WestJet has been criticized by Canada’s transport regulator for creating obstacles for travelers with disabilities by restricting certain power wheelchairs from its aircraft. The Canadian Transportation Agency has instructed WestJet to remove its 136-kilogram weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027.
The regulator suggested that WestJet utilize “spreader plates” to evenly distribute the weight of wheelchairs in the cargo hold and facilitate alternative travel arrangements with other airlines in the meantime. The case was initiated by Steven Fletcher, a Winnipeg resident and former federal minister of state for transport, who was prevented from flying with his custom wheelchair on a Winnipeg to Toronto flight last year.
Advocates argue that the weight limit has hindered air travel in some regions and discriminated against individuals with disabilities. They believe WestJet’s policy has unfairly excluded a segment of the population based on an arbitrary weight restriction. Fletcher emphasized that WestJet should have proactively accommodated power wheelchairs, as they had done so in the past.
WestJet declined to comment on the matter as it is still under review by the regulator. The agency is expected to issue a final ruling on the advance notice requirements for passengers using mobility aids.
In a previous statement, WestJet defended the weight limit as crucial for flight safety and compliance with accessibility regulations. The company established the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 following a technical evaluation of its Boeing aircraft’s cargo hold weight limits.
The debate revolves around defining reasonable accommodation for power wheelchair users, with some Canadian carriers citing safety and regulatory considerations to justify the weight restrictions. Advocates stress the significant impact on mobility for individuals reliant on their wheelchairs and highlight that most airlines have more lenient restrictions.
The controversy surrounding power wheelchairs’ weight limits has sparked concerns among advocates, particularly because other major North American airlines do not impose such stringent caps on Boeing 737 jets, similar to those in WestJet’s fleet. However, Flair Airlines, based in British Columbia, also enforces a weight limit on 737s for safety reasons.
American Airlines faced a similar issue in 2020 with its weight limit policy on power wheelchairs, which was later reversed due to public backlash. Advocates argue that restricting power wheelchairs on numerous flights each month by prominent Western Canadian airlines poses a significant challenge.
With limited airline options on many routes, individuals with disabilities may face difficulties in accessing air travel within Canada. Fletcher emphasized that the ability to travel within one’s own country is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all citizens.