Get ready to wait several days for your luggage to arrive. The only airline flying between Samoa and American Samoa at the moment is under huge pressure in the lead-up to the consecration of the territoryโs catholic bishop later this week.
Inter-Island Air has been out of action for a week due to an engine overhaul and Samoa Air stopped flying last week due to bad weather, leaving Polynesian Air the sole operator.
Our correspondent in Pago Pago says aside from the usual volume of travellers many people are trying to get to American Samoa for the bishopโs consecration.
Monica Miller says in some cases people are having to fly before their luggage.
โWith only the Twin Otters going and Polynesian only has two, and you know, if come for a faโalavelave, as we call it – these cultural obligations – you bring large bundles of fine mats and other foodstuffs.โ
Monica Miller says those passengers are having to wait several days for their luggage to arrive.