Disney Magical Express Participating Airlines

[ChuckC]

Quick question: Is US Airways a participating airline for DME? If not, what are the participating airlines as of this moment?:confused:

Thanks.

[Drince88]

According to the DME FAQ page on Disney's website --

Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Continental
Delta Air Lines
JetBlue
Northwest
United/Ted
AirTran

Just a reminder to everyone - this is only for the Resort Check-in. ALL travel from MCO to WDW is the same, regardless of airline - the ONLY difference is that going back to WDW from the resort, if you're not on one of these airlines, you have to do the check-in and baggage check just like you did at home.

[Greg in TN]

There are a lot of "participating" airlines. I'm not sure if USAir is or not. But, as far as I know, the only differentiation between a "participating" or "non-participating" airline is whether you can check your bags @ your Disney resort for your return flight ("participating"), or whether you have to take them on DME with you, and check them yourself @ the airport("non-participating").

You can use DME with ANY airline that flys into Orlando Int'l Airport. And for your ARRIVAL flight, your bags will be picked up by DME & delivered directly to your resort regardless of what airline you use, if you want them to.

We've used DME several times and have always been VERY pleased. :D

[ChuckC]

Just a reminder to everyone - this is only for the Resort Check-in. ALL travel from MCO to WDW is the same, regardless of airline - the ONLY difference is that going back to WDW from the resort, if you're not on one of these airlines, you have to do the check-in and baggage check just like you did at home.

Thanks Cathy,

So if I fly into MCO on USAir, my baggage will be handled and delivered as per DME's practice? And if I depart MCO on American Airlines, I can check in and receive my boarding pass at my resort (SSR) and my baggage will be handled as usual by DME and the airline as usual until I deplane in Hartford?

[Drince88]

You got it, ChuckC.

If the airlines were switched, the answer would be the same going on vacation, but different going home.

[ourtrip]

US Airways does participate in the Magical Express. I think you may be confused about the way some airlines have DME for BOTH trips to the airport. US Airways does not allow you to use DME on the return trip to the airport. So, you have to get your bags when you leave the bus and check them for your return flight yourself. Some airlines allow Disney to check the bags on the return trip as well.

[biolabetty]

I loved the resort airline check in. I would highly recommend doing it if your airline is participating. It was wonderful to receive our boarding passes and have our bags all checked in before heading out for some more fun at Epcot, and making it back in time to catch the ME. Nothing to mess with at the airport at all.

[Mark Goldhaber]

Actually, US Airways is now participating in Resort Check-in, but they are having terrible problems with the computer system, and you've got a 50-50 shot of having to take your luggage with you and check in at the airport. I've heard some stories about problems with US Airways check-in that are amazing. But sometimes it does work. They're working on the problem and they'll eventually get it right.

[Drince88]

I was thinking it was US Air that was having the huge issues - but since I went to the Disney page to get the airlines, I figured I was remembering wrong.

I just hope they can get it straightened out, because there's no way they can handle the added volume of Southwest until they do!

[bradk]

there are also some technicalities here for eligibility for RAC.

1) the RAC desk is open from 5 am - 1 pm and you must check in for your flight 3-12 hours prior to departure. this means flights between 1 am and 8 am are ineligible (and if you're flying at say 10 pm, you won't be making rope drop at a park that day, or you'll have to return by 1 pm).

2) it's domestic flights only (and PR). even if your destination is international with a stop in the US, you won't be eligible.