Calgary teens in Europe at the Junior World Orienteering Championships lost their luggage even after WestJet lost their luggage about two weeks ago. Say you are.
Andrew McLaren is worried that he won't be able to play next week if the bag with orienteering gear doesn't come out soon.
"[I] are just frustrated," said 18-year-old McLaren, a student at McLaren University.
He is not the only one. Loss of baggage is alatest challengefaced by air travelers as a post-pandemic travel boom, coupled with an ongoing staff shortage at the airport. This will lead to flight cancellations and long lineups.
For McLaren, it was a long journey, even before the missing bag groaned his plans. He flew first from Calgary to Edmonton, then from Edmonton to Toronto, and finally from Toronto to Spain.
The McLaren bag contained a Team Canada uniform and special high-grip running shoes. He needs both to compete in orienteering.
McLaren repeatedly said that WestJet had a bag in the middle, but said he hadn't seen it yet. The latest promise is that WestJet will send it to Porto. That way, his teammates will be able to receive it on their way to the competition starting in Portugal next Monday.
"Given my experience so far, I don't expect much about it," he said.
WestJet said in his statement that he could not comment on a particular situation at McLaren. A spokeswoman said the airline is aware that travelers are dealing with delays, including baggage delays.
"We are working with third party service partners to reduce baggage delays and to support those who are responsible for the prompt response and delivery of baggage service. , We are investing in additional WestJet oversight, "said a spokeswoman.
For now, McLaren wants to rush to order uniforms in bulk and order new shoes in case the bag isn't in time. He is also trying to stay positive.
"Just relax and expect the best," he said.
