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

[Jestocost]

I've never used this end of ME before. So I want to be sure what this means.

The day of departure, go to the Airline checkin podium with luggage and people. (We would have boarding passes from day before-the A,B,C passes).
They check the luggage and take it(?)
They look at our ID's and tell us what gate?
We don't see our luggage again until we land?
What if we have a late flight and must leave the room by late checkout time-cn we check the luggage then or wait until closer to bus boarding time(we may go the parks). Do we need to retrieve our luggage from the holding area if we plan to leave and come back?

Yes, the RAC desk works like curbside check in at the airport. They give your your boarding cards and take your bags, then all you have to do is go through security and get on your plane.

The trick to your question is the timing requirements for RAC. First, the desk is only open from 5:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Second, you can complete a check in through RAC no earlier than 12 hours before your scheduled flight time and must have the process completed no later than three hours before your flight.

If you can do your check in and follow your park schedule within those time parameters, then that's all you need to do.

Carry-on bags will need to be stored with bell services and collected before your departure.

 

[Lewisc]

Thanks Carole - need to rethink if we want to drag them ourselves or let them arrive when they arrive. Considering that we are arriving at 5? at the hotel and then heading to the MK at 7:30 for late night, maybe we want them to arrive with us, so there is no need to unpack late that night or in the morning./

I'd rather not have to spend the time waiting at baggage claim. How many people are in your group? At least one of your bags will wind up being the last bag on the carousel. One bag doesn't make it and you'll be on a long line at the SW office. SW is at the opposite corner of MCO as the DME desk. Get your bags, go back up to level three, schlep your bags to the opposite corner of MCO then go down to level one. Sounds like a good way to waste 45 minutes (best case) or 90 minutes (missing bag and a line).

I'd rather get to the resort an hour earlier. Maybe you'll get some of your bags before you leave for the MK otherwise unpack when you get back.

 

[Jestocost]

How many people are in your group?

I think the PP you are asking this previously indicated it was a party of 34!

It would be a nightmare--for the driver, the guests in the group and anyone else on the bus--to have that many people schlepping bags to a DME bus.

 

[Lewisc]

I think the PP you are asking this previously indicated it was a party of 34!

It would be a nightmare--for the driver, the guests in the group and anyone else on the bus--to have that many people schlepping bags to a DME bus.

Agreed. I'd probably call DME the day before to "confirm" my reservation. Not required. Not needed. DME may wind scheduling a specific bus for this group. Things might run smoother if the OP confirms 34 DME passengers will be arriving on flight XXX and those DME passengers are staying at XXX.

 

[lovingthemouse]

So, I have been reading all the advice you all have provided for my student grp. They are basically 11-14 yrs old, and while "schlepping" our bags to the DME bus could bother other passengers on the DME bus, going until the next morning without their bags might create some concern. Our arrival is mid afternoon, then to the resort to relax for a while, off to the MK. By the time we get back to the resort, it will be quite late, and having their bags already there would really be quite nice. Just looking at both sides of the picture.

Thanks for showing the pros and cons. Not trying to inconvenience anyone but trying to make our lives a little easier.

 

[Lewisc]

Your flight lands mid-afternoon. There is a chance some of the bags will be delivered before you leave for the MK.

You want to make life easier? Skip baggage claim. 34 people hunting for bags. Possibility of at least one bag being delayed. You'll wind up wasting 60-90 minutes. You want to make it real easy? Have them only take a carryon bag. How many days are you going?

 

[lovingthemouse]

For 5 days, but most have never been before! Excited beyond belief too! Whatever makes it the easiest for all of us. After months of fundraising, we need a great trip, hassle free as much as possible. Thanks.

 

[Iggipolka]

Anyone know if SSR is participating in RAC for SW yet?

Thanks!

 

[Lewisc]

For 5 days, but most have never been before! Excited beyond belief too! Whatever makes it the easiest for all of us. After months of fundraising, we need a great trip, hassle free as much as possible. Thanks.

Avoiding baggage claim would make your trip a lot easier. Just use carryon bags. Not an issue for a 5 day trip. or Let DME get your bags. I'd be afraid at least one bag might not wind up on the plane. That means you'll all wait while that passenger fills out a lost bag form. 34 passengers means at least one of your group is likely to have one the last bags to make it to the carousel. What kind of unpacking do you plan on doing? Many people just take their stuff out of their suitcases as needed.

 

[GSDRescuer]

Any news on CBR for RAC?

 

[Tara]

Any news on CBR for RAC?

Despite what's been originally said about CBR needing to expand their luggage storage to accommodate Southwest RAC users, I have it on very good authority that absolutely NOTHING is happening at CBR. So either the reason RAC isn't offered there for Southwest fliers is wrong, or they just haven't begun the work to expand the luggage room. It seems odd to me that they wouldn't have started on it by now, though. I wish someone who is there now would ask! I will be there next week and will post anything I find out.

The work at OKW should be done by the end of the month, though.