WestJet has been criticized by Canada’s transportation regulator for creating difficulties for travelers with disabilities by restricting certain power wheelchairs from its aircraft. According to the recent ruling by the Canadian Transportation Agency, the airline must eliminate its 136-kilogram weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027.
The agency recommended that WestJet utilize “spreader plates” to evenly distribute the weight of wheelchairs in the cargo hold and facilitate alternative travel arrangements with other airlines until the weight cap is removed. The issue was raised by Winnipeg resident Steven Fletcher, a former federal minister of state for transport, after he was prevented from flying with his customized wheelchair between Winnipeg and Toronto last year.
Fletcher and advocates argue that the weight restriction has hindered air travel in certain regions and discriminated against individuals with disabilities. They believe that WestJet should have taken proactive measures to accommodate power wheelchairs, as other airlines have successfully done in the past.
WestJet declined to comment on the matter, citing ongoing regulatory proceedings. The final decision regarding the advance notice required for passengers using mobility aids is pending from the agency.
The airline previously defended the weight limit as crucial for flight safety and compliance with accessibility regulations. Following a technical evaluation in 2024, WestJet established the 136-kilogram threshold based on the maximum weight capacity per square inch for the cargo holds of its Boeing aircraft.
Advocates stress that the weight restriction severely limits mobility for individuals who rely on their wheelchairs as extensions of their bodies, especially considering that most airlines have more lenient weight restrictions. Incidents like the one involving a 14-year-old girl from Saskatoon, whose travel plans were disrupted due to her wheelchair exceeding WestJet’s weight limit, highlight the challenges faced by passengers with disabilities.
The controversy surrounding WestJet’s weight cap is unique among major North American airlines, as most do not impose such stringent limits on similar aircraft. While WestJet and Flair Airlines maintain the weight cap due to safety and regulatory reasons, advocacy groups argue that the policy restricts the freedom of individuals with disabilities to travel within their own country.
American Airlines previously faced backlash for a similar weight restriction on power wheelchairs, prompting a reversal of the policy in response to advocacy efforts. Advocates highlight the significance of ensuring inclusive air travel for all passengers, emphasizing that access to reliable transportation is a fundamental aspect of citizenship.