WestJet is being criticized by Canada’s transport regulator for creating obstacles for travelers with disabilities by effectively preventing some power wheelchairs from being brought onto its aircraft. The Canadian Transportation Agency recently ruled that WestJet must eliminate its 136-kilogram (300-pound) weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027.
The regulator suggested that WestJet use “spreader plates” in the cargo hold to evenly distribute the weight of wheelchairs and arrange for alternative travel with other airlines until the weight cap is removed. The case was initiated by Steven Fletcher, a resident of Winnipeg and former federal minister of state for transport, who was denied boarding with his custom wheelchair on a flight from Winnipeg to Toronto last year.
Fletcher and other advocates argue that the weight restriction has restricted air travel in certain regions and discriminated against individuals with disabilities. They believe that WestJet’s policy has unfairly excluded a segment of the Canadian population based on an arbitrary weight limit.
WestJet declined to comment on the matter, stating that certain aspects are still under review by the regulator. The agency is expected to make a final decision on the notification period required for passengers using mobility aids when traveling with the airline.
Last year, WestJet defended its weight limit policy citing flight safety concerns and regulatory allowances for refusing transportation of heavier mobility aids. The company determined the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 after a technical analysis of cargo hold weight limits on its Boeing aircraft.
Advocates emphasize the significant impact on individuals who rely on power wheelchairs for mobility, especially when compared to the more lenient restrictions imposed by most airlines. Instances like Fletcher’s experience and a 14-year-old girl from Saskatoon being denied a flight due to her wheelchair’s weight highlight the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
The issue of prohibiting power wheelchairs is a concern raised by advocates, particularly as other North American airlines do not maintain such low weight limits for similar aircraft. Despite safety considerations, the weight cap policy has faced criticism for impeding the freedom of movement for individuals with disabilities.
American Airlines faced a similar backlash in 2020 for imposing a weight limit on power wheelchairs, prompting them to reverse the decision. The restrictions imposed by WestJet and Flair Airlines in Western Canada have raised concerns about accessibility on thousands of flights monthly, especially in regions with limited airline options for travelers with disabilities.
Advocates stress the importance of accessibility in air travel as a fundamental right for all citizens. The limitations posed by weight restrictions on power wheelchairs underscore the need for improved policies to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities across the aviation industry.