Southwest to Participate in Magical Express?

[kpk89]

I'm curious what the more transport-knowledgeable folks around here think of the possibility of SWA becoming a participating partner in DME. With the luggage check-in at the resort, etc.

Do they already have some sort of partnership with SeaWorld (hence the Shamu planes?) that would preclude them from also partnering with Disney?

I always fly Southwest and love using ME as well -- just wondering if there are any whisperings of them working together?

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

I think the partnership is with BAGS, Inc, not Disney, so I don't think that would have anything to do with it.

I know there have been whispers about US Air participating for ages, but nothing has come of it yet.

I am on the fence about whether they will go for it or not. On one hand, I would say SW is a discount airline and I don't think they would subcontract BAGS, but then again, jetblue does participate and they are a discount airline too.

I am hoping they do. I would love to check my pile of junk at the resort. If SW doesn't drop their 2/16 fares, I will get to experience resort check-in because we will be going home on jetblue.

BAGS is continuously working to get more airlines to work with them, so I will keep my fingers crossed that SW sees the benefits and participates. SOON!

 

[kpk89]

Oh, thanks 2P2P. That makes sense. I'm even more hopeful, then. I figured SW can't be any sort of "partner" with Disney if they are friendly with the competition, but they are such a family-friendly airline it would only make sense for them to help with all those bags!

How do jetblue prices compare to SW, overall? Do they also have the seat yourself policy?

 

[Lewisc]

Originally it was a (computer) systems issue. SW doesn't do interline baggage transfers and their computer system didn't work with the system RAC was using. That was solved, SW passengers can do remote baggage check in at Vegas.

One rumor says the airlines have to pay something to participate with the RAC program and SW isn't willing to pay. Another rumor has SW ready to participate but MCO can't handle any more airlines. RAC allows guests to check in up to 12 hour before their flight and the airlines/airport can't handle getting that many bags that many hours before the flight.