SW has finally joined RAC! (updated NOT ALL RESORTS!!!!!)

[seashoreCM]

Here is our dilemma - we are not flying directly into the city here we live since SWA does not operate out of here. We're driving 1.5 hours from RDU to get home so if our luggage does not make it, we'll have to wait on the next flights in order for to get them. If we were in our "home city", they could deliver it, right? I know USAIRways does or has if this ever happened. r

The airline should still get your baggage to you without your having to hang around the airport for the next flight. They're the one who caused the delay.

Don't cut it so close when checking in baggage at the RAC desk. Also, being in the RAC line does not count as being punctual for your DME bus; you may have to abort the RAC check in and lug everything over to the bus.

 

[Tara]

Hmm...I'm sort of on the fence about this with SWA and perhaps you guys can either reassure me or tell me differently. Another poster mentioned not getting their luggage with their flight and I know this happens, unfortunately with ALL airlines. This will be our first time using/flying SWA and using RAC (believe it or not!). There was always such a horrendous line at the RAC even an hour before we were supposed to meet ME (at the POP) so we just took our suitcases with us and tipped nicely. Here is our dilemma - we are not flying directly into the city where we live since SWA does not operate out of here. We're driving 1.5 hours from RDU to get home so if our luggage does not make it, we'll have to wait on the next flights in order for to get them. If we were in our "home city", they could deliver it, right? I know USAIRways does or has if this ever happened. I've been blessed not to have these issues, but again usually fly out of my home town.

So, would you risk it and use RAC and check our bags at the POP and assume positively the luggage will arrive in RDU with our flight or would you NOT chance it due to this and just take the luggage with us?

Thanks for your input!
Heather

Honestly, you are taking basically the same risk if you check your luggage at the airport. I wouldn't worry about it.

I know it sounds crazy that the airline could misdirect luggage when you check it at the airport for a direct flight, but it happens. Once out of Philadelphia on a direct flight to Orlando I had one piece of my luggage NOT make the trip. We checked in over 2 hours early (it was the day after the Richard Reid/shoe bomber incident), we were flying first class so our bags were all priority tagged, and one still didn't make it. So it can happen. The odds aren't all that great in direct flight situations, and I wouldn't think they're appreciably worse if you use RAC.

 

[jamstew]

The airline should still get your baggage to you without your having to hang around the airport for the next flight. They're the one who caused the delay.

Southwest doesn't deliver delayed luggage, at least they don't in Austin.

 

[TeenaS]

Southwest doesn't deliver delayed luggage, at least they don't in Austin.

They brought one of our suitcases to us in Las Vegas at 2 AM.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

The airline should still get your baggage to you without your having to hang around the airport for the next flight. They're the one who caused the delay.

Don't cut it so close when checking in baggage at the RAC desk. Also, being in the RAC line does not count as being punctual for your DME bus; you may have to abort the RAC check in and lug everything over to the bus.

If only it would be so easy, right? I agree about checking in early and we're early people so I'll make sure we do this for RAC. Thanks for the advice!

Honestly, you are taking basically the same risk if you check your luggage at the airport. I wouldn't worry about it.

I know it sounds crazy that the airline could misdirect luggage when you check it at the airport for a direct flight, but it happens. Once out of Philadelphia on a direct flight to Orlando I had one piece of my luggage NOT make the trip. We checked in over 2 hours early (it was the day after the Richard Reid/shoe bomber incident), we were flying first class so our bags were all priority tagged, and one still didn't make it. So it can happen. The odds aren't all that great in direct flight situations, and I wouldn't think they're appreciably worse if you use RAC.

Very good points and you're right - there really is no rhyme or reason some time for misdirected luggage - it just happens! Thanks for reassuring me about the odds because we know it would be a lot easier to just check them at RAC! Thanks!

Southwest doesn't deliver delayed luggage, at least they don't in Austin.

Uh oh! Not good! Thanks for sharing your info!

They brought one of our suitcases to us in Las Vegas at 2 AM.

Hmm...Interesting! Thanks for letting me know this!

Heather

 

[jamstew]

They brought one of our suitcases to us in Las Vegas at 2 AM.

It must vary between airlines and airports. I also had a delayed bag delivered in Vegas, but it was at least ten years ago. A couple of years ago in Knoxville, not only would Northwest not deliver the luggage, but when we went back to the airport to get it (at the time they told us to come back), the office was closed. I could see my bag but couldn't find anyone to help me. The most recent experience in Austin with Southwest was only a month ago.

 

[seashoreCM]

not only would Northwest not deliver the luggage, but when we went back to the airport to get it (at the time they told us to come back), the office was closed. I could see my bag but couldn't find anyone to help me. .

This one is worth asking for compensation over.

 

[n2mm]

We just got back and used RAC at the Contemporary - it was smooth and took no longer than 15 minutes total.

However, even though we made it on the plane our bags did not - two out of three stayed in Orlando.

We arrived in Buffalo last night at 10:35 and I can tell you it was not pleasant trying to find where our bags were - and we were not alone, there were many other bags missing and a lot of unhappy SW customers. The SW room with the baggage was overflowing...

We checked in about 10 hours before our flight and having one bag make it and the others not makes me think there are a lot of bugs still to be worked out.

Usually take carry-on bags only - should have stayed with that

I'm going out on a limb and say this is a SW issue. I've used RAC at least 30 times now, maybe more, since it began. I've flown United, Airtran, and Jetblue. I've used RAC at BW, BC, WL, AK, CSR. I've checked in sometimes 10 or more hours before my flights. I must be the luckiest person because my bags have always been at my destination. I fly non-stop (if that makes a difference). Of course we'll be back at my "home" next month and I'm sure I just jinx myself. But to anyone out there thinking of using RAC it is a great service and the fact that you have "curb side" service at your resort is a wonderful perk! We love RAC and we always remember to tip appropriately per bag ($1.50-$2.00 per bag) and sometimes over tip! (we like to make the person moving our bags happy--is that the key to my success--dunno , but not going to find out).

I'm sorry to those who have had problem with RAC, but it has a wonderful track record!

 

[TillyMarigold]

They brought one of our suitcases to us in Las Vegas at 2 AM.

In Pittsburgh in May 2008, they promised me it would be at my hotel by 10 pm, I waited up, at 10:30 they said it was on its way, at 11:00 they said it was on its way, at 11:30 they said it was on its way, at 12:00am they denied they'd ever agreed to deliver it at all but since I was being so hysterical they'd make an exception and make sure it got to the hotel by noon the next day. And no, they wouldn't pay for any toiletries or clothes to wear in the interim.

Why am I flying Southwest to Disney this year, again?

 

[Figment&Piglet]

Does anyone have any updated info on when BoardWalk might be added to the RAC/SWA "parade"? We're at 20 days and counting 'til our trip, and really, really are hoping to use it... Thanks!

 

[swabikedude]

OK - I read through most of the posts on the thread - thought I would help - so here goes...

The following resorts should be active with the RAC Program with Southwest Airlines now...

Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Next up should be...
March 30: Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts –French Quarter and Riverside

Then the last few Resorts...
April 6isney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

May 4: Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

Hope that helps everyone out!!!!

Have fun - g'luck and I hope everything goes SMOOTH!!!!

James

 

[Disney93]

Thanks for updating us on the SWA schedule for RAC at the Boardwalk. I have been paying close attention to this site for sometime now. Sure would be nice if someone could do a post about their experience with this service at the Boardwalk. It looks like there are others that have been waiting for this news as well. A great big THANK YOU for you

 

[ccgirl]

Can anyone confirm that it is participating at BWV now? I know it should be according to the schedule but I also know that schedules aren't always met. Thanks!

 

[matysgrandma]

What about Old Key West?

 

[Jestocost]

FWIW, just used RAC with SWA from the BC on Saturday and it worked great. We also did EBCI with no problems. Waited behind one other family at 7:00 a.m. (flight was at 6:50 p.m. so this was the earliest we could check in) and finished the process in just a few minutes. Boarding cards printed out with the line numbers obtained at 36 hours through EBCI. All suitcases checked arrived on schedule in St. Louis and were among the first off of the plane.

For some reason the RAC agent did have a slight problem printing the boarding cards as we received two for one passenger and none for another. Fortunately I checked before leaving and she was able to print the correct BP. This also isn't a huge issue since you always can print BPs at the airport if necessary.

 

[mkymouse4ever]

Just back this weekend and used the return luggage service at GF. We had used it prior with united serveral times, but started flying SW and really missed it. No, issues with SW at all. GF said, "it was new, and they still forget that you get 2 bags free" but, otherwise done in a few minutes and don't forget to tip.

So happy this is for SW now.

mky

 

[Figment&Piglet]

Can anyone who's visiting BoardWalk now or just back confirm that SWA was participating in RAC there? I know the schedule said they should be as of last Tuesday, but would like some first-hand confirmation. Thanks!

 

[ccgirl]

I am wondering about BWV as well. Thanks!

 

[jfelcie]

Me TOO!!!

 

[Disney93]

Would someone post the latest news about using RAC at the BWV for travelers using SWA? I have read that it was suppose to start Mar 23rd but haven't heard from anyone using it. A quick note would be appreciated.