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 directed WestJet to eliminate its 136-kilogram weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027.
The agency advised WestJet to use “spreader plates” to evenly distribute the wheelchair’s weight in the cargo hold and to arrange alternative travel options with other airlines until the weight limit is removed. The case was initiated by Winnipeg resident Steven Fletcher, a former federal minister of state for transport, after he was denied boarding with his customized wheelchair on a Winnipeg to Toronto flight early last year.
Fletcher and other advocates argue that the weight limit has hindered air travel in some regions and discriminated against individuals with disabilities. They claim that WestJet’s policy has marginalized a segment of the Canadian population unjustly based on an arbitrary weight restriction.
WestJet declined to comment on the matter, citing ongoing regulatory proceedings. The agency is expected to issue a final decision on the notice requirements for passengers using mobility aids.
Last year, WestJet defended the weight limit as crucial for flight safety, stating that accessibility regulations permitted the refusal of heavier mobility aids. The company established the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 following a technical assessment of its Boeing aircraft’s cargo hold weight limits per square inch.
Advocates emphasize the significant impact on mobility for power wheelchair users, highlighting that most airlines have more lenient restrictions. Instances such as Fletcher using a different wheelchair on a trip due to the weight limit causing discomfort and medical issues have been reported.
Advocates argue that the prohibition of certain power wheelchairs by major airlines like WestJet and Flair Airlines poses challenges, especially on routes with limited carrier options. They stress the importance of ensuring equal access to air travel for all individuals, regardless of their mobility needs.
American Airlines faced a similar backlash in 2020 when it implemented a comparable weight restriction before retracting it following advocacy efforts. The limitations imposed by airlines in Western Canada have raised concerns among disability advocates, especially on routes where limited carrier options exist.
Advocates stress that the freedom to travel within one’s own country is a fundamental right, not a luxury. They call for inclusive policies that prioritize the accessibility and dignity of all passengers, including those with disabilities.