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 ordered WestJet to eliminate its weight limit of 136 kilograms (300 pounds) on mobility aids by July 2027.
The regulator recommended the use of “spreader plates” to evenly distribute the weight of wheelchairs in the cargo hold and suggested arranging alternative travel with other airlines until the weight limit is lifted. This decision stemmed from a complaint filed by Steven Fletcher, a Winnipeg resident and former federal minister, who was denied boarding with his custom wheelchair on a Winnipeg-Toronto flight last year.
Advocates argue that the weight cap has hindered air travel for individuals with disabilities and amounted to discrimination. Fletcher emphasized that WestJet should have proactively accommodated power wheelchairs since they have allowed them on previous flights for decades.
WestJet declined to comment on the ongoing matter. The transport agency is expected to finalize rules on how much advance notice passengers using mobility aids must provide to the airline.
The airline previously defended the weight limit as crucial for flight safety and compliance with accessibility regulations. The decision to set the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 followed a technical analysis of the cargo hold weight limits of its Boeing planes.
The controversy revolves around the definition of reasonable accommodation for power wheelchair users, with safety concerns and regulations cited as justifications for weight restrictions. Advocates highlight the significant impact on mobility for wheelchair users compared to less stringent policies by other airlines.
Instances like Fletcher’s experience of using a different wheelchair leading to medical issues have underscored the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Last year, a 14-year-old girl’s trip was canceled by WestJet due to her specialized wheelchair exceeding the weight limit, despite having flown with the same device before.
Advocates stress that the weight cap on power wheelchairs by WestJet is unique among major North American airlines and similar-sized carriers. While some airlines have justified the policy for safe loading, critics argue that it restricts essential mobility for individuals.
American Airlines faced a similar backlash in 2020 for imposing a weight restriction on power wheelchairs before reversing the decision following advocacy efforts. The limitations imposed by WestJet and Flair Airlines on thousands of flights monthly have raised concerns among advocates about accessibility on specific routes.
Fletcher emphasized the importance of unhindered movement within the country for individuals with disabilities, stating that it is a fundamental right, not a luxury.