WestJet has been criticized by Canada’s transport authority for creating obstacles for travelers with disabilities by restricting certain power wheelchairs from its aircraft. The Canadian Transportation Agency has ruled that WestJet must eliminate its 136-kilogram weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027.
Instead, the regulator suggested that WestJet use “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. This decision comes after Winnipeg resident Steven Fletcher, a former federal minister of state for transport, filed a complaint when he was prevented from flying 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 should have proactively accommodated power wheelchairs, pointing out that many passengers have flown with such aids on WestJet flights for decades without issues.
WestJet declined to comment on the ongoing matter under review by the regulator. The agency is expected to make a final decision on the advance notice required for passengers using mobility aids when flying with the airline.
Last year, WestJet defended its weight limit policy, citing flight safety concerns and regulations that allowed the refusal of heavier mobility aids. The airline determined the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 following a technical analysis of cargo hold weight limits on its Boeing planes.
Advocates emphasize the significant impact on mobility for wheelchair users, noting that most airlines have less restrictive weight limitations. Cases like Fletcher’s, where he had to use a different wheelchair causing discomfort and medical issues, highlight the challenges faced by passengers with disabilities.
Advocates have raised concerns about the weight cap policy, noting that no other major North American airline has such a low limit for Boeing 737 jets, which make up a significant portion of WestJet’s fleet. Flair Airlines, another carrier operating 737s, also maintains a similar weight restriction.
American Airlines faced backlash in 2020 for implementing a comparable weight limit before reversing the decision due to advocacy efforts. The restriction imposed by airlines in Western Canada poses difficulties for passengers traveling on routes served by only a few carriers.
Advocates stress the importance of access to air travel for all citizens, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities.