WestJet has been criticized by Canada’s transport regulator for creating obstacles for travelers with disabilities by enforcing a weight limit on power wheelchairs, which effectively excludes some from boarding its planes. The Canadian Transportation Agency has mandated WestJet to remove the 136-kilogram (300-pound) weight restriction on mobility aids by July 2027.
In response to a complaint filed by Steven Fletcher, a Winnipeg resident and former federal minister of state for transport, the regulatory agency ruled that WestJet must utilize “spreader plates” to evenly distribute the weight of wheelchairs in the cargo hold. Until the weight cap is lifted, the airline should arrange alternative travel options with other carriers.
Fletcher, along with other advocates, argues that the weight limit has hindered air travel in certain regions and discriminated against individuals with disabilities. He emphasized that this arbitrary restriction has unjustly marginalized and excluded a significant portion of Canadians due to a number that lacks justification.
WestJet declined to comment on the ongoing matter under review by the regulator. The final decision regarding the advance notice required from passengers using mobility aids is pending from the agency.
Last year, WestJet defended the weight limitation as crucial for flight safety, citing accessibility regulations that permit the refusal of transporting heavier mobility aids. The company established the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 following a technical analysis to determine the maximum weight allowable per square inch for its Boeing aircraft cargo holds.
The debate revolves around what constitutes reasonable accommodation for power wheelchair users, with some Canadian carriers asserting that safety concerns and regulations justify the weight restrictions. Advocates highlight the significant impact on the mobility of individuals for whom wheelchairs are essential and note that most airlines have more lenient weight restrictions.
Fletcher’s personal experience involved having to use a different wheelchair during a trip, resulting in discomfort and pressure sores that necessitated medical attention. Similarly, a 14-year-old girl from Saskatoon was denied air travel to Mexico due to her specialized wheelchair exceeding WestJet’s weight threshold, despite having flown with the same device on previous occasions.
Advocates argue that the prohibition of power wheelchairs poses a challenge, especially since no other major North American airline operating Boeing 737 jets maintains such a low weight cap. While WestJet and Flair Airlines enforce this policy, other carriers have more flexible regulations for similar-sized planes.
American Airlines faced backlash in 2020 for implementing a comparable weight limit before retracting the decision following advocacy efforts. The restrictions imposed by airlines in Western Canada raise concerns for advocates, particularly on routes served by only one or two carriers, limiting accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
In conclusion, ensuring equal access to air travel is essential for all citizens, emphasizing the need for accommodations that do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities.