Stupid question-curbside check in

[swankybeth]

I'm leaving for WDW next week and to avoid the inevitable huge lines at the airport I wanted to do curbside check in. I'm not really sure about the process, so if someone could fill me in about what to do, I'd be grateful!
It seems like a silly question, but I've never done it before!

Beth

8 days until WDW!!!

 

[TravelSheryl]

No different than checking in inside the terminal except it is customary to tip outside but not inside.

 

[Gillian]

And are you supposed to tip them? We always lug our stuff up to the little outside counter, or if we have a limo the driver does it for us. I don't see how they do anything differently than the regular counter people!!

 

[pbhunt]

Yes, you are supposed to tip them, $1-$2 per checked bag is customary. That's how they get paid. They don't work for the airlines, the skycaps are out there on the curb for customer convenience.

 

[TravelSheryl]

I don't really think "supposed to" would be the way to put it, but rather customary. No, it's not necessary, but these people are typically not airline employees and are dependent upon tips. They are not paid salaries similar to airline employees nor do they have the level of benefits afforded to airline employees.

The way I look at it (and this is me personally) is that if they save me time and have to endure the weather, I like to show my appreciation with a few dollar tip.

 

[pbhunt]

All right, it's "customary" to tip them. They only get paid minimum wage or less, and they are providing a service. It's still "customary" to tip them $1-$2/ per checked bag. Or am I incorrect?

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

IMHO, the $10.00 tip at the curb, is much better than standing in the very long line inside, with 2 kids, strolller, carseat, and 6 suitcases. It is worth every penny.

 

[swankybeth]

Do they also give you your boarding pass outside or do you have to get that at the gate??

Beth

7 days until WDW!!

 

[Beverly Lynn]

some of the skycaps are actually employed by the airlines and some are by Huntleigh. they get paid min wage and depend on their tips for income. some of them are actually checking you in for the flt now and giving bp's. this is in the testing stage at some airports. they will advise you if they are checking you in or not. its only at 5 selected airports right now. so chances are you will still have to go to the gate and check in. but they will give you your gate info and tell you if you have seats assigned or not.

 

[mikamouse]

I tip anyone who handles my bags!!! Boston has this...and I alwyas tip them!!

 

[TravelSheryl]

It seems as though Beverly Lynn may be commenting on a single airline as to skycaps checking you in and issuing boarding passes at only 5 airports because that is certainly not the case in general. I have checked in curbside at numerous airports around the country, flying several different airlines, and had my boarding pass issued at that time with no need to check in at the gate.

 

[DebbieB]

I curbside checked baggage in Pittsburgh and Orlando last week (USAir) and both airports required getting boarding passes at the gate. I tip $1 per bag.