SW and DME...REMIND ME....

[FINFAN]

We flew in once before on SW and used DME....we picked up our luggage and then crossed back over, but can't remember from A to B, or B to A.
We will have a lot of luggage as we are taking DD back to college after a quick surprise stop in WDW. As much as I would LOVE it if DME was transporting our luggage, we have to shlepp it through the airport, and we have a crazy early departure, 6 a.m. so I am thinking I am not going to be the most alert traveler at that time.
Any recent SW/DME travelers to refresh my aging memory?
I was just going to rent a car at MCO, but it is almost $200 more than getting it 7 hours later at CCC!
Thanks!
Also, I just booked our flights yesterday, do I even still have time to book DME? Our arrival is 8/7.
ETA: Wait, if I remember correctly, even tho it is SW, not "technically" a participating DME airline ( except for the POP trial) I can still have our luggage be handled by DME from the plane right? As in we do not see our checked bags until they are delivered to the room later that day...right? That would be sweet !

Pam

 

[seashoreCM]

Southwest's carousels are on the A side, turn a sharp right as you exit security. After 10 PM everyone has to get their own bags.

The DME welcoming area is on the B side, lowest level (1), at the other end of the main terminal which is a giant rectangle. As you exit security into the main terminal, look slightly to the left and slightly down, that is where in the distance you want to end up, although the path to get there is somewhat more convoluted. If you take the elevator down on the B side, turn left upon stepping out of the elevator. From the A side carousels (level 2) you have to come back up to the security/ticketing level (3) and cross over and go down the B side.

Arriving during the day or early evening, let DME take your baggage to your room for you (same procedure for all airlines), so you don't need to go to the carousel.

You have plenty of time to make the required advance booking for DME, they suggest at least 10 days in advance although they can do it on shorter notice (not day-of).

 

[Alesia]

ETA: Wait, if I remember correctly, even tho it is SW, not "technically" a participating DME airline ( except for the POP trial) I can still have our luggage be handled by DME from the plane right? As in we do not see our checked bags until they are delivered to the room later that day...right? That would be sweet !

Pam

All airlines participate in DME. It is RAC that Southwest doesn't participate in.

So yes, DME will take care of your bags at MCO.

 

[goofy4tink]

Tag your checked bags with the yellow luggage tags that DME sends you...say goodby to them when you check them at your home airport. When you arrive at MCO, you will be arriving on Side A. When you get off the tram, from the gate areas, you will cross to the other side of the terminal, Side B. You don't need to go to Side A baggage claim because DME is taking care of your checked bags. You are on level 3, you need to go down to level 1..ground transportation. That's where DME is.

I do see that you have a lot more than usual luggage. If you check it all, DME will pick it all up for you. You have plenty of time to book with them. I would call them, asap, and make your arrangements. Let them know you will need more yellow luggage tags than they usually send...they usually send 1 pp, because so many airlines are now charging for checked bags most people don't need more than the one tag pp.

 

[FINFAN]

HAPPY DANCING!
Thanks everyone...I forgot that we had a late flight last time ( arrived at 11 pm) and that was why we needed to retrieve our luggage, not becasue it was SW. Ahhhhh, so nIce to know we do not have to lug it all, and even nicer that SW does not charge for it, so we are GOOD TO GO!!!!!!!!!! Good point on the extra yellow tags goofy4tink...since we are allowed 2 each, we can check 8 bags if we needed full of DD's stuff..lol...saves on shipping it later!