Air Canada has introduced a new policy regarding mobility aids, permitting customers to bring up to three aids at no additional cost. This initiative aims to provide more flexibility to passengers utilizing mobility aids or carrying adaptive sports equipment. Meghan Hines, the chair of Air Canada’s accessibility advisory committee, expressed that this policy eliminates the need for individuals with disabilities to justify their requirements when traveling. She emphasized that Air Canada’s recognition of mobility aids as extensions of the body, rather than mere luggage, is significant.
The eligible items under this policy include various personal mobility aids, adaptive sports equipment, patient lifts, and similar transfer devices. If a device is too bulky to travel on the same aircraft, Air Canada will arrange for its transport within Canada at no extra charge.
Rachael Pinnock, the chief commercial and impact officer at the Canadian Paralympic Committee, praised the move, stating that it will greatly benefit athletes of all levels. This change reflects Air Canada’s commitment to understanding and accommodating the needs of the Para sport community.
Meanwhile, Canada’s transport regulator has mandated WestJet to eliminate its weight cap on mobility aids by July 2027. This decision follows the regulator’s determination that the weight limit imposed by WestJet was creating unnecessary obstacles for travelers with disabilities, particularly those using power wheelchairs. The regulator has advised WestJet to implement measures to evenly distribute wheelchair weight in the cargo hold and arrange alternative travel options with other airlines until the weight cap is removed.