Southwest Airlines has joined forces with Bags To Go Enterprises, an off-airport check in service, so that for $20 per person, cruise customers can check up to three bags and obtain boarding passes for their return flight at the cruise ship's port. The service is being launched at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport in Florida, for clients disembarking at either the Miami or Everglades ports; other locations are to follow. "Off-site check in is a growing trend in the airline industry," said Laura Adams, the airline's director of central baggage services. "We hope to expand this convenience to every Southwest destination where it will make sense for our customers."
Security standards are upheld by transporting the luggage to the airport in a vehicle screened by the Transportation Security Administration. The service already is available at select locations in Las Vegas, including the Venetian and Luxor hotels, the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Las Vegas McCarran Rent-A-Car Center. Visit [www.southwest.com]. (JM)