Southwest Airlines goes with hotel baggage vendor

Wednesday, June 7, 2000 | 10:41 a.m.

Southwest Airlines, the largest air carrier serving McCarran International Airport, has contracted for baggage check-in service at four Las Vegas hotels with Certified Airlines Passenger Service (CAPS). Service began in May.

The agreement allows Southwest passengers to check their bags two to 12 hours before flight time at counters at Mandalay Bay, Imperial Palace, Sahara and Bally's hotel-casinos. By July, Southwest check-ins will be available at Luxor, Paris, the Flamingo Hilton and the Las Vegas Hilton.

Marty Moore, vice president of marketing for CAPS, said the service costs $6 per passenger. Passengers don't have to be hotel guests to use the service.

Southwest joins Delta, America West and Sun Country Airlines as operating carriers signed up for CAPS service. Continental Airlines is under contract with CAPS and will inaugurate service later this summer, Moore said.

CAPS is affiliated with American Baggage Co., which has contracted to move baggage between the airport and resorts for charter operations for 28 years. CAPS evolved from American Baggage as an FAA-certified baggage transport and security company for scheduled air carriers and their passengers. The two companies have 150 employees.