The return of Walt Disney World’s Resort Airline Check-In service marks a significant convenience for guests, enabling them to seamlessly handle their departure logistics. Originally discontinued in 2020, this popular service allowed travelers to check in their luggage directly from their Disney Resort.
Now, with a limited pilot program in action, guests once again have access to this feature, making their vacation experience even smoother. Below, we’ll discuss all the details of the program, including availability, how it works, and what you should know before you plan your trip.
What is Resort Airline Check-In?
Resort Airline Check-In is a service that allows guests to check in for their flights and drop off their luggage directly at their Disney Resort before heading to the airport. For eligible travelers, this means no more hauling suitcases through the airport. Instead, your bags are transported from the resort to your flight, allowing you to enjoy the final moments of your Disney vacation stress-free.
The service streamlines the departure process and extends the convenience of the “Disney Bubble,” enabling more hassle-free travel. It’s especially helpful for families or groups who wish to spend their departure day at the parks or other Disney offerings without worrying about luggage storage or airport check-in lines.
Where is the Service Available?
Currently, the Resort Airline Check-In pilot program is available exclusively at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, one of Walt Disney World’s Value Resorts. The pilot will expand to other Value Resorts in the coming months, making it accessible to more travelers.
Guests staying at Deluxe or Moderate Resorts also have the option to use the service by spending their departure night at a participating Value Resort. This flexibility ensures that more guests can take advantage of the service as it continues to roll out.
How Does the Service Work?
The process for using Resort Airline Check-In is designed to be straightforward and efficient:
- Eligibility
- You must be staying at a participating Disney Resort and flying with Southwest Airlines, which is currently the only carrier supported during the pilot.
- Guests must be checked in for their flight and have any baggage fees paid before using the service.
- Check-In Procedure
- Visit the Luggage Assistance desk at the participating resort on the day of your departure.
- For flights departing before 1 PM, guests must check in their bags the evening before. For later flights, bags can be checked in on the morning of departure but no less than four hours before the flight.
- Bag Drop-Off
- Once your luggage is checked in, it will be securely transported to the airport and loaded onto your flight. After dropping off your bags, guests will no longer have access to them, so make sure not to pack anything you’ll need before your flight.
The procedure is operated by a third-party company called Bag Check, whose team ensures the service runs smoothly.
Important Details to Know
Here are a few key considerations for using Resort Airline Check-In:
- Complimentary Service: The service is free for eligible guests during the pilot program.
- Logistics: Make sure to confirm your flight information and eligibility requirements before heading to the Luggage Assistance desk.
- Limited Marketing: There is currently no signage or large-scale promotion of the program at this stage, so guests must inquire directly with Cast Members for details.
Offering valuable time savings and convenience, the service is structured to keep operations manageable during its pilot phase.
Enhancing the Guest Experience
The return of Resort Airline Check-In adds a thoughtful convenience for Disney guests, particularly those who want to focus on enjoying their departure day without the hassle of luggage. This service is perfect for making the transition from “vacation mode” to “travel mode” as smooth as possible.
For now, guests using Southwest Airlines and staying at a Value Resort have an excellent opportunity to simplify their travel plans and make the most of their time at Walt Disney World. We hope to see the future bring an expansion of this service to additional airlines and Disney resorts, including possibly Disney Vacation Club resorts!
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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.
