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 remove its 136-kilogram weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027.
According to the regulator, WestJet should utilize “spreader plates” to evenly distribute the weight of wheelchairs in the cargo hold and make alternative travel arrangements with other airlines until the weight cap is lifted. The issue was raised by Winnipeg resident Steven Fletcher, a former federal minister of state for transport, who was denied boarding with his customized wheelchair on a Winnipeg-Toronto flight last year.
Fletcher and advocates argue that the weight restriction has hindered air travel in certain regions and discriminated against individuals with disabilities. They believe that WestJet’s policy has unfairly marginalized a segment of the Canadian population based on an arbitrary weight limit.
WestJet has refrained from commenting on the matter as aspects of it are still under review by the regulator. The agency is expected to make a final decision on the advance notice requirements for passengers using mobility aids.
Last year, WestJet defended its weight limit as essential for flight safety and compliance with accessibility regulations. The company established the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 following a technical assessment of its Boeing aircraft’s cargo hold weight capacity. The debate centers on what constitutes reasonable accommodation for power wheelchair users, with some airlines arguing that safety concerns and regulations justify weight restrictions.
Advocates emphasize the significant impact on mobility for individuals who rely on wheelchairs for movement, especially considering that most airlines have more lenient weight restrictions. Instances like Fletcher’s experience using a different wheelchair during a trip due to the weight limit resulted in discomfort and medical issues.
Concerns have also been raised about WestJet’s weight cap policy compared to other North American airlines, with Flair Airlines maintaining a similar limit for its fleet of Boeing 737s. The necessity of the policy for safety reasons and compliance with aircraft weight limits has been highlighted by airline representatives.
The restriction on power wheelchairs by WestJet and Flair Airlines on numerous flights each month is viewed as problematic by advocates, particularly in regions where limited airline choices are available. Ensuring accessible air travel is not merely a convenience but a fundamental aspect of citizenship, according to Fletcher.
American Airlines faced backlash in 2020 for a similar weight limit on power wheelchairs, which was later reversed following advocacy efforts. The issue highlights the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing air travel services within their own country.