WestJet has been criticized by Canada’s transport regulator for imposing restrictions that hinder travelers with disabilities, particularly by limiting some power wheelchairs from boarding its planes. The Canadian Transportation Agency mandated that WestJet remove its 136-kilogram weight cap on mobility aids by July 2027. To address this issue, the regulator suggested using “spreader plates” to evenly distribute the wheelchair’s weight in the cargo hold and advised arranging alternative travel with other airlines until the weight cap is eliminated.
The case was initiated by Steven Fletcher, a Winnipeg resident and former federal minister of state for transport, who was denied boarding with his custom wheelchair on a flight between Winnipeg and Toronto. Fletcher, along with other advocates, argued that the weight limit has restricted air travel in certain regions and discriminated against individuals with disabilities. Fletcher emphasized that WestJet should have proactively accommodated power wheelchairs, citing his three-decade history of flying with them without issues.
WestJet declined to comment as the matter is still under review by the regulator, which is expected to make a final decision on the advance notice required for passengers using mobility aids. Last year, WestJet defended the weight limit, stating it was crucial for flight safety and compliance with accessibility regulations. The company determined the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 following a technical analysis of its Boeing aircraft cargo holds.
Advocates highlighted the significant impact on individuals who rely on power wheelchairs for mobility, emphasizing that most airlines have more lenient restrictions. Instances such as Fletcher being forced to use a different wheelchair on a trip, leading to physical discomfort and medical issues, underscore the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
The policy of limiting power wheelchairs is unique to WestJet and Flair Airlines in Canada, with no other major North American airline maintaining such stringent restrictions for similar-sized planes. Advocates argue that restricting power wheelchairs on numerous flights poses a significant problem, especially on routes served by limited airlines. Fletcher stressed that the ability to travel within one’s own country is not a luxury but a fundamental right of citizenship.