Is SWA a participating airline now? About This Page:

[Lisa0101]

Just got my new PassPorter, and noticed on page 75 it has Southwest listed as a participating airline for onboard check-in. Is that correct? I really hope so!

[Dave Marx]

As of now, apparently it is not correct. At least, if we can trust DCL's list of participating airlines in their official FAQ.

There was some confusion back when Southwest was added to Walt Disney World's Resort Airline Check-in service, as to whether it also included the cruise line.

Further, in 2010 Southwest announced to its staff that it was starting to participate in cruise line on-board check-in services in both Orlando and Seattle, but they did not explicitly say they would be participating in DCL's service.

I'll check into this further.

[Lisa0101]

Thanks so much for the clarification. Maybe it will end up being true by the end of this year...we can hope!

[Kerpgh]

Any news on this?? and for ground transfers on the way to the terminal...do you have to go to baggage claim at MCO as well? or is it only for returning after the cruise?
Please help
Im confused

[lindadarrall]

Originally Posted by Kerpgh

and for ground transfers on the way to the terminal...do you have to go to baggage claim at MCO as well? or is it only for returning after the cruise?

If I understand this part of your question correctly, you're asking about flying TO ORLANDO on SWA.... I believe you will put the cruise line tag on your bag before you leave home so Disney will pull it when you arrive in Orlando; no need to go to baggage claim on arrival.

However, returning FROM the cruise ship TO THE AIRPORT, Southwest is not yet one of the airlines offering to get your bags from the ship to the airport; you would need to claim your bags in the port terminal and take them with you to the airport.

That's why we are flying SWA to Orlando but taking Airtran home, since they do participate in the onboard check-in.

Did that answer your question?

And if I'm wrong, someone please correct me and help another Passporter out!

[Dave Marx]

According to my media contact at BAGS, SWA should be part of onboard airline check-in at Port Canaveral. Getting confirmation of the practice, as contrasted to the theory, however, is another matter.

[Kerpgh]

Thank you both so very much....Im seriously considering changing my flight back to a different carrier....as it will be only myself and my too little children (7 and 4) and luggage is the last thing I want to be worried about...as Im a bit nervous about this cruise already!
Keri
If you were me...would you pay a fee and swtich for convenience? My sailing is in May 2012

[rescuesk]

Originally Posted by Kerpgh

Thank you both so very much....Im seriously considering changing my flight back to a different carrier....as it will be only myself and my too little children (7 and 4) and luggage is the last thing I want to be worried about...as Im a bit nervous about this cruise already!
Keri
If you were me...would you pay a fee and swtich for convenience? My sailing is in May 2012

IMHO, I would NOT switch to a different carrier. Southwest rocks, and remember, you'll have bag fees with some other carriers.

How are you getting back from port to MCO? When you get off the ship, grab a porter and he will collect and handle your luggage for you. We generally tip about $10 (3 or 4 bags) and they bring your luggage where it needs to go. When you get to MCO, SWA has curbside check-in, so you literally drop your bags at the curb and they are taken care of. Again, we tip about $5 - $10, depending on the amount of bags.

You are gonna have an awesome cruise...your kids will LOVE it!!!

[Kerpgh]

Thank you so very much!! Im trying to make my decision and I really dont think I want to go through customs with dragging my luggage and 2 little kids...
does everyone take their bags through customs? or with onboard airline checkin..is this done for you...Im more confused now as my TA stated that no matter what carrier...everyone has to take their own bags through customs...
Big hugs
Keri

[j316]

Any recent cruisers - were you able to use onboard check in for Southwest flights out of MCO?
Thanks!

[dnishio]

Got off the Dream Thanksgiving cruise, this PDF is what we got about airline baggage, SWA is not on the list. Not sure if it was 100% accurate though as we did not use the service.

[Dave Marx]

It looks like DCL's sheet needs a little revision. Ted hasn't been in operation since 2009. However, the same list (AirTran, Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, United, and US Air) is given by DCL reservations agents. They used to list the airlines in the FAQ at the DCL web site, but now they don't list the airlines, just describe the service (I guess they didn't want to be responsible for making timely revisions).

Meanwhile, AirTran is now part of Southwest, with planes and routes converting to the Southwest brand... Once the conversion is complete, will they continue participating in onboard airline check-in, or will Airtran simply be removed from the list?

Since BAGS media relations says they serve SWA out of Port Canaveral, but DCL doesn't include SWA in their list... I have to do a bit more digging. When I find out, I'll let you all know.

[CruiseCarol]

I am going this month. I have flights on SW and I have DCL transfers. I will find out for sure. On my DCL docs it does not list SW and it is pretty up to date compared to the hand out. It does not list Ted.

[CruiseCarol]

Just back from a great time on the Dream.
Southwest is still not a participating airline for the onboard check in program.

[Dave Marx]

Thanks Carol!