Jason Kelln, iNRRTS President, recently contacted WestJet, a Canadian airline headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. The topic of conversation is about WestJet’s power wheelchair weight restriction. Read Jason’s communication below. Jason can be contacted at jason@phmobility.com
24 November 2025
Alexis von Hoensbroech
CEO, WestJet Group
22 Aerial Pl NE
Calgary, AB T2E 3J1
WestJet’s Power Wheelchair Weight Restriction
Dear Mr. von Hoensbroech,
I am writing on behalf of the International Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (iNRRTS), an organization composed of professionals dedicated to delivering Complex Rehab Technology to individuals facing a range of mobility challenges. Our mission is rooted in a steadfast commitment to advocating for the needs and rights of our clients.
Complex Rehab Technology (CRT) refers to specialized medical equipment and devices designed to meet the unique and often highly individualized needs of people living with significant disabilities or mobility impairments. Unlike standard mobility aids such as basic wheelchairs or walkers, CRT encompasses custom-configured solutions, including power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs with advanced features, adaptive seating systems, environmental controls, and other assistive technologies tailored specifically to an individual’s medical, functional, and environmental requirements.
Accessing and engaging with one’s environment is a fundamental aspect of independence and quality of life. For individuals with complex disabilities, CRT can be transformative in several ways:
- Mobility and Independence: CRT wheelchairs and mobility devices enable users to move freely within their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities, reducing reliance on caregivers and increasing participation.
- Environmental Interaction: Through ECUs and adaptive controls, individuals can independently manage daily tasks such as opening doors, adjusting thermostats, or making phone calls, fostering autonomy and confidence.
- Health and Well-being: Proper seating and positioning minimize the risk of pressure, support respiratory and digestive health, and enhance comfort, further enabling active engagement in daily life.
- Social Integration: By facilitating access to transportation, public spaces, and communication devices, CRT helps users participate in social, educational, and vocational activities, reducing isolation and promoting inclusion.
WestJet’s recent decision to impose a 300 lb. (approximately 136 kg) weight limit for power wheelchairs transported on its aircraft raises significant concerns. 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.
Power wheelchairs are engineered to provide robust mobility solutions for people with severe impairments. Features like motorized 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.
Due to their size and weight, most power wheelchairs cannot be conveniently stored or transported in the cargo hold of commercial aircraft. This limitation forces individuals to choose between travelling and preserving their health and independence.
The inability to travel with a personal power wheelchair can lead to serious medical consequences. 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, such as pressure ulcers, that can result in severe pain, infection, and long-term health complications.
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.
The considerable weight and specialized requirements of power wheelchairs currently present significant obstacles to air travel for many Canadians with disabilities. Overcoming these challenges will require advocacy, technological innovation, and policy reform to ensure all individuals can travel safely with the equipment they need to maintain their health and independence. We urge WestJet to take leadership in this area and pursue solutions that allow for the safe transport of power wheelchairs.
Enforcing this weight restriction has a profound effect on those who depend on Complex Rehab equipment. Thanks to advances in mobility technology, these individuals are no longer restricted to their homes or local communities — they are able to travel and participate in broader society. Their engagement enriches the communities they visit and offers valuable perspectives. Restricting access to certain aircraft types will inevitably limit their mobility, freedom, and overall quality of life.
We respectfully request that WestJet review and revise its power wheelchair policy. There are numerous articles and alternative solutions available for the safe transport of power wheelchairs, making it possible for individuals with mobility needs to travel and participate fully in society.
Currently, WestJet is the only airline in North America enforcing such a restriction. While industry leadership is often positive, in this case, it may lead to negative perceptions of WestJet and its partners.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We hope WestJet will reconsider and adjust its policy to better serve all travelers who depend on Complex Rehab Technology.
I am available to discuss this matter further at your convenience.
With all good wishes,
I am yours sincerely,
Simon Margolis Fellow
RESNA Certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)
Certified Complex Rehab Technology Supplier (CRTS®)
Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee (Sask) Medal Recipient
NRRTS Distinguished Service Award Recipient
CAOT/SSOT Citation Award Recipient 2020
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Warren Steinley, MP Regina-Lewvan
James Bogus, CEO Regina Airport Authority
Stephanie Cadieux, Chief Accessibility Office, Government of Canada
Hon. Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transportation, Government of Canada
Daryl Stubel, Executive Director, Office of Disability Issues Saskatchewan