ME bus, we get our carry ons. I always tip these guys as well as the RAC people, but I tip the person who prints our boarding passes, and the guys who tag our luggage and take it away...maybe overkill but they are very helpful and I appreciate it. For a few dollars it is so worth it!

 

[dmetcalfrn]

Used it yesterday for Delta and it was great as usual. Checked in bag yesterday morning and then off to parks until evening for DME time.

 

[Teacup53]

Thanks so much for the info.

 

[MrsHammer]

Thank you all for your replies! Sounds like the RAC is the way to go.

 

[siskaren]

You're not required to use the DME for this service, correct? We are renting a car but it would be nice to off-load the luggage and save time at the airport.

Think of RAC as curbside check-in, except the curb is at the hotel instead of the airport. It's a totally separate service from DME.

 

[bumbershoot]

You're not required to use the DME for this service, correct? We are renting a car but it would be nice to off-load the luggage and save time at the airport.

Correct.

You only need to use DME if you want your bags picked up from the airport and brought to your room at the inception of your trip.

And even then, per the "sticky" thread all about it, bags do tend to make it to the resorts even if you don't take MDE... Check out the sticky if interested in the ongoing discussion.

 

[Teacup53]

Thanks Everyone, I have been to WDW many times but never used RAC but figured it might save us a little time on the last day so that we don't have to rush. My DH is happy that we will have less stuff to deal with - now it will be 2 boys (5 & 4) and one carry one plus possibly a shopping bag if we stop at DS before heading out.

 

[AngiTN]

Oh my goodness yes. I can't fathom flying out of Disney and NOT using it. That would be absolutely nuts to me (provided your airline participates of course)
Letting DME/RAC deal with bags is the biggest perk of a trip to Disney and staying on site.