When to arrive for Airline Check-in w/ DME

[mickeyfan0805]

Assume, for example, our assigned DME time is 8am. What time should we arrive at the front to check in if we want to use the resort check-in service for Airtran? I'd appreciate the input.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Your luggage and you need to be completely checked in at least three hours prior to your flight's departure. You need to be waiting for the bus with your entire party and all your carry-on luggage fifteen minutes before your assigned pickup time - because that's when the bus leaves your resort.

I would recommend no later than 7, to allow for any lines or delays.

 

[Missytara]

The RAC desk is open from 5 am to 1 pm; therefore it will open just in time for you to use the service. I would get there about ten to fifteen minutes early, just in case there is a line forming already.

 

[Lewisc]

The RAC desk is open from 5 am to 1 pm; therefore it will open just in time for you to use the service. I would get there about ten to fifteen minutes early, just in case there is a line forming already.

The OP expects a DME pickup of around 8a which suggests a 11a flight. RAC must be completed 3 hours before your flight, around 7a. No reason to check in at 5a. I'd get there by 6:30a.

 

[goofy4tink]

If, assuming, your DME pickup time is 8am, I would imagine your flight departure time would be about 11ish. As already noted, you have to be all checked in, bags tagged, boarding passes in hand, and walking away from the RAC counter, no less than three hours before your flight departure.
So..if your pickup time is 8am, I would plan on getting the bags down to the RAC counter by 7, maybe even by 6:30. After about 7:15-7:30, the lines start to get longish...people are dropping their bags off on the way to early breakfasts or before they get the buses to the parks for EMHs. Beat the crowd and get there before 7.
Then...be at the bus stop at least 15 mins before the DME pickup time you are given. That time is the time the bus departs, not the time you should head over there!!! The bus will leave without you!!

 

[goofy4tink]

The OP expects a DME pickup of around 8a which suggests a 11a flight. RAC must be completed 3 hours before your flight, around 7a. No reason to check in at 5a. I'd get there by 6:30a.

And yet again...great minds think alike!!!

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

The three-hour cutoff thing is no joke either. The family ahead of me in line last trip was right at the three-hour mark as they approached the desk. According to the computer, it was a minute past the three-hour mark, so they were unable to use the resort check-in. They had to carry all their luggage with them and check in at the airport. I'm usually one to push the limit on time, but I learned my lesson on that one!

 

[shoes99]

I agree with the 7AM RAC time also. We were at All Stars one time and there was a family with 3 overweight bags, RAC made the rest of us wait while the family redistributed their overweight cases right in front of us.
Your cases go in a truck to the airport, so don't cut it too close. You can leave your carry-on in the room and go check in your heavy suitcases, then get your carryon and get ready for the DME bus.

 

[Lewisc]

I think the 3 hour time is enforced by the computer. Neither DME nor the airline wants to be responsible to pay to ship bags to the passengers home.

Check the bags then grab breakfast.

 

[Missytara]

Dah - good point, I subtracted the three hours from the wrong time - sorry about that!

 

[maraki527]

Yes when they say check in at least 3 hrs do it. I was one of those people that was stuck in line and I was 1 minute late.

 

[MickeyT]

We went to check in early at the WL once and the RCA agent overslept and there was nobody to check us in. Fortunately I was waaaay early so we got checked in. There were others in line that were not as calm.