WestJet’s restriction on certain power wheelchairs is being criticized by Canada’s transport regulator for creating unnecessary barriers for travelers with disabilities. The Canadian Transportation Agency has ruled that WestJet must remove its 136-kilogram weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027.
The agency suggested that WestJet utilize “spreader plates” to evenly distribute the weight of wheelchairs in the cargo hold and make alternative travel arrangements with other airlines until the weight cap is eliminated. The case was brought forward by Steven Fletcher, a Winnipeg resident and former federal minister, who was denied boarding with his customized wheelchair on a Winnipeg to Toronto flight last year.
Fletcher and advocates argue that the weight limit has restricted air travel in certain regions and has discriminated against individuals with disabilities. They believe that WestJet should have taken proactive measures to accommodate power wheelchairs, emphasizing that the weight restriction is arbitrary and unjust.
WestJet declined to comment, citing ongoing regulatory proceedings. The Canadian Transportation Agency is expected to issue a final decision on the required advance notice for passengers using mobility aids. Last year, WestJet defended the weight limit as crucial for flight safety, attributing it to accessibility regulations that permit the airline to refuse transportation of heavier mobility aids.
The company established the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 following a technical assessment of cargo hold weight limits. The debate revolves around the definition of reasonable accommodation for power wheelchair users, with safety and regulations cited as justifications for the weight restrictions by some Canadian carriers.
Advocates highlight the significant impact on mobility for individuals who rely on wheelchairs and criticize the disparity in weight limits compared to other airlines. Instances like Fletcher’s experience of being forced to use a different wheelchair due to weight restrictions have raised concerns about accessibility.
Facing backlash, American Airlines rescinded a similar weight restriction in 2020 after advocacy efforts. The limitations imposed by WestJet and Flair Airlines in Western Canada on certain power wheelchairs have drawn scrutiny from advocates, particularly in regions where few airline options are available.
Advocates stress the importance of accessible air travel for people with disabilities, emphasizing that mobility within one’s own country is a fundamental right, not a mere convenience.