A long-lost Disney World perk may be making a surprise return! While there’s been no official announcement from Disney, we’ve spotted signs that Resort Airline Check-In is quietly being tested once again. Could this mean more convenient travel for guests in the future? Let’s dig into what we know so far.
What Is Resort Airline Check-In?
If you stayed at a Disney hotel before 2020, you might remember the Resort Airline Check-In service. This program allowed guests to check their luggage directly from their Disney resort and have it sent to their home airport—eliminating the need to haul suitcases through Orlando International Airport. It was a huge perk for families and frequent travelers, making departure day much smoother.
A Quiet Test at Pop Century Resort
Right now, this service is only available at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, but there are plans to expand it to other Value Resorts starting in April. The interesting part? There are no official signs or marketing materials promoting it! Instead, the only way guests are finding out about it is through word of mouth or by visiting the Luggage Assistance desk.
The program is not being directly operated by Disney this time around. Instead, it’s run by Bag Check, a company founded by Craig Mateer, the same person behind Bags, Inc.—the original operator of Resort Airline Check-In.
Only Available for Southwest Airlines (For Now)
As of now, this service is limited to Southwest Airlines passengers. Disney has not confirmed if other airlines will be added, but depending on demand, more options could become available in the future.
How Does It Work?
Guests staying at a participating resort can check in their luggage at the Luggage Assistance desk before heading to the airport. Here’s what you need to know:
- The service is only available for Southwest Airlines flights.
- Guests must already be checked in for their flight and have paid any baggage fees.
- Once the bags are checked, guests will not have access to them again until they reach their final destination.
Important Timing Rules
- If your flight is before 1 PM: Bags must be checked the night before departure.
- If your flight is after 1 PM: Bags can be checked the morning of departure, but at least four hours before takeoff.
The Best Part? It’s Free!
Unlike many other Disney services that have seen price increases in recent years, Resort Airline Check-In is completely free to use! That’s right—there are no additional fees for this service, making it an extra-convenient perk for those flying Southwest.
What Could This Mean for the Future?
While there’s no confirmation that other discontinued Disney perks will return, this test is a promising sign that guest convenience is back on the company’s radar. Could this be a step toward bringing back Magical Express or other complimentary services? We’ll have to wait and see!
For now, we’ll be keeping an eye on the expansion of Resort Airline Check-In. Would you use this service if it returned to all Disney hotels? Let us know in the comments!
Yes that was the best part of arriving at the airport in Florida and not have to go get your luggage and shows up in your room and then at the end it shows up with your final destination when you get home that was well worth it. I wish all Airlines would get back on it and Disney
Please bring back the Jet Blue Airline Resort check in!! It was an Amazing hassle free service!!
Would absolutely use resort check in. We fly Delta mostly so please look into more airlines. Also love the Magical express bus so please bring that back too!!
Yes yes yes. I travel with son in wheelchair that I push. I can’t express how much I miss the baggage service. Both from airport to our room and then back at end of trip. I have been saying I would be willing to pay for the service even. We miss the Disney busses but miss the baggage service most. We are DVC at Bay Lake.