Air Canada has introduced a new policy that permits customers to bring up to three mobility aids at no extra cost. This initiative aims to provide increased flexibility for individuals who rely on mobility aids or travel with adaptive sports equipment.
Meghan Hines, the chair of Air Canada’s accessibility advisory committee, expressed appreciation for the clarified policy, emphasizing that it eliminates the need to constantly explain or justify the requirements of travelers with disabilities. She highlighted the significance of recognizing that the equipment carried by individuals with disabilities is an essential extension of themselves, not merely additional baggage.
The eligible items covered by the policy include personal mobility aids, adaptive sports equipment, personal or patient lifts, and similar transfer devices. In cases where a device is too large to accompany the customer on the same aircraft, Air Canada will arrange for its transportation within Canada free of charge.
Rachael Pinnock, the chief commercial and impact officer at the Canadian Paralympic Committee, praised the decision, noting its positive impact on athletes across various levels of sports participation. She commended Air Canada for actively engaging with and learning from the experiences and insights of the Para sport community.
Recently, the Canadian transport regulator instructed WestJet to eliminate its 136-kilogram weight restriction on mobility aids by July 2027. The regulator deemed this weight limit as creating undue obstacles for travelers with disabilities, particularly regarding power wheelchairs. WestJet was advised to implement measures such as using spreader plates to evenly distribute the weight of wheelchairs in the cargo hold and to facilitate alternate travel arrangements with other airlines if necessary.