WestJet has been criticized by Canada’s transport regulator for creating obstacles for travelers with disabilities by restricting some 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 suggested that WestJet should use “spreader plates” in the cargo hold to evenly distribute the weight of wheelchairs and make arrangements for alternative travel with other airlines until the weight limit is removed. The issue was raised by Winnipeg resident Steven Fletcher, a former federal minister of state for transport, after he was prevented from flying with his customized wheelchair between Winnipeg and Toronto.
Advocates argue that the weight restriction has hindered air travel in certain regions and discriminated against individuals with disabilities. Fletcher condemned the weight cap as arbitrary and exclusionary, stating that WestJet should have taken proactive measures to accommodate power wheelchairs, as they have done in the past.
WestJet declined to comment on the matter, citing ongoing regulatory proceedings. The Canadian Transportation Agency is expected to issue a final decision on the notice period required for passengers using mobility aids to inform the airline.
Last year, WestJet defended the weight limit as crucial for flight safety and compliance with accessibility regulations, attributing the 136-kilogram threshold to a technical analysis of cargo hold weight limits on its Boeing planes. The debate revolves around what constitutes reasonable accommodation for power wheelchair users, with safety and regulations being cited by some Canadian carriers to justify weight restrictions.
Advocates highlight the severe impact on mobility for individuals dependent on their wheelchairs and point out that most airlines have more lenient weight restrictions. Instances like Fletcher’s case, where he had to use a different wheelchair leading to medical issues, underscore the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
Advocates argue that prohibiting power wheelchairs poses a significant problem, particularly as other major North American airlines do not maintain such low weight limits for similar aircraft. Despite safety concerns, the weight restriction has faced criticism for limiting accessibility and mobility for individuals with disabilities.
American Airlines faced a similar backlash when it imposed a weight limit in 2020, subsequently reversing the decision. The restriction on power wheelchairs by Western Canada’s prominent airlines has raised concerns among advocates, especially in regions where limited airline options affect travel for individuals with disabilities.
Advocates emphasize that access to air travel within one’s own country is a fundamental right and not merely a convenience. The issue has sparked discussions on the need for inclusive policies and practices within the airline industry to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities.