WestJet has been criticized by Canada’s transport regulator for creating obstacles for travelers with disabilities by restricting certain power wheelchairs from its planes. The Canadian Transportation Agency has ordered WestJet to eliminate its 136-kilogram weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027.
The regulator suggested that WestJet utilize “spreader plates” in the cargo hold to distribute the wheelchair’s weight more effectively and arrange alternative travel with other airlines until the weight cap is lifted. The issue was raised by Winnipeg resident Steven Fletcher, a former federal minister of state for transport, who was denied boarding with his custom wheelchair on a Winnipeg-Toronto flight last year.
Advocates argue that the weight limit has limited air travel options for individuals with disabilities and has led to discrimination against them. Fletcher emphasized that WestJet should have taken proactive measures to accommodate power wheelchairs, as they have done so in the past for decades.
WestJet declined to comment on the matter, citing ongoing regulatory considerations. The agency is expected to make a final decision on the notice passengers using mobility aids must provide to the airline in advance.
Last year, WestJet defended the weight limit citing flight safety concerns and regulatory allowances to refuse transporting heavier mobility aids. The company established the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 after a technical evaluation based on cargo hold weight limits for its Boeing aircraft.
Advocates stress the impact on individuals for whom their wheelchair is an essential extension of their body. Some passengers have faced challenges, like Fletcher, who had to use a different wheelchair on a trip, resulting in physical discomfort.
Advocates argue that the restrictions on power wheelchairs by major North American airlines like WestJet and Flair Airlines are problematic. It is noted that most airlines have more lenient weight restrictions for power wheelchairs, emphasizing the need for reasonable accommodation for passengers with disabilities.
American Airlines faced a similar backlash in 2020 when they imposed a weight limit on power wheelchairs before retracting the decision following advocacy efforts. The limitations imposed by airlines like WestJet and Flair Airlines impact thousands of flights monthly, especially in regions where few alternatives are available.
Advocates stress the importance of accessible air travel for individuals with disabilities, highlighting that freedom of movement within one’s own country is a fundamental aspect of citizenship.