To RAC or not to RAC....

[disneyagain]

Our flight leaves from MCO at 8:20 am. I know that RAC opens at 5 am and we'll probably be scheduled for DME around 5:15am......If I get to RAC a little before 5 and there are no lines, do you think my luggage will make the flight?

We're flying southwest and I hate having to check the bags at the airport, seems the lines are always so long....but on the other hand, I would like our luggage to make it to Philly...

What do you all think?

 

[perpetualplanner]

Can you drop the bags off at RAC the night before and just keep out a days worth of clothes and put the dirty clothes in a carry on? I really don't know how RAC would work with that but it's an idea. Hopefully someone with a little more knowledge will post too.

 

[Inkmahm]

Can you drop the bags off at RAC the night before and just keep out a days worth of clothes and put the dirty clothes in a carry on? I really don't know how RAC would work with that but it's an idea. Hopefully someone with a little more knowledge will post too.

No. You have to check bags on the same day you are flying.

If it were critical to me that those bags get home with me at the same time I get there, I would take them with me and check them in at the airport. Also, it takes awhile for them to do the paperwork so getting there for 5 am opening and getting picked up by ME so soon after, you may not have time.

 

[Lewisc]

The 3 hour check requirement for RAC gives them more then enough time to get your bags to MCO. A lot depends on your shceduled DME pickup time. You won't have time if your bus is scheduled to leave at 5:05, you should have time if your bus is scheduled to leave at 5:30.

 

[clkelley]

We never use RAC. It just isn't convenient for us.

 

[goofy4tink]

It's going to be a last minute decision, based on your pickup time. If your pickup time is around 5:20 or later, you should be fine. Be at RAC about 10 mins before they open up...should take you about 10 mins to get done. I would have someone go out to the DME area, just in case you run a bit late..that way they can alert the driver that you are coming very shortly.

 

[brenda1966]

I don't think I'd chance it. Just because RAC gets your bags at 5am, doesn't mean they will get them to MCO by 7am. Airlines do have a cut off as to how late bags can get on the plane. As slow as Disney has been to deliver my bags to my room (6-7 hours after our flight landed), I wouldn't count on them.

 

[Lewisc]

Brenda--Incoming luggage delivery and outgoing RAC are completely different services. Run by different vendors.

Incoming luggage can get delayed for a number of reasons. Airline put the bag on a later flight. Delays due to thunderstorms. Bell services is backed up. Bell services left the bag in the wrong room. Bag dropped off at the wrong resort. Guest is staying at a value resort. Value resorts have scheduled luggage delivery. Other resorts have on-demand bell services.

Outgoing luggage is "direct" from RAC to MCO. The 3 hour time window gives them enough time. The bag can sit in the RAC office for an hour. The truck can take an hour to pick up bags and drive over to MCO and still get the luggage to MCO an hour before your flight.

Assume the worst. Your luggage isn't on your flight. Your dirty laundry will get delivered to your house later that day, or the following day.

 

[goofy4tink]

I don't think I'd chance it. Just because RAC gets your bags at 5am, doesn't mean they will get them to MCO by 7am. Airlines do have a cut off as to how late bags can get on the plane. As slow as Disney has been to deliver my bags to my room (6-7 hours after our flight landed), I wouldn't count on them.

DME and RAC are two different services..not tied together at all. The airlines usually ask your bags be checked at least an hour before departure....RAC does a good job of getting bags to MCO in plenty of time. I have never had an issue with getting my bags upon arrival at home.

 

[brenda1966]

Thanks! This is good to know! I may try Rac on our way home now that they are servicing SW. I still often skip the Magic Express luggage handling. I've had good experiences with it and bad. Sometimes it's just easier to do it yourself.