WestJet Airlines facing criticism for its policy restricting heavier power wheelchairs from most planes has sparked concerns among disability advocates and passengers. The Calgary airline’s website specifies a 136-kilogram (300-pound) weight limit for mobility aids, disqualifying many power wheelchairs.
Steven Fletcher, a Manitoba resident and former MP, experienced firsthand the impact of this policy when WestJet refused to transport his wheelchair on a Winnipeg to Toronto flight last February due to its weight. Fletcher labeled the move as discriminatory and against common sense, alleging that it hinders individuals with disabilities from flying.
Similarly, a 14-year-old girl from Saskatoon was denied boarding on a Mexico-bound flight because her wheelchair exceeded the weight threshold. Despite having flown with WestJet using the same equipment previously, her recent travel plans were disrupted.
WestJet defended its stance, citing engineering assessments that led to the establishment of the 136-kilogram limit based on cargo hold weight distribution for its Boeing aircraft. The airline maintains this threshold for most of its fleet, including narrow-body Boeing 737s.
Critics, such as Maayan Ziv from AccessNow, argue that WestJet’s weight limit is unusually low compared to other North American airlines and could disproportionately affect passengers with complex power wheelchairs. American Airlines faced a similar backlash in 2020 over a weight restriction, prompting a swift reversal.
Despite the backlash, WestJet asserts that it complies with all laws and regulations regarding accessibility. The company maintains that it acted within its obligations when establishing the weight limit, as stated in its regulatory submission.