Airport Luggage Transfer Program Now Available for One Airline at Disney’s Value Resorts
Earlier this week, Disney began testing a pilot program called Airport Luggage Transfer (ALT) at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. It’s a service similar to the former Resort Airline Check-in, which ended a few years ago, along with the former Magical Express service that transported guests to and from the airport.
As of this morning, Disney has officially announced that it is testing the new Airport Luggage Transfer service at all five of its value resorts. Airport Luggage Transfer allows guests to check their luggage at the resort. Then they take care of the rest. You can go about your day and head to the airport at your convenience. You won’t have to check your luggage when you arrive at the airport because it’s already been done. You’ll pick up the luggage when your flight lands. It’s so simple, and you won’t have the headache of trying to keep up with everything.
Update: Since this service was announced, it has been expanded to other airlines. Additionally, the ALT program now works both ways for arrivals and departures for those traveling via domestic flights.
Here is a statement released by Disney.
We continue to work with Orlando International Airport on ways we can help manage the high demand for travel to Central Florida and improve the experience for our guests and other airport passengers. As part of these efforts, we are working with a vendor to pilot a new one-way service for guests at Disney Value Resorts to conveniently check their luggage prior to departure when flying out of the airport on Southwest Airlines. We look forward to sharing more information with guests soon.
Official Disney Spokesperson
How ALT Works
The following excerpt from the Walt Disney World website shares details for how the new service works:
- At the beginning of your stay, check in at your Disney Value Resort hotel and call or visit Luggage Assistance to take advantage of this service. For a smoother experience, leave your inbound Southwest Airlines tags on your bags.
- The day before your departure, check in for your Southwest Airlines flight online.
- Drop off your bags at Luggage Assistance in the Resort hotel lobby area by the required drop-off time. Please be aware that you will need to provide a valid form of photo identification in order to drop off your bags. You can also call Luggage Assistance from your in-room telephone to ask for help with your bags.
- Head to the airport, skip the check-in line, enjoy your flight, and pick up your bags at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination.
This service is subject to change or cancellation without notice or liability.
When to Drop Off Your Bags
It is strongly encouraged that you drop off your bags the night before your scheduled departure. However, if you need some extra time, you can do the following:
- When Flying Before 1:00 p.m. – Drop your bags off by 1:00 a.m. the night before your flight.
- When Flying After 1:00 p.m. – Drop your bags off at least 4 hours before departure or no later than 1:00 p.m., whichever comes first.
Luggage Assistance is available to receive luggage any time from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Participating Disney Resort Hotels
This service is only available at the following resort hotels:
- 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
Please be aware that this service is only available if you are checking out from one of the Disney Value Resort hotels listed above and your return flight is with Southwest Airlines.
If you plan to take advantage of this service, a list of frequently asked questions is available here on Disney’s site. It’s important to note that this service is currently only available for guests on their departure day. This is a one-way transfer from a value resort to MCO. At this time, you must be flying with Southwest Airlines to take part in the pilot program. This is a complimentary offering.
We are happy to see this new resort benefit added. You might also enjoy our overview of the perks of staying on Disney Property. Check back with Resorts Gal for more on the resorts, news, and updates!
In the Comments
Are you excited that this new airline luggage program is being tested? Will it make a difference to you? Let us know in the comments!
