by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 10:05 AM ET, Wed January 7, 2026
Passengers on two WestJet flights from Regina to Puerto Vallarta arrived at their destination a lot lighter than they had planned. Due to what the airline blames on factors including “the volume of luggage, maximum weight and runway conditions,” some of the baggage on the Jan. 1 and Jan. 3, 2026 flights was off-loaded in Regina.
Passengers told local news outlets they didn’t realize how much baggage was left in Regina until they arrived in Puerto Vallarta missing more than 70 pieces of checked luggage.
Traveller Stephanie Edwards expressed surprise when she spoke to CBC News, as it’s a direct flight and they didn’t expect any delays. “I would never in a million years think on a direct flight like your bag is going to get lost or delayed. It gets on the plane with you, and it gets off the plane with you,” Edwards said.
Passengers tracking their bags with AirTags reported seeing them in Calgary, Edmonton, Texas and Cancun.
As call volumes are high, WestJet is directing passengers to the website for help. “The luggage is currently being routed to Puerto Vallarta. We sincerely apologize to guests for this inconvenience, guests who experienced luggage delays can visit flight interruptions and passenger rights where they can submit a claim,” the airline said in a statement to CTV News.
Passenger Darren Stoppler told CBC that the airline offered him $100 to cover essentials until his luggage and golf clubs arrived. Passenger rights advocate Gabor Lukacs reminds passengers that airlines are responsible for interim expenses due to delayed luggage. “If you were going for a wedding, it may mean a suit, tuxedo, dress, shoes. If you were going to a golf club, then it may mean replacing or renting your golfing equipment,” Lukacs told CTV.
“It depends on the circumstances, but the airline cannot limit you to a couple hundred dollars per day while you’re waiting for your baggage.”
Passengers should keep their receipts for the expenses they incur and submit their claim to the airline as soon as possible. The passengers on these flights with tracking devices in their suitcases felt they were a help and this is a good reminder to pack essentials, including medicine, in your carry-on. Even for a direct flight.
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