Is Southwest part of DME?

zurgandfriend

Well-Known Member

A co-worker asked if Southwest Airlines participates in the DME/deliver your bags to your resort room program. They have heard yes from some people and no from other. I haven’t flown southwest to WDW so I couldn’t answer their question but told them I would find out and get back to them.
Does anyone know definite the answer? Master Yoda?
 

Master Yoda

Pro Star Wars geek.
Premium Member
Southwest joined DME in April of this year. I do not have a current list of which resorts have Resort Airline Check-In up and running but all Disney resorts are supposed to be up and running by the end of 2010.
 
Upvote 0

Tinkerbell 8

Well-Known Member
Yes, Southwest is part of DME. Also, I'm not sure about all the resorts, but I know at Pop they went online and got our assigned seats for us since we did not have a computer (we did not ask them to do this) it was great getting in the "A" section of seating without having to get online ourselves 24 hours before.
 
Upvote 0

Monty

Brilliant...and Canadian
In the Parks
No
All airlines that land at MCO are eligible for DME baggage handling on arrival. The yellow baggage tags are what get your bags to your resort room no matter what airline you arrive on.

"Participating Airlines" only applies with regard to Resort Airline Check-In, which has nothing to do with DME. If your airline is a participating airline and you are flying home domestically, you can check in with your airline and check your bags at your resort between 0630 and 1300. It doesn't matter whether you use DME, taxi or a rental car to get to MCO, RAC will check you in.

The current list of airlines is:

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Participating airlines (domestic flights only):[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-- AirTran Airways
-- Alaska Airlines
-- American Airlines
-- Continental Airlines
-- Delta Air Lines
-- JetBlue Airways
-- Northwest Airlines
-- Southwest Airlines
-- United Air Lines
-- US Airways
[/FONT]
 
Upvote 0

sshindel

The Epcot Manifesto
Wow, this is great news now! I've flown Southwest on my last few trips to the world, and always thought that the bag delivery sounded like such a great option, but was never able to use it due to the fact that they were not participating. With our next trip in Nov and flying Southwest again, I'm going to be VERY happy if I can check on through.

Would it be better to check with Southwest or our target resort to see if they are participating yet?
 
Upvote 0

PhilharMagician

Well-Known Member
Wow, this is great news now! I've flown Southwest on my last few trips to the world, and always thought that the bag delivery sounded like such a great option, but was never able to use it due to the fact that they were not participating. With our next trip in Nov and flying Southwest again, I'm going to be VERY happy if I can check on through.

Would it be better to check with Southwest or our target resort to see if they are participating yet?

As Monty mentioned, the baggage delivery can happen no matter what airline you fly. When you make your WDW resort reservation you need to sign up for Disney's Magical Express and you will receive a DME package in the mail which includes luggage tags with your resort info and your checked luggage will automagically be delivered to your resort without you having to handle it again.

Only the airlines that Monty listed that are domestic flights allow resort check-in. This service allows you to check you bags at your resort the morning you depart and also recieve your bording passes. You will not not have to touch your luggage again until you reach your home airport.

I see in your signature the you are going home in December. If you are DVC, just call member services and they can sign you up for Disney's Magical Express.
 
Upvote 0

sshindel

The Epcot Manifesto
As Monty mentioned, the baggage delivery can happen no matter what airline you fly. When you make your WDW resort reservation you need to sign up for Disney's Magical Express and you will receive a DME package in the mail which includes luggage tags with your resort info and your checked luggage will automagically be delivered to your resort without you having to handle it again.

Only the airlines that Monty listed that are domestic flights allow resort check-in. This service allows you to check you bags at your resort the morning you depart and also recieve your bording passes. You will not not have to touch your luggage again until you reach your home airport.

I see in your signature the you are going home in December. If you are DVC, just call member services and they can sign you up for Disney's Magical Express.


Thanks, Previous to this year I've used DME many times, but this is the first year I believe that Southwest is participating in the baggage delivery. I'm looking forward to not worrying about wrestling my luggage with an overexcited toddler!
 
Upvote 0

lumpydj

Active Member
Thanks, Previous to this year I've used DME many times, but this is the first year I believe that Southwest is participating in the baggage delivery. I'm looking forward to not worrying about wrestling my luggage with an overexcited toddler!

I've flown Southwest many times and received baggage delivery on arrival using DME everytime (first time being 2005). Now, Disney will check you and your baggage at departure at the resort for Southwest. This is the new part.
 
Upvote 0

marcriss

Member
We'll be flying Southwest in December and staying at the YC. Can you check your bags at the hotel and then check another bag in at the airport? We usually head downtown our last day for some last minute shopping, it'd be great to not have ALL the luggage with us, but keep one to cram that last bit of stuff into and then check that....
 
Upvote 0
Can someone tell me exactly how to go about getting the airline check in at the resorts? We are flying down Dec. 2 on Southwest, using DME, staying at POR. We wanted to extend our trip by a day but were not able to get a room at POR so we are checking out there on Dec. 10 and heading to CBR for a night. Can we just notify the desk at CBR then that we want to use the airline check in? I want to make sure they will still be able to check us in and print out our boarding passes with only a little more than 24 hours notice. This is the first time using all of this. We normally drive but got a good deal on flights this time!:veryconfu Thanks!!!
 
Upvote 0

Monty

Brilliant...and Canadian
In the Parks
No
Can someone tell me exactly how to go about getting the airline check in at the resorts? We are flying down Dec. 2 on Southwest, using DME, staying at POR. We wanted to extend our trip by a day but were not able to get a room at POR so we are checking out there on Dec. 10 and heading to CBR for a night. Can we just notify the desk at CBR then that we want to use the airline check in? I want to make sure they will still be able to check us in and print out our boarding passes with only a little more than 24 hours notice. This is the first time using all of this. We normally drive but got a good deal on flights this time!:veryconfu Thanks!!!
You don't have to give any notice for Resort Airline Check-In [RAC]. Checking in and printing boarding passes are all taken care of at the desk when you get there.

It is a separate entity from Magical Express.

If you are switching hotels, you should call DME and ensure they have your departure info, resort reservation, etc...

Specifics on RAC [copied from AllEars.net]:

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Resort Airline Check-In Service[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] * Resort Airline Check-In Service at your Disney resort is only available if you are flying domestically (includes Puerto Rico) on the following airlines: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Northwest, United AND US Airways. It is a complimentary (free) service.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
upd.gif
As of April 7, 2010, Southwest Airlines is now officially a part of Resort Airline Check-In at Walt Disney World. Upon completion of a construction project at Disney's Old Key West Resort and an assessment at Caribbean Beach Resort, Resort Airline Check-In with Southwest Airlines should be available at every Walt Disney World Resort hotel by the end of 2010.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Participating airlines (domestic flights only):[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-- AirTran Airways
-- Alaska Airlines
-- American Airlines
-- Continental Airlines
-- Delta Air Lines
-- JetBlue Airways
-- Northwest Airlines
-- Southwest Airlines
-- United Air Lines
-- US Airways
[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]* This service allows you to check your luggage and receive your airline boarding passes right at your resort on the day of your departure.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-- Guests who fly AirTran, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Northwest, and US Airways may check one bag per passenger using the Resort Airline Check-in Service. Guests with multiple bags on these airlines will have the option to check additional pieces through their airlines' ticket counters at Orlando International Airport or they may call Baggage Airline Guest Services at 407-284-1231 to pay their airline's excess luggage fees in advance of checking in at the Resort Airline Check-In desk. The excess luggage fees vary by airline. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-- Guests flying on American who wish to check bags must call Baggage Airline Guest Services at 407-284-1231 to pay their airline bag fees in advance of checking in at the Resort Airline Check-In desk. Otherwise, Guests must check-in at the airport.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]-- Guests flying on United Airlines are subject to checked bag fees based on when they purchased their tickets and when they are flying. Verify the actual fees with United before traveling.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]NOTE: Each airline has a long list of exceptions to these checked bag policies. Exceptions may include those who bought before the new rues, elite frequent fliers (and those traveling with them on the same reservation), first class passengers, full-fare economy passengers, and government and military fare passengers. Consult with your airline on its exact policies before traveling. The Resort Airline Check-in Desk may be also be able to provide you with airline-specific fee information.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Baggage Airline Guest Services (the fee collection service, not the Resort Airline Check-in Desks) operates seven days a week between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If paying for excess luggage fees through Baggage Airline Guest Services you must pay with a credit card: MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are accepted. Resort Airline Check-In desks are unable to collect luggage fees on behalf of the airlines.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For ALL airlines, luggage must be 50 pounds or less in order to use the service and it must comply with their airline's size dimension baggage policy. Overweight and oversized luggage cannot be accepted at the Resort Airline Check-In desks. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]* This service is separate from Magical Express. You do not have to participate in Magical Express to utilize the Resort Airline Check-in Service.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]* Each Disney resort has a dedicated Check-In Desk located in or near the Lobby or near the outside entrance to the resort. If you can't locate the Resort Airline Check-in Desk, ask at the Front Desk. Some examples:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Polynesian's check-in desk is outside just pass the valet stand on the right as you exit the hotel.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] The Port Orleans Riverside check-in desk.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] The Port Orleans French Quarter check-in desk. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]* The desks are open every day from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can check in no more than 12 hours and no less than 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure time.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]* To check in, your entire party must be present with your government issued photo I.D. (e.g., driver's license, passport, Military ID) and your Key to the World card to verify that you are a guest of a Disney hotel[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]* The Resort Airline Check-In desks can provide some of the same services and information as the airline ticket counters at the airport, including checking seat assignments, and verifying flight information and status. The Resort Airline Check-In Desks cannot make any changes to flight arrangements or make new flight reservations.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]* This service is not provided by Disney. A third-party company approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates the Resort Airline Check-In on behalf of the participating airlines.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]* Some persons have reported a wait of over 30 minutes at the Resort Airline check-in desk during peak times. If you are within 3 hours of your departure time, you should bypass this service and get your boarding passes at the airport.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Exceptions: [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]* This service is also not offered for the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, Shades of Green, or Downtown Disney Area resorts. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]* It is not valid for Disney's Vero Beach Resort and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort.[/FONT]
*****​
 
Upvote 0

CleveRocks

Active Member
Can someone tell me exactly how to go about getting the airline check in at the resorts? We are flying down Dec. 2 on Southwest, using DME, staying at POR. We wanted to extend our trip by a day but were not able to get a room at POR so we are checking out there on Dec. 10 and heading to CBR for a night. Can we just notify the desk at CBR then that we want to use the airline check in? I want to make sure they will still be able to check us in and print out our boarding passes with only a little more than 24 hours notice. This is the first time using all of this. We normally drive but got a good deal on flights this time!:veryconfu Thanks!!!
There is no notice to give. You just go to the Resort Airline Check-in desk and check-in. Period.

No reservations. No advance notice.

Resort Airline Check-in is EXACTLY the same as curbside check-in at the airport. Just like you don't need to give the airline notice that you'll be using curbside check-in, you don't need to give the airline or the resort any notice that you'll be using Resort Airline Check-in.

If you plan to be taking the Disney's Magical Express bus from CBR to the airport, THAt you need to make a reservation for.

It's easy to lump Resort Airline Check-in and Disney's Magical Express together, but they are two separate, unrelated services.
 
Upvote 0
Thank you!!! Someone had told me we needed to give them 48 hours notice for the airline check in. I was concerned with changing hotels and POR checking us in and having our boarding passes when we will be at CBR. We are all set with the DME...I should have left that part out. I do realize they are two different things. Again, I appreciate the help with the airline check in. Thanks!:)
 
Upvote 0

PhilharMagician

Well-Known Member
Thanks, Previous to this year I've used DME many times, but this is the first year I believe that Southwest is participating in the baggage delivery. I'm looking forward to not worrying about wrestling my luggage with an overexcited toddler!

Southwest passangers were always able to use DME which automatically delivered your luggage (and you) from the airport to your Disney resort. With this service you would tag the luggage with the special DME tags, check your luggage at you hometown airport and you woulkd not have to touch your bags until they arrived in your resort room. The only thing you could not do prior to this year was airline check-in. This means that when you left WDW to go home you had to take your own bags and check-in for your flight at the airport. We always went to the front desk concierge and had them print our Southwest boarding passes (as close to 24 hours) so we could get "A" boarding. Of course we had to take our own bags to the airport.
 
Upvote 0

CleveRocks

Active Member
Thank you!!! Someone had told me we needed to give them 48 hours notice for the airline check in. I was concerned with changing hotels and POR checking us in and having our boarding passes when we will be at CBR. We are all set with the DME...I should have left that part out. I do realize they are two different things. Again, I appreciate the help with the airline check in. Thanks!:)
The person who said "48 hours" was probably confusing Resort Airline Check-in with the Disney's Magical Express bus ride back to the airport. For someone who hasn't already done so, they need to make a return DME bus reservation 48 hours or so before departure.
 
Upvote 0

fosse76

Well-Known Member
The person who said "48 hours" was probably confusing Resort Airline Check-in with the Disney's Magical Express bus ride back to the airport. For someone who hasn't already done so, they need to make a return DME bus reservation 48 hours or so before departure.

Since when? I've done it as late as the day of departure.
 
Upvote 0

sshindel

The Epcot Manifesto
Southwest passangers were always able to use DME which automatically delivered your luggage (and you) from the airport to your Disney resort. With this service you would tag the luggage with the special DME tags, check your luggage at you hometown airport and you woulkd not have to touch your bags until they arrived in your resort room. The only thing you could not do prior to this year was airline check-in. This means that when you left WDW to go home you had to take your own bags and check-in for your flight at the airport. We always went to the front desk concierge and had them print our Southwest boarding passes (as close to 24 hours) so we could get "A" boarding. Of course we had to take our own bags to the airport.

I had to look this up because I thought I was crazy thinking that we were not allowed to check baggage through using Southwest:

http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010...with-disneys-magical-express-shuttle-service/


"While Southwest customers staying at Disney hotels have always been able to ride the Magical Express shuttles to the airport, they previously had to carry their luggage with them and check in for their flights themselves once they arrived at OIA. Now they no longer have to worry about such airport hassles — potentially freeing them to spend a few extra hours spending money on Disney property before departing for home."
 
Upvote 0

lumpydj

Active Member
I had to look this up because I thought I was crazy thinking that we were not allowed to check baggage through using Southwest:

http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010...with-disneys-magical-express-shuttle-service/


"While Southwest customers staying at Disney hotels have always been able to ride the Magical Express shuttles to the airport, they previously had to carry their luggage with them and check in for their flights themselves once they arrived at OIA. Now they no longer have to worry about such airport hassles — potentially freeing them to spend a few extra hours spending money on Disney property before departing for home."

I've always flown into MCO not OIA. Maybe that's the confusion. Also, I've bolded the part that talks about returning TO the airport - not taking ME FROM the airport at arrival.
 
Upvote 0

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom