Jessica Pegula has thanked a baggage services employee who helped her after a chaotic travel disruption left her without her luggage, and has asked United Airlines to give him time off to watch tennis.
Pegula described the incident in a post on X. She said United cancelled her flight, directed passengers to baggage claim and then reinstated the flight, which departed with their bags. She also said passengers had spent more than two hours on the plane in heavy rain while others returned to the gate, and that baggage services staff initially could not explain what was happening.
After the airline responded with an apology and asked her to send her confirmation number by direct message, Pegula replied: “Where are my bags.”
The issue appeared to be resolved late on Tuesday. Pegula credited Pete, an employee at baggage services at Palm Springs International Airport, with being the only person who helped with the bags, and asked United to let him attend the WTA Finals.
Pegula is due to compete at the season-ending tournament in Indian Wells. Her first match is scheduled for Sunday, against Coco Gauff in an all-American clash, according to the report. Elena Rybakina and Linda Noskova are set to play earlier that day.
Sources: Tennis365.