WestJet has been criticized by Canada’s transport regulator for creating obstacles for travelers with disabilities by restricting some power wheelchairs from being carried on its planes. The Canadian Transportation Agency recently ruled that WestJet must eliminate its 136-kilogram (300-pound) weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027.
The regulator recommended that WestJet use “spreader plates” to evenly distribute the wheelchair’s weight in the cargo hold and make alternative travel arrangements with other airlines until the weight limit is removed. The case was raised by Steven Fletcher, a Winnipeg resident and former federal minister of state for transport, who was prevented from flying with his customized wheelchair on a Winnipeg to Toronto flight early last year.
Fletcher and other advocates argue that the weight limit has restricted air travel in certain parts of the country and discriminated against individuals with disabilities. WestJet has faced criticism for allegedly stigmatizing and excluding Canadians with disabilities due to an arbitrary weight threshold.
The airline has not commented on the matter as it is still being reviewed by the regulator. The final decision is pending on the advance notice passengers using mobility aids must provide to the airline.
WestJet has defended its weight limit policy, citing flight safety concerns and regulatory permissions to decline transporting heavier mobility aids. The company established the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 following a technical analysis of the cargo holds of its Boeing aircraft.
Advocates stress the significant impact on individuals who rely on power wheelchairs for mobility, emphasizing that most airlines have more lenient restrictions compared to WestJet’s policy. Issues around reasonable accommodation for power wheelchair users have been debated, with safety concerns and regulations being cited by some carriers to justify weight limits.
The controversy has garnered attention after instances where individuals were denied travel due to their wheelchair exceeding the weight limit. Critics argue that the restriction poses challenges for travelers with disabilities and limits their mobility options.
Other airlines, including American Airlines, have faced similar backlash for imposing weight limits on power wheelchairs but later revising their policies. The restrictions by WestJet and Flair Airlines, both serving Western Canada extensively, have sparked concerns among advocates.
Advocates emphasize the importance of accessibility and mobility for individuals with disabilities, stressing that the ability to travel within one’s own country is a fundamental right, not a luxury. The issue highlights the need for airlines to prioritize accommodating passengers with disabilities and ensuring inclusive travel experiences.