WestJet Airlines is facing criticism from advocates and travelers for a policy that restricts certain power wheelchairs from boarding most of its planes, which has been deemed discriminatory. The airline’s website specifies 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 who had been a frequent WestJet flyer, recounted an incident where he was informed that his wheelchair could not be accommodated on a flight from Winnipeg to Toronto due to its weight. Fletcher described the airline’s policy as a deliberate attempt to limit who can travel on their planes, labeling it discriminatory and illogical. As a result, Fletcher had to use a different wheelchair during the trip, leading to discomfort and medical issues.
In a similar case, a 14-year-old girl from Saskatoon was denied boarding on a flight to Mexico with her family because her wheelchair exceeded the weight limit set by WestJet. Despite having flown with the same mobility device on WestJet previously, her trip was canceled due to the wheelchair’s weight.
Responding to these incidents, WestJet spokesperson Julia Brunet mentioned that the airline is assisting the affected families with their upcoming travel arrangements. WestJet justified its weight limit policy by citing accessibility regulations that permit airlines to refuse transportation of heavier mobility aids.
The airline explained that after conducting an engineering analysis, it established the 136-kilogram limit to ensure the safe loading of power wheelchairs in the cargo holds of its Boeing aircraft. WestJet clarified that the restriction applies to most of its fleet, primarily consisting of narrow-body planes like the Boeing 737s. Additionally, only a few wide-body jets in its fleet adhere to the same weight limit.
Maayan Ziv, founder of AccessNow, criticized WestJet for maintaining a weight limit that is significantly lower than other North American airlines, describing it as a discriminatory decision. Ziv emphasized the importance of airlines accommodating all passengers, particularly those with complex power wheelchairs that often exceed the 300-pound weight limit.
While American Airlines faced a similar backlash in 2020 for imposing a weight limit, which was later reversed, WestJet defended its policy by stating that it complies with all relevant laws and regulations. The company maintained that it has fulfilled its legal obligations in this regard.
