South West Airlines and Magical Express

[disneynay]

Hi Everyone -

Just wondering if anyone has traveled to WDW via South West Airlines and used Magical Express. Does it work the same way as if you use US Air? Last year we used US Air and it was great. Just wondering if it works the same way.

Thanks in advance and have a magical day!

 

[ainmama2001]

We used ME from Southwest. It's fine from from the airport to the resort. The only thing you can't do is check your baggage at the resort rather than the airport on the way home. A minor inconvenience.

 

[Melwood23]

I used Magical Express with SWA in March. I had no problem. Only on return, you have to have your bags loaded on the bus as you board. SWA is not one of the airlines where you can check you bags for departure, prior to leaving. I did really enjoy bypassing the luggage on arrival and just having them delivered. Granted it take about 3hrs, but I had my carry on packed with items I would need prior to my luggage arriving.

 

[mking624]

We pretty much exclusively fly SWA and last year we used ME with it. As said, everythign is handled the same when you're arriving at WDW, but it's a bit different when you're leaving. At checkout, you bring your bags to the ME bus and have to check them in at the airport...so it's not handled for you like it is at arrival. It wasn't a big deal to us, though. For us, the big plus was not having to pay for travel from and to the airport.

 

[ainmama2001]

Is there a charge now for ME? I heard that they would be implementing one at some point.

 

[mking624]

Last I heard, there wasn't a charge.

 

[lsjones]

Interested in the replies. We are flying SWA and using Magical Express in Ocotber. Not too worried about the baggage being late arriving at the resort, and will carry on important things (swimsuit!).

 

[scakul]

I've flown both SWA and USAir and had no problems with ME

 

[mking624]

Interested in the replies. We are flying SWA and using Magical Express in Ocotber. Not too worried about the baggage being late arriving at the resort, and will carry on important things (swimsuit!).

That's what we did...carried important things with our carryon bag. We beat the luggage to the room, but that was fine...we just went for lunch, hung out at DTD, and played a couple rounds of miniature golf at Winter Summerland. The luggage was in our room when we returned a few hours later...not sure exactly when it got there. I never really understood why people would get so upset to not have the luggage there immediately.

 

[Redwitch]

I read that SW is in negotiation to become one the airlines that allows you to check your luggage for your return flight. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is true!

 

[snowwhitesmom]

I hope so too, redwitch!

 

[notnothin]

I read that SW is in negotiation to become one the airlines that allows you to check your luggage for your return flight. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is true!

That would be fantastic if it were to happen. The less I have to deal with my luggage, the better. That is, until it gets lost!

 

[legalslave]

Is there a charge now for ME? I heard that they would be implementing one at some point.

ME will be free until at least 2011.

 

[disney1313131313]

We are using ME with us air in Aug. I have been really worried since they are not a participating airline. It sounds like you didn't have any trouble-what did you do with your luggage departure day? Also, when, where and how did you get your boarding passes?

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

We are using ME with us air in Aug. I have been really worried since they are not a participating airline. It sounds like you didn't have any trouble-what did you do with your luggage departure day? Also, when, where and how did you get your boarding passes?

When you have check-out of your room, take your luggage to the holding area of your resort. They will keep your things together until ME picks you up. Keep anything you think you will need with you, because you will not have access to your luggage that is being held. Arrive to collect your luggage about 15 minutes prior to your scheduled ME pick up.

 

[wdwnut61]

I'm so glad the OP posted this. We are also flying SWA in August. Would someone mind explaining how it works when we arrive at MCO. How does our checked luggage get from MCO to our resort with SWA not participating? I'm just really confused. Thanks for any help.

 

[mking624]

They send you luggage tags to put on your luggage (a few weeks before your arrival). They MUST be on there. The ME employees will take the information you provided them regarding your flight info and they will pick up your luggage frrom baggage claim. All you have to do is check in at the ME area. Then it's on the bus you go. Not too long later, your luggage will be in your room. SWA not participating simply means they don't check the luggage bag to the airline when you're departing. That part is your responsibility.

 

[notnothin]

They send you luggage tags to put on your luggage (a few weeks before your arrival). They MUST be on there. The ME employees will take the information you provided them regarding your flight info and they will pick up your luggage frrom baggage claim. All you have to do is check in at the ME area. Then it's on the bus you go. Not too long later, your luggage will be in your room. SWA not participating simply means they don't check the luggage bag to the airline when you're departing. That part is your responsibility.

Perfect explanation!

 

[Corinne]

I read that SW is in negotiation to become one the airlines that allows you to check your luggage for your return flight. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is true!

How great would THAT be!?! We used ME last year using Song, and I have to say, checking those bags in the am and not dealing with them until returning home was pretty sweet!

I do agree, the big thing is getting to WDW without the whole airport/bag hassle. The service being free is not so tough ti take either! Love ME!

 

[kimkarli]

Yeah! Flying SW next month and using ME!