A BC Ferries passenger, Edward Thomas, along with his two children, had a confusing experience returning home from a Christmas visit with his mom. They boarded a ferry in Sechelt, B.C., and landed in Horseshoe Bay. Thomas purchased tickets to Nanaimo in the Horseshoe Bay gift shop as they were tight for time to make the next sailing. However, they were approached by a BC Ferries employee who accused them of not having tickets. After showing the tickets, the employee then asked about their luggage and accused them of using the ferries as a courier service, which left Thomas confused. As a result of the delay caused by this interaction, they missed the sailing and had to wait for the next one.
BC Ferries stated that they cannot share details regarding specific customer incidents due to privacy reasons but mentioned that staff work hard to follow safety and security protocols. The company requires passengers to travel on the same sailing as their checked bags to ensure luggage is properly accounted for and to minimize risks. In some instances, individuals have been dropping off items at terminals and leaving, which is not permitted. To address this issue, BC Ferries may confirm ticketing details to ensure baggage matches the intended destination, especially when tickets are purchased onboard or at a location other than the terminal. In this case, the company stated that its staff followed standard protocols and no security personnel were involved.
Thomas expressed his confusion and frustration with the situation, stating that he just wanted to make it home with his kids. Being stopped and checked by security in front of his children and in public was an uncomfortable experience for him. BC Ferries acknowledged that these situations can be challenging for both customers and staff. The company emphasized the importance of following baggage policies to ensure safety and security for all passengers. Despite the inconvenience faced by Thomas and his family, BC Ferries maintained that their staff followed standard procedures and did not involve security personnel in this incident.
BC Ferries’ policy of requiring passengers to travel on the same sailing as their checked bags is aimed at ensuring luggage is properly accounted for and to minimize risks. The company mentioned that individuals have been using the ferries as a courier service by dropping off items at terminals and leaving, which goes against their policies. To address this issue, BC Ferries staff may confirm ticketing details at certain terminals to ensure baggage matches the intended destination, particularly when tickets are purchased onboard or at a location other than the terminal. In the case of Edward Thomas, the company stated that its staff followed industry best practices and no security personnel were involved, but it recognized that such situations can be challenging for both customers and staff.
Edward Thomas and his children experienced a delay and missed their sailing after being approached by a BC Ferries employee who accused them of not having tickets and questioned them about their luggage. Thomas was confused by the accusations of using the ferries as a courier service and found the experience to be bizarre. BC Ferries stated that they prioritize safety and security for all passengers and require them to travel on the same sailing as their checked bags to minimize risks. While Thomas expressed frustration at being stopped and checked in front of his children, the company maintained that their staff followed standard protocols in this situation.
