Accessibility advocates say Calgary, Alberta-based airline WestJet has published weight limits that prevent many Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) wheelchair riders from bringing their Group 3 power chairs with them when they fly.
WestJet’s website says wheelchairs and scooters that weigh more than 300 lbs. (approximately 136 kg) are not allowed on its Boeing 737 or De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. Wheelchairs loaded as bulk baggage onto the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner must also weigh no more than 300 lbs., though WestJet allows a weight limit up to 500 lbs. (approximately 227 kg) for a wheelchair that is preloaded into a container, also referred to as “ULD [unit load device] container loaded.”
While many scooters as well as travel-style and Group 2 power chairs meet those weight limits, Group 3 power chairs — with their robust power seating systems and positioning components — typically exceed 300 lbs. According to manufacturer specifications published on their websites, for example, Permobil’s M5 Corpus weighs 423 lbs. including batteries. The weight of Sunrise Medical’s Q700-UP M power chair starts at 435 lbs.
In late November, Jason Kelln, ATP, CRTS, president of the International Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers and sales manager at PrairieHeart Mobiity in Regina, Saskatchewan, wrote to WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech about WestJet’s 300-lb. weight limit for power wheelchairs.
The need for complex power chair functions
“Power wheelchairs are engineered to provide robust mobility solutions for people with severe impairments,” Kelln said in the letter. “Features like power seating adjustments, tilt in space, recline functions, and complex pressure management systems, while essential for comfort and medical safety, contribute substantially to the overall weight of these devices. As a result, power wheelchairs are significantly heavier than manual wheelchairs.”
Kelln also explained why people who use complex power chairs can’t easily and safely switch to a lighter-weight wheelchair with reduced functionality.
“The inability to travel with a personal power wheelchair can lead to serious medical consequences,” he noted. “Many individuals require powered seating systems to perform regular pressure relief and positioning adjustments throughout the day. Without these features, there is an increased risk of developing pressure injuries that can result in severe pain, infection and long-term health complications.”
Todd Peterson, WestJet’s director of regulatory affairs & accessibility, said in a Dec. 9 response to Kelln, “We are aligned with your goal to improve the ability for persons with disabilities to participate fully in society, in our case with respect to accessibility of air travel.”
But Peterson then added the 300-lb. weight limit is “based on the aircraft manufacturer engineering specifications for each aircraft type. More specifically, the limiting factor with respect to size is the maximum opening of the cargo hold door, and the limiting factor with respect to weight is the loading-bearing capacity of the cargo hold floor.”
Peterson did not address the fact that other airlines using the same types of aircraft don’t have the same weight limits for power wheelchairs.
A teaching moment
Nevertheless, Kelln and colleagues he’s looped into the conversation are approaching the situation as an opportunity to educate WestJet and the broader community about the importance of accessibility.
“Accessing and engaging with one’s environment is a fundamental aspect of independence and quality of life,” Kelln said in the WestJet letter. “Air travel is already challenging for individuals who rely on power wheelchairs, especially those with advanced features such as powered seating systems, which often result in wheelchairs exceeding this weight threshold.
“Apart from medical concerns, being compelled to leave behind essential equipment can create feelings of exclusion, anxiety and frustration. The lack of equitable access to air travel restricts opportunities for employment, leisure and participation in family and community events, further contributing to the isolation of those with mobility impairments.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates, including an exclusive interview with Jason Kelln.
