WestJet has been accused by Canada’s transport regulator of creating obstacles for travelers with disabilities by implementing a weight restriction that effectively prevents some power wheelchairs from being accommodated on its planes. The Canadian Transportation Agency has ruled that WestJet must remove its 136-kilogram (300-pound) weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027.
To address the issue, the regulator suggested that 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 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-Toronto flight early last year.
Fletcher and other advocates argue that the weight restriction has restricted air travel in certain 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 limit. The airline has faced criticism for not proactively accommodating power wheelchairs, which has led to inconveniences for passengers like Fletcher, who have relied on such aids for decades.
WestJet declined to comment on the ongoing matter under review by the regulator. The transportation agency is expected to issue a final decision on the notification period required for passengers using mobility aids to inform the airline before travel.
Last year, WestJet defended its weight limit as essential for flight safety, citing accessibility regulations that permit the refusal of transporting heavier mobility aids. The company arrived at the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 following a technical assessment of cargo hold weight limits on its Boeing aircraft.
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 significant impact on mobility for individuals who rely on their wheelchairs as an extension of their bodies, especially when compared to looser restrictions imposed by most airlines.
In cases like Fletcher’s and that of a 14-year-old girl from Saskatoon, whose trip to Mexico was canceled due to her wheelchair exceeding WestJet’s weight limit, the limitations have led to physical discomfort and medical issues. Advocates stress that the weight cap on power wheelchairs set by WestJet is not in line with practices of other major North American airlines operating similar aircraft.
Despite opposition, WestJet and Flair Airlines maintain the weight limit policy for Boeing 737 jets, emphasizing the necessity for safe loading and stowage in compliance with certified weight limits of the aircraft. Advocates point out the challenges posed by these restrictions on travelers, especially when certain routes are serviced by only one or two airlines, limiting options for passengers with disabilities.
In conclusion, advocates emphasize that the ability to travel within one’s own country is a fundamental right, not a luxury, and call for inclusive measures to ensure accessible air travel for all individuals.