Convenience continues to be a top priority at Walt Disney World, and the new Airport Luggage Transfer service aims to simplify travel for guests staying at select Value Resort hotels. Designed to assist Southwest Airlines passengers, this service streamlines the process of checking in luggage, reducing stress as your magical vacation comes to an end.
Below, we explore the details of how this service works, which resorts are participating, and what you need to know before using it.
Introduction to Airport Luggage Transfer
Airport Luggage Transfer (ALT) brings back a version of Walt Disney World’s previous Resort Airline Check-In service, adapting it for current travel demands. This complimentary service allows guests to check their luggage directly from their Disney Value Resort to their Southwest Airlines flight departing from Orlando International Airport (MCO). By eliminating the need to check bags at the airport, this service gives travelers more time to enjoy their stay right up to their departure.
How the Service Works
Using the Airport Luggage Transfer service is straightforward and designed for ease of use. Here’s how it works step by step:
- Check-In and Inform the Resort
Upon arrival at your Value Resort, visit or call Luggage Assistance to express interest in the service. It’s important to keep the inbound Southwest Airlines tags on your bags from your flight to ensure a seamless handoff. - Prepare for Departure
Check in for your Southwest Airlines flight online the day before departure. - Drop-Off Process
Bring your luggage to the Luggage Assistance desk by the required drop-off time. If needed, staff can help retrieve your bags from your room. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID when dropping off your luggage. - Skip Airport Check-In
Once your bags are sent, head directly to security and pick up your belongings at your destination’s baggage claim.
The drop-off timing varies depending on your flight’s departure. For flights before 1 PM, bags should be dropped off by 1 AM the night before. For later flights, luggage must be dropped off at least four hours before departure, but no later than 1 PM.
Participating Resorts
Currently, the Airport Luggage Transfer service is only available at Disney Value Resorts. The participating hotels include:
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Guests staying at these resorts on Southwest Airlines flights can take advantage of the ease offered by Airport Luggage Transfer. Worth noting, this service is exclusively for departures from MCO and cannot be used for arrival luggage transfers to the resorts.
Important Considerations
While the Airport Luggage Transfer service brings convenience, a few limitations and guidelines should be kept in mind to ensure a smooth experience:
- Southwest Airlines Only
Presently, the service is limited to Southwest Airlines flights. Other airlines are not yet included in the program. - Luggage Assistance Hours
The designated drop-off area is available from 5 AM to 1 AM daily. - No Additional Services
The service does not include transportation for guests to the airport or the ability to print boarding passes. Travelers should arrange separate transportation and complete boarding pass retrieval before arriving at the airport. - Baggage Tracking
Once the luggage is checked, tracking is available via the Southwest Airlines app.
Why Consider Airport Luggage Transfer?
Airport Luggage Transfer offers a practical solution for busy travelers who prefer to minimize complications on travel day. By handling luggage check-in from your Value Resort, the service saves time and gives guests the flexibility to focus on their vacation for as long as possible.
If you’re staying at a participating Disney Value Resort and flying with Southwest Airlines, the Airport Luggage Transfer service is worth utilizing. It’s another example of Walt Disney World’s commitment to making your visit as seamless and stress-free as possible.
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Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
