Southwest and Magical Express

[toothboy2k1]

Not sure why SWA is not a "participating" airline given its popularity in Orlando, but I'm just a bit confused as far as my responsibilities when I land (I know I'm schlepping my own luggage at the airport on the return trip).

When I arrive at MCO, do I grab my own luggage and take it to the ME desk? Or do I give the ME desk my luggage tags, leaving it to those good people to get my bags? Or can I wave a magic wand and walk blissfully to the ME bus, knowing that somehow Disney's got my back?

OK, as far as that last one, I know it's Magical, not Miracle, Express. Still, I would appreciate hearing from anyone with SW-MCO-ME experience. Thanks so much.

 

[TDC Nala]

You are backwards a bit about ME. "Participating" means that the airline will allow you to check your baggage at your resort for your RETURN trip to the airport. You would get on the ME bus and your luggage would be checked in and transported separately to the airport, then put on the plane. If your airline is not participating, that means you will need to take it with you on the bus (they store it underneath) and check it yourself with the airline when you reach MCO.

Whether your airline is participating or not, you will be able to use the service. Your trip from the airport to the resort will not be affected by the particpating or nonparticipating status of your airline.
I believe you put the yellow tags on your checked luggage and it is picked up at the airport by the luggage service. You do not have to retrieve your own luggage unless you want to. All you do is walk down the the ME desk and check in, then get in line for the bus to your resort.

The luggage is delivered to the room later. You do not have to stay in the room and wait for the luggage unless, again, you are more comfortable doing that.
I've used ME while flying Southwest several times, but I can't help much more because I have not used the luggage service.

 

[goofy4tink]

TDC Nala is correct. Put those yellow luggage tags on each piece of luggage you will be checking at your home airport. Then, say goodbye to them until you get to your resort. They will appear in your room, usually within 2 hrs after you get checked in.
For your return, since you are flying SW, you will return to the DME bus area at the time your info slip tells you to (your resort is responsible for getting this to you, usually the day/night before you are to check-out). Then at that time, take your luggage with you. The driver stows it under the bus. Then, you check your bags the usual way at MCO.
It really is a good service. I have used it several times now and have been very happy with it.

BTW....SW doesn't participate because they would have to pay for it. This is one of the ways they can keep their fares lower than others. At least that's what I've been told.

 

[byoung]

It's great to have ME.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

BTW....SW doesn't participate because they would have to pay for it. This is one of the ways they can keep their fares lower than others. At least that's what I've been told.

I'm not convinced that the airlines have to pay for Remote Airline Check-in. Given the severe cost cutting that the six legacy carriers (American, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United, and US Airways) have made over the past few years, I find it difficult to believe that these carriers (except for US Airways) are all paying to participate Remote Airline Check-in. For example, American has eliminated pillows and blankets from domestic flights to cut costs, and American has imposed a $2 fee (in addition to the tip to the skycap) per bag for curbside check-in at some airports.

There are other issues, such as compatibility with the airlines' computer systems and processes, that probably have a lot more to do with who is participating.

Disney has a financial incentive to make on-site WDW lodging as desirable as possible (to keep room rates and occupancy high), so Disney has a reason to pay for Remote Airline Check-in. Right now, the airlines only have an incentive to keep their costs as low as possible.

Southwest does not offer inter-line baggage transfers either. In comparison, if you have a connecting flight that involves more than one legacy carrier and/or many feeder airlines, the airlines will transfer your luggage between the flight at the connection airport.