SWA, ME and BCV ...oh my

[twotoohappy]

When using ME, do I need to get my bags because I'm flying SWA? (I thought ME got them, but on another board a poster said that ME made him go and get his bags first )

On the way back, my luggage stays with me on the bus but can the front desk print my boarding pass?

I know the bus schedule changes rountinely, but any idea how long to BCV?

I'll have 2 bags with me (one carry on and one checked to arrive in the room later), do you think $5- is an ok tip for the ME driver?

thanks!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

When using ME, do I need to get my bags because I'm flying SWA? (I thought ME got them, but on another board a poster said that ME made him go and get his bags first )

You can use the inbound DME service, including luggage transfers, exactly as designed, regardless of which airline your flying. (The only exception applies to those international guests who must clear US Customs at MCO.)

On the way back, my luggage stays with me on the bus but can the front desk print my boarding pass?

Yes. If you're not on an airline that's part of the Resort Airline Check-in service, your luggage goes into the cargo hold of the DME motor coach. Folks on this board have reported success in getting the front desk to print SWA boarding passes, but this is not officially part of the service.

I know the bus schedule changes rountinely, but any idea how long to BCV?

The reports I've read here say that once your motor coach departs from MCO, the ride is around 45 minutes to the first stop, and no more than 70 minutes to the final stop. There's no way of knowing whether BCV will be the first, second, third, or fourth stop, because the specific resorts that your coach will go to (and thus the route) are assigned based on actual demand at the time of your arrival.

I'll have 2 bags with me (one carry on and one checked to arrive in the room later), do you think $5- is an ok tip for the ME driver?

I think the driver would very much appreciate a $5 tip for handing two bags. Unfortunately, many DME guests don't tip at all. That might be okay if there's no luggage or personal interaction involved -- but, with luggage, it seems appropriate to tip at least $1-2 per bag, or whatever seems appropriate under the circumstances.

 

[twotoohappy]

thanks for the info