WestJet weight cap on power wheelchairs leaves some Canadians grounded, advocates say

A rule at WestJet Airlines that bars some power wheelchairs from most of its planes discriminates against people living with a disability, say advocates and travellers.

The Calgary-based airline states on its website that mobility aids are capped at 136 kilograms (300 pounds) for the vast majority of its aircraft — a limit that rules out many power wheelchairs.

After flying with WestJet for years, Manitoba resident and former MP Steven Fletcher said an airline agent told him they would not be able to carry his wheelchair on a flight from Winnipeg to Toronto last February due to its weight.

"It is a deliberate corporate attempt to restrict through policy who can or cannot fly on their aircraft," he said in an interview, calling the move "discriminatory" and "against common sense."

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