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 ruled that WestJet must eliminate its 136-kilogram weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027.
The regulator suggested that WestJet should utilize “spreader plates” to evenly distribute the wheelchair’s weight in the cargo hold and make alternative travel arrangements with other airlines until the weight cap is removed.
The issue was brought to light by Steven Fletcher, a Winnipeg resident and former federal minister of state for transport, who was denied boarding with his custom wheelchair on a Winnipeg to Toronto flight last year. Fletcher and advocacy groups argue that the weight restriction has hindered air travel in certain regions and discriminated against individuals with disabilities.
Fletcher emphasized the need for WestJet to proactively accommodate power wheelchairs, pointing out that the airline had previously facilitated such accommodations for decades without issue.
WestJet declined to comment on the ongoing matter with the regulator. The final decision on the advance notice required for passengers using mobility aids is pending from the agency.
Last year, WestJet defended the weight limit, citing flight safety concerns and regulatory permissions to refuse transportation of heavier mobility aids. The company established the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 following a technical evaluation of weight limits per square inch in the cargo holds of its Boeing planes.
The debate revolves around what constitutes reasonable accommodation for power wheelchair users, with some airlines supporting weight limits based on safety and regulations. Advocates highlight the significant mobility restrictions faced by individuals reliant on power wheelchairs, especially when other airlines have more lenient restrictions.
In cases like Fletcher’s and a 14-year-old girl from Saskatoon, who was denied travel due to her specialized wheelchair exceeding the weight limit, the impact on individuals’ mobility and well-being is evident.
Advocates argue that WestJet’s weight cap policy, which is unique among major North American airlines operating Boeing 737 jets, presents a significant challenge for travelers with disabilities. While some airlines like Flair Airlines maintain similar weight restrictions, the overarching concern remains the limitations it imposes on passengers’ freedom of movement.
The aviation industry has faced scrutiny over disability accommodations, with efforts to improve services for passengers with disabilities. However, challenges persist, especially regarding the accessibility and inclusivity of air travel for all individuals.