Air Canada has introduced an updated policy regarding mobility aids, allowing customers to bring up to three aids at no additional cost. The airline’s initiative aims to provide more flexibility to individuals using mobility aids and those traveling with adaptive sports equipment.
Meghan Hines, the chair of Air Canada’s accessibility advisory committee, expressed the importance of the policy in facilitating travel for individuals with disabilities without the need for constant explanation or justification. She emphasized that the equipment carried by travelers with disabilities, including Para athletes, are essential extensions of their bodies, not mere luggage.
Under the new policy, eligible items can include various personal mobility aids, adaptive sports equipment, personal lifts, and similar devices. If a device is too large to travel on the same aircraft, Air Canada will arrange for its transport within Canada at no extra cost.
Rachael Pinnock, the chief commercial and impact officer at the Canadian Paralympic Committee, commended the airline’s decision, stating that it will significantly benefit athletes across all levels of sports, from recreational to high-performance. Pinnock highlighted Air Canada’s commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the Para sport community.
In a separate development, the Canadian transport regulator mandated WestJet to eliminate its weight cap on mobility aids by July 2027. The regulator deemed this weight limit an undue barrier for travelers with disabilities, primarily affecting power wheelchairs. WestJet was instructed to implement measures to distribute wheelchair weight effectively and provide alternative travel arrangements until the weight cap is removed.
