Using RAC and Bell Service for departure

[Autin]

We have a late departure flight on AirTran out of Orlando and plan to take advantage of Resort Airline Check-in early to get boarding passes and check in a few bags. Since AirTran charges for checked bags, we do not intend to check all of them, just a few. We anticipate being able to leave the rest of them with bell services while we enjoy the parks or DD for a few hours. Has anyone had issues with both checking in bags and also dropping the rest off with bell services to be picked up later when boarding the bus to the airport? I've read discussions of doing either, but not both. I have also read about being able to check-in only 1 bag per person at RAC. Is this currently a restriction? Any bits of wisdom will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I always do both when I use RAC. I don't want our carry-ons, including my computer bag and fragile items, in the belly of the airplane with a bunch of other passengers' 50-pound bags dropped on top of them. But I don't mind having them sit on a shelf in the bell services luggage room at the resort until I'm ready for them.

 

[goofy4tink]

I always check my checked bags first thing in the morning with RAC and then leave my carryon stuff with Bell Services. Not an issue. Just remember to tip appropriately.

 

[tjmw2727]

I always check my checked bags first thing in the morning with RAC and then leave my carryon stuff with Bell Services. Not an issue. Just remember to tip appropriately.

This - us too!

They are two completely separate services no reason you can't use both. I would also like to suggest leaving extra time to get your bags back from bell services prior to going to the DME bus stop in case they are backed up.

 

[bumbershoot]

I have also read about being able to check-in only 1 bag per person at RAC.

I haven't read of that.

They are connected to the computers of the airlines, and know just what you might be entitled to. For instance, DH has some level of status with United and we could have had something like 3 checked bags per person, at a weight higher than is otherwise allowed. Our bags were below 50, so they were normal weight, but the RAC people knew that we *could have had* more bags, and heavier bags, than we had. It was cool that they were that familiar with the airline.


We dropped carryons with Bell Services on our way outside, and put checked bags with RAC. No problems whatsoever. When we got back to the resort, we got the carryons back from Bell, and went outside to wait for the bus.

 

[Autin]

We dropped carryons with Bell Services on our way outside, and put checked bags with RAC. No problems whatsoever. When we got back to the resort, we got the carryons back from Bell, and went outside to wait for the bus.

This is exactly what we want to do and I'm glad to hear from others who have no problems with this. THANKS

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

At Disney's Boardwalk Resort, after you give your claim checks to bell services, someone brings your stored carry-ons to the DME bus stop. (Of course, tipping is customary and appreciated by the bell services CMs.)

I agree that it's a good idea to allow a little extra time. You never know when all bell services CMs might be busy with other guests.