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Post by WettCoast on Aug 1, 2024 16:38:11 GMT -8
BC Ferries provides baggage service to walk-on passengers on all of the major & northern routes (I am pretty sure), but it seems that most users are unaware. Its not like its an expensive service as there is no charge. Baggage is kept in what seems to me to be relatively secure storage and you don't have to wait long for it (a few minutes, maybe) when you get off the boat at the other end of your journey. Best of all it frees you up from dragging around suitcases/backpacks while on the boat. I have used the service often, and only keep with me valuable stuff like cameras/computer.
So why don't more people use it?
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Neil
Voyager 
Posts: 7,289
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Post by Neil on Aug 1, 2024 20:30:29 GMT -8
BC Ferries provides baggage service to walk-on passengers on all of the major & northern routes (I am pretty sure), but it seems that most users are unaware. Its not like its an expensive service as there is no charge. Baggage is kept in what seems to me to be relatively secure storage and you don't have to wait long for it (a few minutes, maybe) when you get off the boat at the other end of your journey. Best of all it frees you up from dragging around suitcases/backpacks while on the boat. I have used the service often, and only keep with me valuable stuff like cameras/computer.
So why don't more people use it?
I know... I'm always a bit curious about people shlepping their suitcases around vessels and up and down the long corridors at Tsawwassen. Maybe they don't know about the baggage service, or maybe they do, but they just don't trust BC Ferries to actually get their essentials on and off the boats. BC Ferries needs to publicize the service more, but maybe they don't want to, because it actually costs them money to do it? Look at how airlines are trying to penalize people for their personal possessions... although I understand that that is a bit different, being partly more focussed on weight. |
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Post by WettCoast on Aug 1, 2024 21:29:34 GMT -8
Or maybe the people that handle the baggage like things the way they are, not too much work to be done. BCFS Does not do anything to promote the service.
Note that Hullo is now charging for large bags/suitcases, and its not cheap. |
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Post by arrrrmatey on Aug 3, 2024 7:09:17 GMT -8
I think part of the problem here is that BCF is too restrictive of what you can check as baggage. Nothing over 50lbs, no boxes/coolers/totes etc. Basically the only thing that you’re allowed that isn’t a suitcase is car seats. There is no option to self-load or pay for heavy or oversized items.
I can understand the 50lb limit, since that affects the employee on the other end who has to unload the cart and has no control over what was put in there.
I worked as a seasonal terminal attendant at Tsawassen for a couple of summers in college and spent a lot of time loading the luggage carts… there is a lot of misunderstanding from the general public because they expect it it to either be less restrictive than airline luggage or at least have options for oversized or overweight luggage.
Worst time is Labour Day weekend, when kids are moving to college for the fall and come through with boxes and totes and all kinds of stuff. A lot of that stuff gets turned away if I remember correctly.
I recall once a couple of guys coming home from what must have been a fishing trip lugged a huge cooler into the luggage area that must have been at least 100lbs, and expected us to take it lol. The best we could do was offer them one of the wheelchairs to get it up to the foot passenger lounge.
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