WestJet has been criticized by Canada’s transport regulator for creating barriers for travelers with disabilities by imposing a weight restriction on power wheelchairs, preventing some from being accommodated on its planes. The Canadian Transportation Agency has ruled that WestJet must remove its 136-kilogram weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027.
The agency has recommended that WestJet use “spreader plates” to distribute the weight of wheelchairs more effectively in the cargo hold and make alternative travel arrangements with other airlines until the weight cap is lifted. The case was brought to the regulator by Steven Fletcher, a Winnipeg resident and former federal minister, who was denied boarding with his custom wheelchair on a Winnipeg-Toronto flight.
Advocates argue that the weight limit has restricted air travel for individuals with disabilities and has led to discrimination. Fletcher emphasized that WestJet should have proactively accommodated power wheelchairs, especially since he and many others have flown with them using such aids for decades.
WestJet has declined to comment on the matter as it remains under review by the regulator. The agency is expected to issue a final decision on how much notice passengers using mobility aids must provide to the airline.
Last year, WestJet defended the weight limit as crucial for flight safety, citing accessibility regulations that allow them to reject heavier mobility aids. The company established the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 following a technical evaluation of cargo hold weight limits on its Boeing planes.
Advocates stress the impact of the weight cap on individuals who rely on their wheelchairs as extensions of their bodies, highlighting that most airlines have less restrictive policies. The severe limitations imposed by the weight cap have caused difficulties for passengers, such as in Fletcher’s case where he had to use a different wheelchair, resulting in physical discomfort and medical issues.
The weight limit set by WestJet for power wheelchairs has drawn criticism, with advocates pointing out that other major North American airlines do not have such stringent restrictions for similar-sized aircraft. While some airlines have justified the policy for safety reasons, advocates argue that it hinders accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
American Airlines faced a similar backlash when it imposed a weight ceiling in 2020, prompting them to reverse the decision following advocacy efforts. The restrictions imposed by WestJet and Flair Airlines on power wheelchairs have raised concerns, especially on routes where these carriers are the primary options, limiting travel choices for individuals with disabilities.
Advocates emphasize the importance of accessible air travel for all citizens, highlighting that mobility within the country should not be considered a luxury but a fundamental right.