this is 1 of the stickys on the trans board from tyler
Disney's Magical Express - What "Participating Airline" Really Means!
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Okay, so there still seems to be some confusion about the term, "Participating Airline" so I figured I'd help explain this.
"PARTICIPATING AIRLINE" ONLY REFERS TO THE RESORT AIRLINE CHECK IN DESK.
IT DOES NOT REFER TO GROUND TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM THE AIRPORT, OR INBOUND LUGGAGE TRANSFERS.
Inbound to Walt Disney World:
Anyone who flies into Orlando International Airport with a Disney resort reservation can take advantage of Disney's Magical Express ground transfers, along with luggage transfers, provided you have specifically made DME reservations prior to arriving at Orlando International Airport.
You do NOT need to use the luggage tags to take advantage of the ground transportation. You are more than welcome to claim your luggage at baggage claim and bring it on the bus with you.
You can still take advantage of luggage transfers without using the yellow tags. Just proceed directly to Welcome Center and give them your claim tickets. (Be advised, luggage transfers will take slightly more time than usual)
You DO need to use the ground transportation to get your luggage transferred.
You MUST have reservations prior to arriving at OIA.
Outbound to Orlando International Airport:
Anyone who flies out of Orlando International Airport with a Disney resort reservation can take advantage of Disney's Magical Express ground transportation.
Only those flying participating airlines may check thier luggage & get boarding passes at the Resort Airline Check-in Desk. EVERYONE must be present (exceptions: Adults over 18 can check in for spouse & kids). Bags may be checked 12 to 3 hours prior to flight departure time. Desk is open from 5am-1pm, daily.
Those who are not flying a Participating Airline may still recieve thier boarding passes at thier Lobby Concierge desk, so long as the airline has internet check in.
Non-participating and international airline guests will have to bring thier bags onto the motorcoach, and check it at the airport itself.
Current Resort Airline Check-In Participating Airlines (Domestic only): American, Continental, Delta/Song, jetBlue, United/Ted, Northwest and Alaska Airlines.
Despite rumors floating around the internet, these are the ONLY participating airlines for the Disney Resort Airline Check-In Desk. This page will be updated as soon as others get added. But until you see it on this page, they are NOT participating for the RAC desk.
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-Tyler