Air Canada has introduced a new policy allowing customers to bring up to three mobility aids at no extra cost. This initiative aims to provide more flexibility for travelers using mobility aids and adaptive sports equipment. Meghan Hines, chair of Air Canada’s accessibility advisory committee, expressed that this policy eliminates the need for individuals with disabilities to constantly explain or justify their requirements. She emphasized the importance of recognizing that mobility aids are essential extensions of the users’ bodies and not merely additional luggage.
Eligible items under this policy include personal mobility aids, adaptive sports equipment, patient lifts, and similar transfer devices. If a mobility aid is too large to travel on the same aircraft, Air Canada will transport it within Canada at no charge.
Rachael Pinnock, chief commercial and impact officer at the Canadian Paralympic Committee, commended Air Canada for this move. She highlighted the positive impact this policy will have on athletes of all levels, making travel more accessible and affordable. Pinnock praised Air Canada for valuing the feedback and experiences of the Para sport community.
In a related development, Canada’s transport regulator mandated WestJet to remove its weight cap on mobility aids by July 2027. The regulator found that this weight restriction created unnecessary barriers for travelers with disabilities, particularly those using power wheelchairs. WestJet has been instructed 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 eliminated.