WestJet has been criticized by Canada’s transport regulator for creating obstacles for travelers with disabilities by restricting certain power wheelchairs from its aircraft. The Canadian Transportation Agency has ruled that WestJet must remove its 136-kilogram (300-pound) weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027.
To address the issue, the regulator suggested that WestJet utilize “spreader plates” to evenly distribute the weight of wheelchairs in the cargo hold and make alternative travel arrangements with other airlines until the weight cap is lifted.
The case was initiated by Steven Fletcher, a resident of Winnipeg and former federal minister of state for transport, after he was prevented from flying with his customized wheelchair on a Winnipeg to Toronto flight last year. Fletcher and other advocates argue that the weight restriction has hindered air travel in certain regions and discriminated against individuals with disabilities.
Fletcher criticized WestJet for marginalizing and excluding Canadians with disabilities due to an arbitrary weight limit, emphasizing that proactive measures should have been taken to accommodate power wheelchairs.
WestJet declined to comment on the matter as it is still under regulatory review. The Canadian Transportation Agency is expected to issue a final decision on the advance notice requirements for passengers using mobility aids.
Last year, WestJet defended the weight limit as crucial for flight safety and compliance with accessibility regulations. The company determined the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 following a technical evaluation of its Boeing aircraft cargo hold weight limits.
Advocates highlight the significant impact on mobility for individuals who rely on power wheelchairs and note that most airlines have less stringent restrictions in place. Cases like Fletcher’s and a 14-year-old girl from Saskatoon being denied travel due to heavy wheelchairs have raised concerns over the limitations imposed by airlines.
Advocates argue that prohibiting power wheelchairs poses a challenge, especially when key airlines like WestJet and Flair Airlines maintain strict weight caps on Boeing 737 jets, which make up a significant portion of their fleets.
American Airlines faced a similar situation in 2020 but later revised its policy after public outcry. The limitations imposed by airlines on power wheelchairs have implications for travelers with disabilities, especially on routes served by only a few carriers.
In response to these challenges, advocates stress the importance of ensuring equal access to air travel for all individuals, emphasizing that mobility within one’s own country is a fundamental right, not merely a courtesy.
This ongoing issue underscores the need for airlines to balance safety considerations with the accessibility requirements of passengers with disabilities.