WestJet has been criticized by Canada’s transport regulator for creating obstacles for travelers with disabilities by restricting some power wheelchairs from its aircraft. The Canadian Transportation Agency has ordered WestJet to eliminate its 136-kilogram weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027. Until then, the regulator suggests using spreader plates to evenly distribute the wheelchair weight in the cargo hold and arranging alternative travel with other airlines.
The case was initiated by Winnipeg resident Steven Fletcher, a former federal minister of state for transport, after he was prevented from flying with his custom wheelchair on a Winnipeg-Toronto flight. Fletcher and advocates argue that the weight restriction has hindered air travel in certain regions and discriminated against individuals with disabilities.
WestJet declined to comment on the matter as some aspects are still under regulatory review. The agency is expected to issue a final ruling on the advance notice requirement for passengers using mobility aids.
Last year, WestJet defended the weight limit as crucial for flight safety and compliance with accessibility regulations, citing a technical analysis that determined the limit based on cargo hold weight restrictions of its Boeing planes. The debate centers on what constitutes reasonable accommodation for power wheelchair users, with safety and regulations being key arguments for weight restrictions.
Advocates emphasize the significant impact on mobility for individuals reliant on power wheelchairs, especially when compared to more lenient policies of other airlines. Instances like Fletcher being forced to use a different wheelchair on a trip due to weight restrictions highlight the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
Critics argue that WestJet’s weight cap on power wheelchairs is discriminatory, especially since most major North American airlines do not maintain such low weight limits for similar-sized aircraft. The issue extends to other airlines like Flair Airlines, which also enforces a weight limit on Boeing 737s for safety reasons.
Efforts have been made to improve flying conditions for passengers with disabilities, with airlines pledging to enhance services and safety measures. However, instances of restrictions on power wheelchairs highlight ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing air travel.
American Airlines faced a similar situation in 2020, retracting a weight limit policy following public backlash and advocacy efforts. Advocates stress the importance of accessible air travel as a fundamental right for all citizens, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies across the airline industry.