WestJet Faces Major Accessibility Policy Change

WestJet has been ordered to change its policy on transporting power wheelchairs and mobility aids after Canada's transport regulator found that the airline's 300-pound limit created an undue barrier for some passengers with disabilities.

The Canadian Transportation Agency says WestJet must remove the weight restriction from the vast majority of its aircraft by July 2027.

The regulator has directed the airline to consider using spreader plates to distribute the weight of heavier mobility devices in aircraft cargo holds.

Until the changes are implemented, WestJet is also expected to arrange alternative travel on other airlines when necessary so passengers are not prevented from reaching their destinations because of their mobility equipment.

The case was brought by former federal transport minister Steven Fletcher, who said he was prevented from travelling with his custom power wheelchair on a Winnipeg-to-Toronto flight.

WestJet's current published tariff lists a 300-pound limit for several aircraft types, while some Boeing 787 configurations allow heavier mobility aids.

The ruling could have wider implications for accessible transportation in Canada, particularly as modern power wheelchairs become increasingly sophisticated and heavier.

For travellers who depend on powered mobility devices, the decision could make flying more accessible while putting pressure on airlines to improve how specialized equipment is handled.