WestJet has been criticized by Canada’s transport regulator for creating obstacles for travelers with disabilities by restricting certain power wheelchairs from its aircraft. The Canadian Transportation Agency has directed WestJet to eliminate its 136-kilogram weight limit on mobility aids by July 2027.
The agency suggested that WestJet utilize “spreader plates” to evenly distribute the weight of wheelchairs in the cargo hold and make alternate travel arrangements with other airlines until the weight limit is lifted. This decision stemmed from a complaint lodged by Steven Fletcher, a Winnipeg resident and former federal minister of state for transport, who was prevented from flying with his customized wheelchair on a Winnipeg-Toronto flight in early 2026.
Advocates argue that the weight limit has restricted air travel in certain regions and discriminated against individuals with disabilities. Fletcher criticized WestJet for marginalizing a segment of the Canadian population with this arbitrary weight restriction, emphasizing that the airline could have proactively accommodated power wheelchairs as they had done in the past.
WestJet declined to comment on the ongoing matter under regulatory review. The Canadian Transportation Agency is expected to announce guidelines on how much advance notice passengers using mobility aids should provide to the airline.
Last year, WestJet defended the weight limit as essential for flight safety, citing accessibility regulations that permitted refusal of heavier mobility aids. The company established the 136-kilogram threshold in 2024 following a technical analysis of cargo hold weight limits for its Boeing planes.
The debate centers on what constitutes reasonable accommodation for power wheelchair users, with some Canadian carriers asserting that safety considerations and regulations justify weight restrictions. Advocates underscore the significant impact on mobility for individuals who rely on wheelchairs as an extension of their body, noting that most airlines have more lenient restrictions.
In cases like Fletcher’s and that of a 14-year-old girl from Saskatoon, denied travel due to her wheelchair exceeding the weight limit, the consequences have been painful and necessitated medical attention. Critics argue that the weight limit policy is unique to WestJet and Flair Airlines in North America, and other major carriers have more flexible regulations for similar-sized planes.
Despite the safety rationale provided by airlines like Flair, advocates stress that restricting power wheelchairs poses a major problem for individuals with disabilities. The lack of alternative carriers on specific routes exacerbates the issue, with WestJet being the primary option for some regional flights.
Advocates emphasize that freedom of movement within Canada is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all citizens.