WestJet Airlines is facing criticism for a policy that restricts certain power wheelchairs from most of its planes, which advocates and travelers argue discriminates against people with disabilities. The Calgary-based airline has set a weight limit of 136 kilograms (300 pounds) for mobility aids on the majority of its aircraft, effectively excluding many power wheelchairs.
Steven Fletcher, a Manitoba resident and former MP, experienced this policy firsthand when he was informed by an airline agent that his wheelchair could not be accommodated on a flight from Winnipeg to Toronto due to its weight. Fletcher condemned the airline’s move as discriminatory and against common sense, highlighting the challenges it poses for people with disabilities.
Similarly, a 14-year-old girl from Saskatoon was recently denied the opportunity to fly to Mexico with her family because her wheelchair exceeded the weight limit imposed by WestJet. Despite having flown with the same mobility device on previous occasions, she was told she could not proceed with her trip.
WestJet has defended its policy, citing accessibility regulations that permit airlines to refuse transportation of heavier mobility aids. The airline conducted an engineering analysis to determine the weight limit based on the cargo holds of its Boeing aircraft. According to WestJet, the 136-kilogram threshold was established after careful consideration of weight distribution for power wheelchairs during loading.
Critics, like Maayan Ziv from AccessNow, argue that WestJet’s weight limit is unusually low compared to other North American airlines and may disproportionately affect passengers with complex power wheelchairs. American Airlines faced a similar backlash in 2020 when it introduced a comparable weight restriction before retracting it following public outcry.
Despite the criticism, WestJet maintains that it has complied with all relevant laws and regulations. The airline asserts that its policy aligns with industry standards and safety considerations.