Airport Luggage Transfer Now Works Both Ways for Select Disney World Guests
The Airport Luggage Transfer pilot program (ALT), first introduced at Disney’s Value Resorts earlier this summer, has been updated to offer arrival service in addition to departures. Guests staying at select Disney Resort Hotels can utilize the pilot program to transfer their luggage to and from Orlando International Airport when flying with Southwest Airlines. This service is offered by a company called Bag Check.
Who Qualifies for ALT
Guests staying at one of the following resort hotels can take advantage of the program. Remember, this program is exclusive to those flying Southwest Airlines AND staying at these resorts:
- 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
How the Service Works When Arriving at Disney World
Per the following instructions on Disney’s website, guests can send their bags ahead to participating Disney Resort Hotels.
- Fill out the registration form for the Airport Luggage Transfer at Disney service anytime from 30 days to 5 days before your departure flight. You will need your Disney Resort confirmation number and your Southwest Airlines confirmation number when you register. You will receive a confirmation email after registering.
- Check in to your flight online as normal and pay any necessary baggage fees.
- Head to the airport and follow the Southwest Airlines procedure to drop off your luggage.
- Enjoy your flight!
- Upon arrival at Orlando International Airport, skip baggage claim and head directly to Walt Disney World Resort. Your luggage will arrive at your Resort hotel in under 4 hours.
This service is subject to change or cancellation without notice or liability.
How This Service Works for Departures
As a reminder, here are Disney’s instructions on how the departure service works:
- Check in for your Southwest Airlines flight online starting 24 hours before departure and pay any necessary baggage fees via the Southwest mobile app or 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 government-issued 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. For a smoother experience, leave all inbound tags on 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 final 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 PM: Drop your bags off by 1:00 AM the night before your flight.
- When Flying After 1:00 PM: Drop your bags off at least 4 hours before departure or no later than 1:00 PM—whichever comes first.
Luggage Assistance is available to receive luggage any time from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, daily. You’re also welcome to use your in-room phone to contact Luggage Assistance.
If you plan to take advantage of this service, a list of frequently asked questions is available here on Disney’s site.
Final Thoughts
We are happy to see this pilot program begin the testing phase for arrivals. We hope the offering will be expanded to even more resorts and airlines in time. It always felt like a lifesaver to have your bags magically appear in your room after a long travel day. It was also a bonus not to have to worry about them on your checkout day. If you are staying at one of the resorts that offer this service (and flying Southwest), we hope you’ll be able to utilize this currently complimentary offering.
For more resort benefits, see our overview: Disney Resort Hotel Benefits Explained.
Whether you’re new to the world of Disney or a seasoned pro in search of a new adventure, their goal is to help you plan a tailor-made experience like no other. Check with our travel partner, Firefly Travels, to begin planning.
In the Comments
What do you think of this new arrival process for Airport Luggage Transfer service? Will you be able to use it? Let us know in the comments.
