Southwest is now a Partcipating Airline....Rumor

[Lewisc]

SW is using an updated computer system. The system they were using when DME was introduced wasn't compatable with the system being used by RAC.

It's not clear if the dealy in rolling SW out to more resorts is a SW issue, a Disney issue or a combination of both.

I've read more then half of those WDW guests who fly use SW. SW still allows 2 checked bags, without charge. Passengers of other airlines pay for the second bag, and many pay for the first bag. Those passengers are likely to check fewer bags.

I suspect the volumne of bags handled by RAC is likey to at least double and probably triple when SW is added.

SW has had 5 years to become a participating airline. Whatever the reasons for their reluctance to join, it is obviously not a slamdunk for them.

 

[crashbb]

I've read more then half of those WDW guests who fly use SW.

Really?

I find that very hard to believe. For a start, many WDW guest who fly cannot use SW since they are not starting in a US city (heck, even some of those starting in a US city are not near an airport that SW flies).

I have no idea of the percentage of international versus domestic guests, but that percentage is going to higher amongst flyers than as a whole.

 

[Flossbolna]

Really?

I find that very hard to believe. For a start, many WDW guest who fly cannot use SW since they are not starting in a US city (heck, even some of those starting in a US city are not near an airport that SW flies).

I have no idea of the percentage of international versus domestic guests, but that percentage is going to higher amongst flyers than as a whole.

But then international travelers can't use RAC. Also I think most international visitors to WDW don't fly into MCO but MIA or Tampa. At least most Germans would visit WDW as part of a Florida vacation and just spend a few days there, so they would arrive by car. And then I think international visitors tend to stay offsite anyway. Of course this is only opinion - mainly based on German travel brochures and anecdotal evidence.

 

[Lewisc]

I'm not sure if the figure is about half of guests who fly and stay at WDW resorts fly with SW or if the figure is limited to those passengers who're eligible to use RAC. Passengers on international flights aren't eligible to use RAC.

The point is adding SW will significantly increase the number of checked bags handled by RAC.

 

[crashbb]

I'm not sure if the figure is about half of guests who fly and stay at WDW resorts fly with SW or if the figure is limited to those passengers who're eligible to use RAC. Passengers on international flights aren't eligible to use RAC.

The point is adding SW will significantly increase the number of checked bags.

I have much less trouble believing that half of RAC eligible visitors use SW (I'd still like to see the figures though). Your original comment didn't mention the limit of RAC. As I said, I'd be more willing to believe that half of domestic travelers (which is pretty much the same as RAC eligible) use SW than the original statement.

Your final point (about significantly increasing the number of checked bags) is definitely true. On the other hand, it would decrease the number of bags being loaded onto the buses by the same amount (or close to the same amount).

 

[TDC Nala]

I remember I posted on June 1 (from the Orlando airport) that SWA was now a participating airline. Well, it was, but only at Pop Century, and the Pop Century CMs didn't make it clear that it was just Pop Century, so I thought it was everywhere. Boy did I get set straight.

 

[goofy4tink]

But, Diane, can I ask why you go through JFK? I see you live in Central Mass & I'm in North Central CT. Do you fly out of BDL? Do you have a great flight secret to share with me? DD and I always fly SWA non-stop although we used Delta down last year because of a great fare ($69) and an upgrade to First Class.

I've got to wonder too. The nonstops out of Logan are usually very convenient and usually cost less than the flights with the stopover at JFK.

Did you get a better price on a BOS-JFK-MCO leg or was it the only one left?

Or did you go out of BDL?

Just Curious, you don't have to answer. I'm not your father

Well...see, the thing is that I kept adding days to my trip. When I finally figured exactly when I was leaving WDW, the direct flights were all pretty expensive. I saved myself about $120 by connecting at JFK. I usually fly only direct, but didn't want to spend the addtl money to do that going back to Boston. It wasn't really all that bad...but I sat there, at JFK, knowing that my friend who was flying to Boston on Delta, and had left 30 mins after I had that morning, was landing at the same time I was sitting at JFK...bummer!! But, no direct flights that were cheap enough by the time I had to book. Won't make that mistake again.