Copa Airlines’ No-Cash Baggage Policy Derails Guyana’s Junior Cyclists

Upon arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana, Aaton Newton, Alexander Leung, Ajani Cutting, and Berbician Sidwell Sandy were excited. They were all set to board their Copa Airlines Flight to the Dominican Republic. They are junior cyclists all set to represent Guyana in the 2023 Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships. However, soon, their hopes and dreams turned out to be nothing but disappointment.

These four promising junior cyclists from Guyana found themselves unable to represent their country at a major cycling championship. This group included the reigning national junior and juvenile champions. However, the reason is not anything related to any qualification regulations, or even sporting rules. The reason happens to be borderline ridiculous. Copa Airlines’ stringent no-cash payment policy for special baggage. A policy that left these aspiring athletes and their dreams stranded at the airport.

A Costly Surprise at the Airport

Copa Airlines informed the cyclists of the hefty US$400 charge for transporting each racing bike. To add insult to injury, they also levied an additional US$40 fee per bike. This pushed the total cost for their precious equipment to a staggering US$1760. With the goal of representing their country in a major tournament, they were ready to settle the fees. This is where Copa Airlines dropped a bombshell. They wouldn’t accept cash, only credit cards.

The parents, including Maria Leung, mother of Alexander Leung, tried to reason with the airline’s supervisor on duty. However, they reiterated and enforced the strict no-cash policy. The young cyclists were still trying their best, contacting their sponsors to get this sorted. However, the supervisor then dropped another bombshell. The airlines required the physical presence of the cardholders.  They couldn’t transfer the money virtually either.

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Despite their best efforts, the young cyclists found themselves trapped in a bureaucratic web. As the clock ticked away and frustration grew, they realized their dreams of competing in the 2023 Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships were slipping away.

Desperate Attempts and Visa Hurdles 

Faced with the grim reality of missing the tournament they had worked so hard for, the team explored alternatives. Their first glimmer of hope came in the form of Caribbean Airlines. However, their attempts to secure another flight proved futile. The hurdle they encountered this time was not related to payment but rather a lack of US Visas, as only two of the riders possessed them.

With their options narrowing by the minute, a sponsor stepped in, willing to book the team on American Airlines. However, this lifeline was abruptly severed. Like Copa America, American Airlines also requires credit cards.

For Aaron Newton, Alexander Leung, Ajani Cutting, and Berbician Sidwell Sandy, along with Sean Chin-Chan, the dedicated chaperone, the 2023 Junior Caribbean Cycling Championships was a golden opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage. Yet, due to the rigid payment policies of both airlines, their dreams were shattered.

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